Hoya

Commonly known as ‘wax flower’, hoya carnosa gets its popular name because of the appearance of both its leaves and flowers. The leaves are thick with a waxy sheen and the flowers, viewed from a distance, look almost plastic. Up close you’ll see they’re actually covered in countless tiny hairs. You’ll also notice their sweet scent.

This hoya grows natively in East Asia and Australia, where it’s often found winding its way around the branches of other trees. Because it’s used to tropical conditions, it likes lots of humidity, indirect bright light and warm(ish) temperatures. It will also appreciate a feed with liquid fertiliser once per month in spring and summer. Keep that in mind and it should be very happy. 

Did you know?

A 2009 study found that this plant is extremely good at sucking pollutants out of the air.