The Hoya ( common name is Waxflower ) is a climbing plant for temperate and warm climates. There are quite a few species, but all have colourful waxy flowers and waxy thick green leaves. The Hoya can be grown outside in a suitable spot preferably out of the full sun, but in a spot that gives the plant lots of natural light, as it flowers well in these conditions. I have grown Hoyas successfully in a position with morning sun, and good light throughout the day. The plants need a well drained soil, and don't mind being potbound with their roots restricted. They are epiphytes and grow naturally in places like tree canopies, in the forks of trees where they survive on rainfall and leaf litter from above. Hoyas flower from the same flower nodes each year, so be careful not to cut the nodes off !!
This Hoya was photographed growing on the balcony of a Sydney apartment.
