Are Hoyas Succulents?

Adidas Wilson

are hoyas succulents

If you’re a plant enthusiast or just getting into the green thumb lifestyle, you’ve probably come across Hoyas—often referred to as “wax plants” due to their thick, waxy leaves. But a common question that arises among both beginners and seasoned gardeners is: Are Hoyas succulents? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Let’s delve into what makes a succulent a succulent and whether Hoyas fit into this category.

What Defines a Succulent?


Succulents are plants that have adapted to arid environments by developing thick, fleshy parts, usually leaves, stems, or roots, that can store water. This adaptation allows them to survive in environments with little to no rainfall. Most people are familiar with classic succulents like cacti, aloe, and echeveria, which all have visibly thick and fleshy parts.

Characteristics of succulents typically include:

Water storage in leaves or stems: This is the most defining feature of succulents. The ability to store water allows them to thrive in dry conditions.


Drought tolerance: Succulents can go long periods without water, making them ideal for people who might forget to water their plants regularly.


Distinctive appearance: Succulents often have a unique, sometimes geometric look due to their thick, structured leaves and stems.


The Hoya: A Closer Look


Hoyas belong to the Apocynaceae family, which also includes milkweeds. They are native to Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. Known for their long, trailing vines and clusters of star-shaped flowers, Hoyas have gained popularity for their aesthetic appeal and relatively low maintenance requirements.

Key characteristics of Hoyas include:

Waxy, thick leaves: Hoyas have leaves that are often thick and waxy, a feature that helps reduce water loss, similar to many succulents.


Epiphytic nature: Many Hoya species are epiphytes, meaning they naturally grow on other plants or trees, absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air rather than from soil.


Varied growing conditions: While Hoyas can store water in their leaves, they don’t necessarily need the arid conditions that traditional succulents prefer. They can thrive in a range of environments, from tropical to more temperate regions.


So, Are Hoyas Succulents?


The short answer is: Yes and no.

While Hoyas share some characteristics with succulents—such as thick, water-storing leaves—they don’t fit neatly into the succulent category. Hoyas are more accurately described as semi-succulents or succulent-like plants. Their ability to store water in their leaves aligns with succulent traits, but their epiphytic nature and adaptability to a broader range of environments set them apart from true succulents.

Here’s a breakdown:

Yes, they have succulent-like leaves: Hoyas have thick, waxy leaves that store water, which is a succulent characteristic.


No, they are not true succulents: Hoyas do not require the same dry, arid conditions as true succulents. They often prefer humid environments and can thrive with more regular watering than typical succulents.


Caring for Hoyas: Succulent or Not?


When it comes to caring for Hoyas, it’s essential to understand their specific needs, which differ slightly from your average succulent. Here are some tips:

Watering: Unlike true succulents, Hoyas appreciate regular watering during their growing season (spring and summer). However, let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. In winter, reduce watering, but don’t let the plant dry out completely.


Light: Hoyas thrive in bright, indirect light. Some varieties can tolerate direct sunlight, but too much can scorch their leaves. In lower light conditions, they may grow, but their blooming might be less prolific.


Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix. A mix designed for orchids or one that combines regular potting soil with added perlite or pumice works well. This setup mimics the airy, well-drained environment Hoyas prefer.


Humidity: While they can adapt to lower humidity, Hoyas prefer a more humid environment, especially when flowering.


Hoyas are unique plants that straddle the line between succulents and other types of houseplants. Their thick, waxy leaves give them a succulent-like appearance and some drought tolerance, but they don’t require the same care as true succulents. Understanding their semi-succulent nature will help you provide the best care, ensuring your Hoya thrives and produces those beautiful star-shaped flowers.

Whether you classify them as succulents or not, Hoyas are undoubtedly a beautiful and rewarding addition to any plant collection. So, if you’re looking to expand your green thumb repertoire, don’t hesitate to explore the world of Hoyas—you might just find your new favorite plant!

