How to make a Hoya bloom

Hoyas, or wax plant, are known for their thick, waxy leaves and long vines that can reach up to 15 feet in length. Hoya blooms appear as five-pointed stars with some species sporting what appears to be one giant ball (umbels) covered in flower petals! These blooms are not only beautiful but also have a notable lifespan, which can be maximized through optimal care.

Hoya carnosa, for example, is renowned for its beautiful clusters of star-shaped flowers and its specific blooming characteristics. It’s quite impressive actually when you take note how each individual blossom has its own unique coloration or scent depending on which variety it may be - some smelling strongly floral while others will fill your room only through their sweet fragrance; still more types smell somewhere between butterscotch and chocolate, while others can be quite rancid. Different hoya varieties have unique growing conditions and preferences, with some thriving in trellises while others do well in hanging baskets.

Hoya flowering stages are also very fun to follow. The blooming Hoya plant have always been so magical and if you haven’t gotten a bloom yet—here are 6 quick tips to getting your Hoya to bloom.

Variety of Hoya

First, it’s important to know the variety of Hoya you’re growing. While, it’s not a make or break situation if you don’t know, it’ll give you a lot more knowledge on your Hoya. One reason, some Hoya will bloom with the longer summer hours while other Hoyas bloom when sunlight hours start to dwindle in the fall. Some Hoya like to bloom during monsoon seasons, meaning they’ll need to be watered more frequently in order to bloom. While others may need a little dry spot in order to bloom. Knowing the variety of Hoya isn’t the end all be all but, will drastically help you understand your Hoya plant more. Understanding the stages of growth is essential for achieving successful flowering.

Light

This is the biggest factor in getting a Hoya to bloom. While Hoya plants can tolerate lower light, bright indirect light is crucial for their blooming potential. Placing your Hoya in an east-facing window can provide the optimal light conditions for healthy growth and blooming. If your Hoya has been in a low light area for a while, spend the next few weeks introducing it to bright light. It’ll slowly acclimate to the bright light without burning the foliage. If it’s under direct sunlight or directly under a grow light, you may even notice the Hoya will start to sunstress. The leaves will start turning a pink or reddish color. This is perfectly normal!

No Cutting!

Hoyas are not your typical vining plant. They will shoot off these long vines, known as tendrils, and slowly these tendrils will start to fill out with leaves and sometimes peduncles (a stalk supporting the bloom) . So let those tendrils run wild because one of them will eventually start to bloom.

Fertilizing Your Hoya Plant

If you want your wax plant to blossom, then it’s important that they are fertilized often! You can check out our blog about different types of fertilizer. For blooms, a fertilizer that’s high in Phosphorus would be ideal. Phosphorus is used most when a plant is blooming so try to aim for a 1-3-1 fertilizer and fertilize often.

Additionally, ensure proper watering and soil conditions to prevent root rot.