The Hoya linearis is a unique houseplant stemming from Southeast Asia and Australasia. Other common names for the Hoya linearis are wax plant, porcelain flowers, wax vine, and porcelain vine.
Hoya linearis is known for its draping vine appearance, which has fuzzy stems with leaves that look like needles. At the ends are beautiful white blooms attached to peduncles that smell like lemons.
The signature stems are known to grow as long as eight feet!
Hoya Linearis Care
Now that you know what Hoya linearis is – let’s discuss its care. Hoya linearis is tricky to care for and requires quite a bit of knowledge to grow and maintain successfully.
If you get your hands on the hard-to-find Hoya linearis, below is everything you need to know about its care.
Soil
A soil that allows for thorough draining is a must for the Hoya linearis. For optimal results, mix one part of perlite or ground bark with two parts cactus potting mix. Aim for a pH level between 6.1 to 7.5 for Hoya linearis.
Watering
If you want your linearis to thrive, avoid overwatering, this can cause the peduncles to fall off. The wax vine plant does best if you wait for the top of the soil to dry in between waterings. When it is time to water, avoid wetting the leaves and apply the water directly to the soil.
Lighting
Bright but indirect lighting is best for the wax plant. When left in direct light, the Hoya may burn. But if the lighting is too dim, your wax plant may not bloom.
Humidity & Temperature
The right temperature for a wax flowers plant is between 60°F and 80°F or 15.56°C and 26.67°C. And it does well in a few degrees cooler in the evening. The proper humidity for the wax plant is between 60% and 70%.
Fertilizing
Using a water-soluble fertilizer twice a month will help you achieve the best results for your Hoya linearis. Ensure that the soil isn’t too dry before fertilizing. If it is too dry, water the soil and apply fertilizer after to avoid burning the roots.
Propagation
Propagating a wax plant is easy. Simply take a few cuttings with nodes attached and root the plant in water or the cactus potting soil mixture. Ensure that the potting soil or water is covering at least one node. Once the roots grow a 1/2in long in the water, you can plant your porcelain vine in the potting mixture.
Diseases & Pests
A common disease for porcelain flowers is root rot, which can happen when the plant is overwatered. A well-drained soil and proper watering routine can prevent this. As for pests, beware of Mealybugs and Aphids. These pests occur when the plant is too dry.
Toxicity
Hoya linearis is safe for humans and pets. However, the wax plant produces a sap that can feel irritating to the skin. It should be out of the reach of children, dogs, and cats for that reason.
Hoya Linearis vs Retusa
Although both plants are from the Hoya genus, they are not the same plant. The main difference between Hoya linearis and retusa is the flowers. Linearis is rarer and features flowers that grow in clusters. Retusa is more common, and the flowers grow singularly.
String of Needles vs Hoya Linearis
Despite their similar features, Hoya linearis and string of needles are not the same. String of needles, also known as Ceropegia linearis, belongs to the Ceropegia genus of plants. The Hoya linearis, also known as the wax plant, belongs to the Hoya genus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hoya linearis and string of needles are not the same. The Linearis comes from the Hoya genus of plants, and the string of needles comes from the Ceropegia genus of plants.
A Hoya Linearis or wax plant takes three to four weeks to root. You can achieve rooting by covering the pot with plastic and ensuring the soil does not dry between waterings. The pot should be placed in indirect but bright lighting.
Hoya linearis thrives when rootbound. It can eventually become overly rootbound, and you will need to repot the plant. This should only happen every few years as it is a slow grower.
Hoya linearis is considered an easy-to-grow plant but requires stringent watering care. The soil must remain slightly drier but still receive adequate watering.