The Popularity of Hoyas in Modern Homes


Hoyas have surged in popularity in recent years, becoming a staple in both novice and seasoned plant collections. Their versatile nature, combined with their striking appearance, makes them a perfect choice for indoor spaces. Here’s why Hoyas are making a comeback and how they fit into the modern home.

Why Hoyas Are Gaining Popularity


Low Maintenance: As mentioned earlier, Hoyas are relatively easy to care for, making them a favorite for busy plant parents. They don’t need constant attention, and their semi-succulent nature means they can tolerate a bit of neglect.

Aesthetic Appeal: The glossy, waxy leaves of Hoyas add a touch of elegance to any room. They come in various shapes and sizes, from heart-shaped leaves of Hoya kerrii to the intricate patterns of Hoya obovata. Their trailing vines can be trained to climb or cascade from shelves, adding vertical interest to your space.

Flower Power: When well cared for, Hoyas produce stunning clusters of star-shaped flowers. These blooms are not only visually appealing but often come with a sweet fragrance, filling your home with a natural, pleasant scent.

Variety and Versatility: With over 200 species, Hoyas offer a wide range of options. Whether you prefer compact plants that stay small or larger varieties that make a statement, there’s a Hoya for every style and space.

Integrating Hoyas into Your Home Decor


Hoyas can be more than just plants—they can be integral parts of your home decor. Here are some creative ways to display Hoyas in your living space:

Hanging Baskets: Take advantage of Hoya’s trailing nature by placing them in hanging baskets. This not only saves space but also adds a touch of greenery at eye level or above, creating a lush, cascading effect.

Trellises and Support Structures: Train your Hoya to climb a small trellis or other support structures. This can turn your plant into a living piece of art, with vines wrapping elegantly around the supports.

Shelf Display: Smaller Hoya varieties can be placed on shelves, where their vines can drape down or be guided along the shelf edge. Mixing them with books, candles, and other decor items creates a layered, curated look.

Window Sills: Since Hoyas love bright, indirect light, placing them on a window sill can be ideal. They’ll receive the light they need while becoming a green focal point for the room.

The Future of Hoyas in Houseplant Culture


As the houseplant trend continues to grow, Hoyas are likely to remain a favorite due to their unique characteristics and ease of care. Additionally, with the increasing interest in rare and unusual plant varieties, many plant enthusiasts are beginning to explore the lesser-known Hoya species, further fueling their popularity.


Hoyas, with their semi-succulent nature and versatile appeal, have carved out a niche in the houseplant world.

Whether you’re drawn to them for their aesthetic, ease of care, or the allure of their blooms, Hoyas are a rewarding addition to any home. As you nurture your Hoya, you’ll discover not only the joy of watching it grow and thrive but also the satisfaction of having a living piece of nature that complements and enhances your living space.

So, whether you’re a seasoned plant collector or just starting your green journey, consider adding a Hoya to your collection. Its beauty, resilience, and charm will make it a cherished part of your home for years to come.

Exploring Different Hoya Species: A Guide for Enthusiasts


If you’ve decided to add a Hoya to your collection, you’ll soon discover that the world of Hoyas is incredibly diverse. With over 200 species and countless hybrids, there’s a Hoya for every taste, from the classic to the exotic. Let’s explore some of the most popular and intriguing Hoya species that you might want to consider for your home.

Popular Hoya Species


Hoya carnosa (Wax Plant):

Description: The most well-known and widely grown species, Hoya carnosa, is prized for its thick, waxy leaves and clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers. It’s an ideal starter plant for beginners due to its hardy nature and ease of care.


Care Tips: Thrives in bright, indirect light and requires minimal watering. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.


Hoya kerrii (Sweetheart Hoya):

Description: Known for its heart-shaped leaves, Hoya kerrii is a favorite around Valentine’s Day, often sold as a single-leaf cutting. It’s slow-growing but eventually produces long vines with clusters of creamy, fragrant flowers.


Care Tips: Prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It’s a slow grower, so patience is key.


