Hoya Macrophylla

Scientific Name: Hoya Macrophylla

Common Name: Hoya Macrophylla, Waxflower

Hoya Macrophylla care is easy to grow and care for as it’s a hardy plant. Hoya’s are notorious for trailing if given the correct living environments to thrive. Their thick waxy leaves store some water, so watering should be done only when the plant’s soil is completely dried out.

To give this Hoya plant the best care, it requires an airy alkaline well-draining soil that is rich in calcium, allow the soil to completely dry out before watering, provide it with bright indirect sunlight, temperatures ranging from 65-85F, and average to high humidity levels of around 40-90%.

Quick Care Overview

Common NameHoya Macrophylla, Waxflower
Scientific NameHoya Macrophylla
FamilyApocynaceae
OriginAustralasia
Growth RateMedium
IdentificationShiny large green leaves with white border
HeightUp to 5 feet in length
SoilWell-draining, alkaline soil rich in calcium
WaterAllow the soil to completely dry before watering
Temperature65-85F
SunlightBright indirect sunlight
Toxic to Cats & DogsNo
Toxic to HumansNo
PestsMealybugs, aphids
DiseasesRoot rot, mold

Below we will dive deep into this Hoya Macrophylla care guide.

Hoya Macrophylla History

Australian native, Hoya Macrophylla, otherwise known as the waxflower, is a lovely, low-maintenance plant that was first discovered in the Australasia region in the 1800s. 

Hoya Macrophylla Identification

Hoya Macrophylla may be identified by its shiny, large dark leaves, which display a decorative white border. Leaves may grow up to 8 inches long. This Hoya will produce white star-shaped flowers on purple stalks that are a couple of inches long. These flowers emit a lovely fragrance during the night. 

Hoya Macrophylla Growth Facts

This tropical vining plant loves to be grown in either a hanging pot or a container in which it may trail and climb. 

How Big Does a Hoya Macrophylla Get?

Hoya Macrophylla may grow up to 5 feet long and 2 feet wide. 

Hoya Macrophylla Care

Hoya Macrophylla is a hardy plant that is perfect for beginners. 

Hoya Macrophylla Care

Hoya Macrophylla Soil

Hoya Macrophylla likes to be grown in alkaline airy, well-draining soil rich in calcium. It is important to note that this plant will not do well when planted in peat-based soil. A perfect mixture for this plant would be an equal mixture of commercial potting soil, perlite, and orchid mix. Additions of oyster shells or eggshells will help increase the available calcium content that this plant desires. 

Hoya Macrophylla Fertilizer

Hoya Macrophylla does not require fertilizing but will benefit from a feeding from a fertilizer indicated for orchids to aid its growing process. Alternatively, you may use an organic fertilizer such as manure, bone meal, or fish meal. It is recommended that you dilute the fertilizer in half to not cause damage to your Hoya. Fertilize monthly during the warm growing season and stop feeding during the winter. 

Hoya Macrophylla Watering

Hoya Macrophylla is able to absorb water from the humidity in the air, and its succulent-like leaves allow it to conserve water. Therefore, Hoya Macrophylla will not need to be watered frequently. You should let the growing medium of your Hoya dry entirely before rewatering. Oversaturated soil and too frequent watering will lead to issues of this plant. Depending on growing conditions, you will likely need to water your Hoya around once a week. This Hoya is sensitive to chemicals in the tap water and prefers to be watered with either rainwater, distilled water, or purified water. 

Hoya Macrophylla Light Requirements

Hoya Macrophylla has specific light requirements that may be difficult to get quite right. If it receives too much sunlight, it will burn quite quickly. Growth will be slowed if it receives insufficient lighting, its variegated leaves will fade, and flowering will desist. This Hoya will enjoy being grown in bright, indirect light such as from an eastern or western facing window. 

Hoya Macrophylla Temperature & Humidity

Hoya Macrophylla, as a tropical plant, likes to remain warm and humid and should be kept above 50 degrees Fahrenheit at all times. Hoya Macrophylla will grow best if kept between 65 to 85 Fahrenheit. This Hoya also likes being grown in exceptionally high humidity levels and will tolerate up to 90% humidity. However, Hoya Macrophylla will tolerate lower humidity levels down to 40%. You may increase the humidity levels in your home easily by installing a humidifier or pebble tray. Hoya Macrophylla will also enjoy misting its leaves to keep it happy. 

Repotting Hoya Macrophylla

Hoya Macrophylla should be repotted every two years during the spring. Select a container 1-2 inches larger than the previous one. Repot your Hoya, refresh the soil, tamp down lightly, water thoroughly, and place into indirect light. 

Hoya Macrophylla Maintenance & Pruning

Pruning of Hoya Macrophylla is unnecessary. However, you may choose to periodically remove any dead, diseased, or discolored foliage and prune to maintain its shape using sharp, clean shears.  

Hoya Macrophylla Propagation

Hoya Macrophylla may be easily propagated by stem cuttings. To take a stem cutting, cut a cutting with a few leaves and at least two nodes and place the cutting into water or soil and keep it moist. Roots should develop within a few weeks. After roots have become 2 inches long, you may transplant them into a container with fresh soil. 

Hoya Macrophylla Toxicity

Considered pet-friendly and human-friendly, the Hoya Macrophylla is safe to have around pets and kids.

Toxicity to Humans

Hoya Macrophylla is considered non-toxic and is safe for children to be around. 

Toxicity to Cats & Dogs

Hoya Macrophylla is considered non-toxic to pets. However, it is best to still not allow your pet to ingest this plant, as it may induce nausea and vomiting. 

Hoya Macrophylla Problems

Hoya Macrophylla Leaves Turning Yellow

When leaves of your Hoya turn yellow, it may indicate several things. It may indicate that the plant is being overwatered, has improper lighting, or is struggling from disease or pest infestation. 

Hoya Macrophylla Leaves Turning Brown

Foliage of Hoya Macrophylla may turn brown due to too much direct sunlight, or overwatering issues. 

Hoya Macrophylla Diseases

Hoya Macrophylla requires warmth and high humidity conditions to be happy. Under these conditions, it is easy for diseases such as molds and fungal issues to attack. If you suspect an infection, isolate your plant, and treat it with a fungicide. Also, ensure that you follow all label instructions. 

Hoya Macrophylla Pests

Hoya Macrophylla, like many other tropical plants, may become susceptible to aphids, mealybugs, and more If you suspect a pest infestation, isolate your plant, and treat it with a pesticide such as neem oil or insecticidal soap. 

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