Porcelain Flower
Hoya carnosa (L.f.) R. Br.
Porcelain flower produces exquisite waxy star-shaped blooms in fragrant clusters with thick glossy leaves. Native to East Asia, these stunning flowers symbolize patience, enduring beauty, lasting love, and the rewards of devoted care.
Apocynaceae (Dogbane family)
Spring through fall, flowers mature gradually over 2-3 weeks
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Cultural Significance
Porcelain flower represents the beauty that comes from patience and devoted care. The plant's long lifespan (often kept for decades), slow growth, and delayed blooming teach gardeners the value of persistence. The genus name Hoya honors Thomas Hoy, head gardener at the Duke of Northumberland's estate and friend of botanist Robert Brown who named the genus in the early 1800s. The waxy, porcelain-like flowers seem almost artificial in their perfection, symbolizing enduring beauty. The plant's ability to bloom from the same spurs year after year represents lasting love and faithful relationships.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Bright indirect light; tolerates low light but won't bloom without sufficient brightness
Water
Low to moderate; allow soil to dry between waterings, drought-tolerant
Soil
Well-drained, Epiphytic mix, Chunky with perlite or pumice, Slightly acidic (pH 6.0-7.0)
Expert Growing Tips
Hardy outdoors in zones 10-12; primarily grown as houseplant
Prefers to be slightly pot-bound for best flowering
Never remove flower spurs (peduncles) - they rebloom year after year
Flowers are heavily scented, especially at night
May produce excess nectar that drips from flowers
Takes 2-3 years to mature before first bloom
Propagate easily by stem cuttings with at least one node
Water from below; avoid getting water on leaves
Award of Garden Merit from Royal Horticultural Society
Hindu Rope cultivar has tightly curled, rope-like leaves
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Hanging baskets indoors
- Climbing on trellises or moss poles
- Trailing from shelves
- Container gardens on patios
- Indoor plant collections
- Companion plant to orchids
Traditional Uses
- Excellent air purifier - removes indoor pollutants (University of Georgia study)
- Not used medicinally
- Non-toxic to humans and pets
- Sap may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Porcelain Flower
why won't my hoya bloom
Hoyas need bright indirect light (12-14 hours daily), maturity (2-3 years old), slightly pot-bound conditions, and consistent care. Move to a brighter location if not blooming.
should you cut the flower stems on a hoya
No, never cut the flower stems (peduncles/spurs). Hoyas bloom from the same spurs year after year. Cutting them means losing future flowers from that location.
how often should you water a hoya
Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Hoyas are semi-succulent with thick leaves that retain water. Overwatering causes root rot - err on the dry side.
are hoya plants toxic to pets
No, Hoya carnosa is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans, making it safe for homes with pets and children.
why does my hoya drip liquid
Hoyas produce excess nectar that drips from flowers, especially during blooming. This is normal and shows the flowers are healthy. The sap may also appear when stems are cut.
how long do hoya flowers last
Individual hoya flower clusters last 2-3 weeks, with flowers maturing gradually. The sweet, rich fragrance intensifies in the evening and at night.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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