Hoya australis

Common Names

Waxflower, Waxvine, Porcelain Flower, New South Wales Wax Flower, Common Waxflower, Wax Plant

Summary

Native to Australia, the evergreen climbing vine has thick, glossy oval leaves and clusters of fragrant white star-shaped flowers with pink or red centers, a spicy-sweet evening scent, and vines that can reach 13–33 feet in the wild, making it a popular climber or hanging specimen known as Waxvine, Waxflower, Honey Plant, or Porcelain Flower.

Cultivation favors bright indirect light and a well-draining, airy soil; water when the top 2–3 inches dry, with humidity around 40–60% and temperatures of 65–80°F; fertilize lightly every 2–4 weeks during the growing season and repot about every two years; prune to keep length in check and train on supports; propagate by stem cuttings and use as a houseplant, greenhouse specimen, or outdoor plant in warm climates; common pests include mealybugs, scale, and spider mites, with root rot a risk from overwatering; non-toxic to people and animals and believed to have air-purifying qualities.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

13-33 feet

Spread

13-33 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 10-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial sun; partial shade also listed

Soil Type

Well-draining, airy soil or potting mix; commonly an equal parts blend of soil, perlite, and orchid bark, or a soilless mix of peat/coco coir, orchid bark, and perlite; pH 6.1–7.5.

Soil Drainage

Well-draining soil

Soil pH

6.1-7.5

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer, Fall

Foliage Color

Green, yellowish-green to dark green, new growth may be red before maturing to green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Fast-growing

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Leaf cuttings, Layering, Air layering, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts butterflies