Welcome to the wonderful and waxy world of Hoyas! If you’ve been captivated by their stunning foliage and porcelain-like flowers, you’re in the right place. Getting started can be a bit overwhelming with so many options available, which is why we’ve created this guide to the most popular Hoya plant varieties. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a brand-new plant parent, this list will help you discover the perfect Hoya to add to your collection.
We’ll explore ten of the most beloved types of Hoya plants, each with its own unique personality, from the famously heart-shaped to the wonderfully weird.
How to Choose Your First Hoya Plant
Before we dive into the list, think about what you’re looking for. Answering this will help you find the perfect match.
- If you’re a beginner, you’ll want a forgiving plant that can handle a little neglect. Look for hardy varieties like the Hoya Australis or Hoya Pubicalyx, as they are tough, fast-growing, and very rewarding.
- If you love beautiful leaves, focus on types known for their foliage. The Hoya Obovata with its round, splashy leaves or the colorful Hoya Carnosa ‘Tricolor’ will be a stunning addition.
- If you’re short on space, a more delicate and contained variety like the Hoya Bella is an excellent choice. Its graceful, trailing stems are perfect for smaller shelves or hanging baskets.
Hoya Plant Varieties at a Glance
| Hoya Variety | Light Level | Care Difficulty | Best Feature |
| Hoya Kerrii | Bright, Indirect | Easy | Heart-shaped leaves |
| Hoya Carnosa ‘Compacta’ | Bright, Indirect | Easy to Medium | Unique rope-like form |
| Hoya Bella | Medium, Indirect | Medium | Frequent, fragrant flowers |
| Hoya Lacunosa | Medium, Indirect | Easy | Powerful cinnamon-like scent |
| Hoya Obscura | Bright, Indirect | Easy | Leaves turn red in sun |
| Hoya Carnosa ‘Tricolor’ | Bright, Indirect | Easy | Pink & white variegated leaves |
| Hoya Australis | Bright, Indirect | Easy | Fast growth, strong fragrance |
| Hoya Linearis | Medium, Indirect | Medium | Unique “waterfall” appearance |
| Hoya Obovata | Bright, Indirect | Easy | Large, round, splashy leaves |
| Hoya Pubicalyx | Bright, Indirect | Easy | Strikingly dark, fuzzy flowers |
Hoya Plants Varieties
1. Hoya Kerrii (The Sweetheart Plant)
Instantly identifiable by its perfectly heart-shaped leaves, the Hoya Kerrii is often a delightful gateway into the enchanting world of Hoyas. You’ll find it widely sold as a single-leaf ‘Sweetheart Plant,’ making it a popular gift for special occasions. Be prepared for a lesson in patience, though; while a full, vining Kerrii is a stunning sight, it’s known for being one of the slowest-growing types of Hoya plants. Its charm lies in its simplicity and the promise of slow, steady growth.
2. Hoya Carnosa ‘Compacta’ (The Rope Plant)
This is one of those unforgettable Hoya plant varieties that stops you in your tracks. The ‘Compacta’ features tightly curled, twisted leaves that grow densely along its vining stems, creating a unique rope-like appearance. It’s a genuine conversation starter and a stunning masterpiece of natural texture. Because it’s a slow-growing, trailing plant, it’s perfect for a hanging basket where its sculptural form can be truly appreciated.
3. Hoya Bella (Hoya lanceolata ssp. bella)
True to its name, which means “beautiful,” Hoya Bella is exceptionally graceful. It has a much daintier appearance than many of its relatives, with small, lance-shaped leaves on delicate, cascading stems. It’s an enthusiastic bloomer, frequently producing clusters of white, star-shaped flowers with bright purple centers. These blooms release a delightful, sweet fragrance, making it a treat for both the eyes and the nose.
4. Hoya Lacunosa
If you believe a plant’s fragrance is as important as its looks, the Hoya Lacunosa is for you. Its name refers to the “dimples” or small indentations on its diamond-shaped leaves, giving them a unique texture. Its true claim to fame, however, is its remarkable scent. The small, fuzzy, cream-colored flowers release a strong and delightful fragrance, often likened to cinnamon and spice, particularly in the evening.
5. Hoya Obscura
For those who love a plant with a transformative quality, Hoya Obscura is a fantastic choice. In moderate light, its veined leaves are a lovely shade of green. But when given more direct sun, it puts on a spectacular show, with the leaves “sun-stressing” to brilliant shades of deep red and bronze. It’s a fast grower and easy to propagate, offering a dynamic visual experience as the seasons change.
6. Hoya Carnosa ‘Tricolor’ (Krimson Queen)
When it comes to colorful foliage, this is one of the most celebrated Hoya plant varieties. The ‘Tricolor’ features leaves with green centers, beautifully bordered by creamy white and vibrant pink patches. New growth is often the most colorful, emerging in bright magenta hues. It’s a vining plant that provides a consistent splash of color, making any space feel more alive without having to wait for flowers.
7. Hoya Australis
A fantastic and forgiving choice for beginners, Hoya Australis is a reliable and vigorous grower. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and its stunning floral display. The glossy green leaves create a timeless backdrop for its clusters of pure white, star-shaped flowers. At night, these blooms release a powerful, sweet, and sometimes spicy fragrance that can perfume an entire room.
8. Hoya Linearis
Prepare for one of the most unique types of Hoya plants you’ll ever see. The Hoya Linearis looks nothing like its cousins; it has long, soft, fuzzy, needle-like leaves that hang in a dense curtain. It creates a dramatic waterfall effect, making it an absolute showpiece in a hanging planter. It enjoys slightly cooler conditions and, in the fall, produces beautiful white flowers that carry a fresh, citrusy scent.
9. Hoya Obovata
The Hoya Obovata is a foliage lover’s dream. Its leaves are its signature feature: large, thick, and almost perfectly round, like dark green dinner plates. They are often covered in random silver flecks, or “splashes,” so no two leaves are exactly alike. It’s a sturdy, handsome plant that adds a bold, graphic element to any collection of houseplants.
10. Hoya Pubicalyx
A champion among easy-care Hoyas, the Pubicalyx is known for being a fast grower with stunning flowers. The long, lance-shaped leaves are often a deep, dark green with silver splashing. Its beauty is matched by its resilience, making it another excellent choice for beginners. The flowers are the main event—fuzzy, star-shaped clusters that range in color from pinkish-red to a dramatic, almost-black purple.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Hoya has the most fragrant flowers?
While fragrance is subjective, many enthusiasts agree that Hoya Lacunosa is a top contender, with a strong cinnamon-like scent. Hoya Australis is also famous for its powerful, sweet, and spicy fragrance that is especially strong at night.
Are Hoyas easy for beginners to care for?
Yes! Many of the most common Hoya plant varieties are incredibly resilient and perfect for beginners. Species like Hoya Australis, Hoya Pubicalyx, and Hoya Carnosa are known to tolerate a bit of neglect and don’t require complicated care routines.
How do I get my Hoya to flower?
The most common reasons a Hoya won’t bloom are insufficient light and age. Most Hoyas need several hours of bright, indirect sunlight to produce flowers. Additionally, they often prefer to be slightly “root-bound” in their pots, so avoid repotting them too frequently. Be patient—it’s worth the wait!
Conclusion
Exploring these 10 Hoya plant varieties is just the beginning of a rewarding journey. Each one offers a different look, fragrance, and growth habit, proving there’s a perfect Hoya out there for every home. By understanding the unique traits of these different types of Hoya plants, you can confidently choose the next addition to your indoor garden.
