How to Grow and Care for Hoya Brevialata

The Hoya brevialata, commonly called a wax plant, is a houseplant known for its charming foliage and fragrant flowers. Native to Sulawesi, Indonesia, this plant has adapted well to indoor environments. Its popularity stems from its vining growth habit and the unique, star-shaped blooms it produces.

Hoya Brevialata Care

Light

Proper lighting is a primary factor in the health and appearance of Hoya brevialata. This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, making an east-facing window an ideal location. While it can tolerate lower light, its growth may become sparse, and it will be less likely to produce its signature flowers.

Exposure to some direct sun can encourage the leaves to develop a reddish tint. However, avoid harsh, prolonged direct sunlight, especially during the afternoon, as this can scorch the leaves. A location with several hours of bright, filtered light each day will support robust growth.

Soil

As an epiphytic plant, Hoya brevialata’s roots require excellent aeration and drainage to prevent rot. Standard potting soil is too dense and will retain too much moisture.

Create an appropriate growing medium by combining equal parts of orchid bark, perlite, and a small amount of quality potting soil. This mixture allows air to circulate and lets excess water drain away. Using a pot with ample drainage holes is also required to prevent water from pooling.

Water

Water Hoya brevialata using a “drench and dry” approach. This involves thoroughly soaking the soil until water runs from the drainage holes and then allowing the soil to dry out almost completely before watering again. Hoyas should never be left to sit in a saucer of water, as this will lead to root decay.

The frequency of watering depends on environmental factors like light and temperature. During the active growing season in spring and summer, the plant needs water more often. In fall and winter, reduce the watering frequency. Checking the top few inches of the soil is a reliable way to determine if it’s time to water.

Temperature and Humidity

This tropical native prefers warm and humid conditions. It grows best in temperatures from 65 to 85°F (18-29°C). Protect it from temperatures that drop below 50°F (10°C), as cold drafts or sudden temperature drops can cause damage.

While Hoya brevialata can adapt to average household humidity, it will flourish with higher levels, between 60% and 80%. To increase humidity, place the plant near a humidifier, group it with other plants, or use a pebble tray filled with water. Bathrooms and kitchens are also excellent locations.

Fertilizer

To support its growth and encourage blooming, Hoya brevialata benefits from regular feeding during the spring and summer. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half-strength every four to six weeks.

Avoid fertilizing during the fall and winter when the plant is dormant. Over-fertilizing can lead to a buildup of salts in the soil, which can burn the roots. If you notice white crusty deposits on the soil surface, flush the soil with a thorough watering.

Appearance and Flowers

The Hoya brevialata is admired for its foliage and vining growth habit. The leaves are small, oval-shaped, and have a slightly fuzzy or succulent texture. Depending on light exposure, the leaves can range from deep green to a vibrant red. Its vines can grow several feet long, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or a small trellis.

The plant’s flowers appear in clusters, known as umbels, with each cluster containing up to 25 individual star-shaped blossoms. The petals are white and fuzzy, while the center is a contrasting pink or deep red. These flowers are also highly fragrant, emitting a spicy scent compared to cinnamon or caramel.

Allowing the plant to become slightly root-bound in its pot can also trigger flowering, as the mild stress encourages the plant to reproduce.

Propagation and Repotting

Propagating Hoya brevialata is done using stem cuttings. Select a healthy vine and take a cutting that has at least two or three nodes—the small bumps on the stem where leaves and roots emerge. You can root the cutting in water or plant it directly into a well-draining soil mix.

If rooting in soil, keep the medium lightly moist until new growth appears. Hoyas prefer to be snug in their pots and can remain in the same container for two to three years.

Repotting should only be done when the plant has become severely root-bound or the soil has broken down. Choose a new pot that is only one to two inches larger in diameter than the previous one.

Common Hoya Brevialata Problems

Pests such as mealybugs and aphids can be a problem. These insects can be managed by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by using insecticidal soap.

Yellowing leaves are a common problem and are a sign of improper watering. Both overwatering and underwatering can cause the leaves to turn yellow, so it is important to assess your watering routine and the soil’s moisture level. If your plant is healthy but refuses to bloom, it is likely not receiving enough light.