Free Hoya Carnosa Plants

An attractive, freely flowering plant that is quite easy to grow, provided it is not over¬watered. It is a particularly useful climbing plant, having long stems that rapidly entwine the support. As it can climb to quite a height it is best displayed at floor level. The variety H.c. ‘Variegata’ is a little less hardy and freely flowering, but it does have quite attractive foliage. Both types are particularly prone to infestation by the mealy bug, which can be difficult to control. The pest is very good at hiding amongst the entwined stems and foliage, and as the plant is quite ‘stiff, it is not easy to treat by general spraying. It is therefore best to make regular checks and spray each bug as it is found.

Plant type : Flowering plant with climbing habit
Season of interest : Summer
Size : 100-250cm (39—98in)
Flower : Fragrant, white to pale pink with red centre, in clusters of ten to thirty
Leaf : Pointed oval, fleshy, 7.5cm (3in) long, green, leathery
Temperature : 18—21 °C (64-70°F)
Aspect/Light : Well-lit situation with exposure to sunlight
Humidity : Moderate
Watering : Evenly moisten compost in spring and summer, allowing to dry a little before re-watering; keep on drier side in autumn and winter, watering just enough to prevent drying out
Feeding : Once every three to four weeks with flowering plant fertilizer in spring and summer
Propagation : Plant 10-12.5cm (4—5in) tip or stem cuttings in seed and cutting compost at 20°C (68°F) in spring
Potting : Houseplant potting compost
Problems : Mealy bug, root loss if over-watered
Availability : Occasionally available in spring and summer
Uses indoors : Floor-standing, climbing plant for lounge near patio window, conservatory or bright office
Other varieties : H.c. 'Variegata' - variegated foliage; more shy to flower