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Hoya carnosa

Hoya carnosa is a species of flowering plant in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae, commonly called wax plant or porcelain flower.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Hoya carnosa is a species of flowering plant in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae, commonly called wax plant or porcelain flower. It is native to parts of eastern and southeastern Asia and is widely grown as an ornamental houseplant for its waxy leaves and fragrant star-shaped flowers.

Description

Hoya carnosa is an evergreen climbing or trailing plant with thick, glossy, fleshy leaves. It is known for clusters of fragrant, waxy, star-shaped flowers, which are often white to pinkish with a contrasting centre.

Distribution and habitat

The species is native to parts of eastern and southeastern Asia. It grows as a climbing epiphyte or lithophyte, often in subtropical and tropical habitats.

Cultivation

Hoya carnosa is widely grown as an ornamental indoor plant. It is commonly kept in pots, hanging baskets, or trained on supports, and is valued for both foliage and flowers.

Taxonomy and names

The species belongs to the genus Hoya in the family Apocynaceae. Common names include wax plant, porcelain flower, and honey plant.

Key facts

  • Hoya carnosa is a flowering plant in the family Apocynaceae.
  • It is native to eastern Asia, including southern China, Taiwan, Laos, and Japan.
  • Commonly grown as an ornamental houseplant, often in hanging baskets.
  • Features thick, glossy, fleshy leaves and fragrant, waxy, star-shaped flowers.
  • An evergreen climber or trailer that can grow as an epiphyte or lithophyte.
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Canadian context

Hoya carnosa is popular in Canada as an indoor houseplant because it can be grown in pots and hanging baskets in bright indoor light.

Frequently asked questions

What is Hoya carnosa?
It is a species of flowering plant in the family Apocynaceae, best known as the wax plant or porcelain flower.
Where is Hoya carnosa native to?
It is native to parts of eastern and southeastern Asia, including southern China, Taiwan, Laos, and Japan.
Why is it called a wax plant?
The common name refers to its waxy-looking leaves and flowers.
Is Hoya carnosa a houseplant?
Yes. It is commonly grown indoors as an ornamental plant, often in pots or hanging baskets.
What do the flowers smell like?
The flowers are described as fragrant and sweetly scented.

References

  1. Plants of the World Online (Kew Science) — https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:107308-3
    Supports: Accepted scientific name, native range, and growth habit.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/Hoya-carnosa
    Supports: Common names, ornamental use, and flower characteristics.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoya_carnosa
    Supports: General description, common names, native range, and houseplant use.
  4. Missouri Botanical Garden — https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=276833
    Supports: Cultivation as a houseplant, growth habit, and floral description.
  5. NC State University Plant Toolbox — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hoya-carnosa/
    Supports: Evergreen vining habit and species epithet meaning 'fleshy'.