Hoya pubicalyx:

Description: This species is similar to Hoya carnosa but is known for its dark green leaves speckled with silver.

The flowers are typically pink to deep red and have a sweet fragrance.


Care Tips: Easy to care for, this Hoya enjoys bright, indirect light and regular watering during the growing season.


Hoya obovata:

Description: Hoya obovata is loved for its round, thick leaves that are often speckled with silver. It’s a vigorous grower and produces clusters of pink flowers that contrast beautifully with its foliage.


Care Tips: Thrives in bright light and well-draining soil. It appreciates higher humidity but can adapt to typical indoor conditions.


Hoya multiflora (Shooting Star Hoya):

Description: Unlike the vining types, Hoya multiflora grows more upright and produces clusters of star-shaped flowers that resemble shooting stars. It’s a bit more finicky about its environment but rewards with spectacular blooms.


Care Tips: Needs consistent moisture and higher humidity. It thrives in bright, indirect light.


Hoya compacta (Hindu Rope Plant):

Description: This Hoya has tightly curled, waxy leaves that give it a rope-like appearance. It’s a popular choice for hanging baskets, where its unique foliage can be displayed to full effect. The flowers are similar to Hoya carnosa but appear more hidden among the leaves.


Care Tips: Prefers bright, indirect light and should be allowed to dry out between waterings. It can be slow to bloom but is worth the wait.


Rare and Exotic Hoyas


For those looking to expand their collection with something a bit more unique, here are some rare and exotic Hoyas that are highly sought after:

Hoya linearis:

Description: Hoya linearis is distinct with its thin, delicate leaves that hang in long, trailing clusters. It’s different from the typical thick-leaved Hoyas, offering a more delicate, ethereal appearance.


Care Tips: Prefers cooler temperatures and higher humidity. It does well in bright, indirect light and requires more consistent moisture than other Hoyas.


Hoya macgillivrayi:

Description: Native to Australia, Hoya macgillivrayi has large, dark green leaves and produces stunning, deep burgundy flowers that are larger than those of most other Hoyas. It’s a climber, so it needs support to grow properly.


Care Tips: Requires bright light, warm temperatures, and high humidity to thrive. It’s more demanding in its care but rewards with spectacular blooms.


Hoya retusa:

Description: This unusual Hoya has flat, thin, and narrow leaves that look almost grass-like. It’s a compact plant that’s perfect for small spaces. The flowers are small and white with a red center, giving it a minimalist charm.


Care Tips: Prefers bright, indirect light and should be kept slightly moist, especially during the growing season.


Hoya lacunosa:

Description: Hoya lacunosa is known for its compact growth and highly fragrant, fuzzy flowers that smell like cinnamon. It’s a fast grower and can fill out a pot or hanging basket quickly, making it a favorite among collectors.


Care Tips: Thrives in bright, indirect light and higher humidity. Regular watering during the growing season will keep it healthy and blooming.


Tips for Expanding Your Hoya Collection


Propagation: Hoyas are relatively easy to propagate through stem cuttings. Simply cut a section of the vine with a few leaves and place it in water or moist soil until roots develop. This is a great way to expand your collection or share plants with friends.

Mix and Match: Consider mixing different Hoya species in the same area to create a diverse and visually interesting display. Their varying leaf shapes and growth habits can complement each other beautifully.

Experiment with Placement: Try placing your Hoyas in different parts of your home to see where they thrive best. While most prefer bright, indirect light, some can adapt to lower light conditions, making them versatile options for different rooms.

Embrace the Hoya Craze


Whether you’re just starting with Hoyas or are a seasoned collector, these plants offer endless possibilities for exploration and enjoyment. Their diverse appearances, unique growth habits, and beautiful flowers make them a fascinating group of plants that can fit into almost any indoor environment. By understanding their needs and experimenting with different species, you can create a stunning and thriving Hoya collection that will bring joy and beauty to your home for years to come.

So, why not dive into the world of Hoyas? There’s always something new to discover, and the rewards of growing these beautiful plants are well worth the effort.