Hoya Plant Care in Summer vs Winter: What Changes?

Let’s Meet Hoya Plant

Hello Hoya Plant lovers!
In this post, I’ll be sharing both expert tips and my own personal experiences when it comes to Hoya plant care. By the end of this article, I truly hope I’ll have answered all the questions you might have about caring for these beautiful plants. Let’s dive into the world of Hoyas together!

The Hoya plant, often called the Wax Plant or Porcelain Flower, has always been one of my favorites. With its thick, velvety leaves and those beautiful star-shaped flowers that sometimes even smell amazing, it’s easy to see why. Originally from Asia and Australia, Hoyas have found their way into many homes because they’re not just pretty—they’re also pretty easy to care for. Once you understand the basics of hoya plant care, they don’t demand much attention, but when you treat them right, they’ll reward you with stunning blooms. In this guide, I’ll share the key things you need to know—like how much light they like, watering tips, and how to help them flower—without overwhelming you with too much info.

Benefits of Choosing a Hoya Plant?

Hoyas are one of the few houseplants that provide a stylish foliage accent and exciting flowers. Leaf types can be extremely varied from deep green to strikingly variegated with shades of pink, white or yellow sometimes smooth and shiny other times fuzzy or crinkled textures. These gem like clusters of porcelain umbels are stunning with a very nice fragrance, particularly in the evening Usually many Hoyas have epiphytic ancestry where they do their growing on another plant (in the wild) and it tells a bit about how to care for them.

Long-Lived Companions

Hoya are long-lived plants that can become cherished over the years. For good Hoya plant maintenance, proper care can help these wonders of tropical fare to blossom for decades and provide you beautful flowers along with foliage.

Essential Tips for Hoya Plant Care

Light Requirements

• Bright, Dimmly Lit Sources: Hoya loves a bright spot where it can sit and bask in the dappled sun Light should never be allowed to scorch a hoya,

Usually an east window that gets morning sun is perfect (not too strong) West or South-facing windows will also suit the plant, but this may bright light mid-day/afternoon sun which can burn the leaves,

• Hoya Needs A Little Light: Direct morning or late afternoon sun for a couple of hours for some species tend to bloom very well.

Insufficient Light: Too little light results in long, thin growth habit, few leaves and trouble to bloom

• Rotate from time to time: Although not required it can make all the difference to have even growth with regular rotation.

Watering and moisture in Hoya Plant Care

• Water soil only when it is completely dry between waterings: Hoyas do not like to be allowed to sit in wet soil. Overwatering is a problem among Hoya. Water until you can see the bottom of your pot coming in contact with water but allow the soil surface up to a 1-2 inch depth to be dry before watering again.

• Water Deeply: If you do water, do it deep and not shallow to the bottom of the pot. Empty any excess water from the tray.

• Water Less in Winter: During the weaker, most plant dormancy season of the year water occurrences drastically reduce. Soil can be allowed to dry more thoroughly.

• Observe the Leaves: If your leaves are slightly puckered or thinner, they might need to be watered but not to the point that they shrink from severe dehydration.

Humidity Preferences

Moderate to High Humidity preferred – Given they are a tropical plant Hoyas like moderate to high humidity (50–70% ideally) Most common varieties are quite adaptable to a average humidity within the home.

• Increase Humidity By:

• Using a humidifier.

• Put the pot on a tray of water (make sure the base of the pot is not sitting in water).

• Group the plants

• Misting often (though this only offers brief relief; ensure air movement to avoid a fungal problem).

Temperature Preferences

• Ideal Temperature for the Room: Hoyas love average room temperatures of 18–27 C (65–80 F).

• No Cold Drafts or Jumps in Temperatures: Your plant should not come into contact with cold currents, changes in temperature (warm or cold) and should not be placed near any radiators or air conditioners.

Minimum Temperature: Do not expose plant to temperatures under 10°C (50°F).

Soil Requirements in Hoya Plant Care

• Needs super-draining airy mix for Hoya to be healthy •Most are epiphytic, so their roots need excellent oxygenation and draining. Most the standard mix of potting soil is usually heavy.

• Good : An orchid bark, perlite / coco coir/husk/charcoal mixed chunky potting soil with a touch of potting soil. The idea is a mix that will not pancake, but also allow water to move through it easily.

• A little rootbound is fine Hoyas almost always respond favorably when they’ve just become a bit pot root-bound. Do not rush to repot unless the plant’s roots grow out of the bottom of the soil.

• Repotting: Repot if the plant is almost too big for its current pot, or if potting soil has broken down which is every 2-3 years. The best season to do it is Spring.

Fertilizer in Hoya Plant Care

Light Feeding During Growing Season:  

Spring and summer are the seasons when our Hoya plants experience active growth. Let’s make good use of these periods 😉 Experts recommend feeding Hoya plants with liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during these periods. My personal experiences and memories confirm this. They are absolutely right. I will never forget that my grandmother also regularly gave liquid fertilizer to the wax flower she cared for so much. Contrary to experts, my grandmother did not only give it in spring and summer but throughout the year. But especially in spring, the living room of the house would turn into a riot of color. I wish there were photos taken during that period so I could share them with you. Then we are making a note here. Giving liquid fertilizer to these creatures in the early spring and summer months is a very important issue in hoya plant care.

High Phosphorus for Blooming (Optional):

Some experts start using fertilizers with higher phosphorus content before the flowering season as part of hoya plant care. Yes, this is also a strategy. However, if your hoya plant is happy with its location in its home, classic liquid fertilizers will definitely be sufficient. I personally do not prefer fertilizers with more minerals. Because I have personally experienced that more balanced fertilization works.

Avoid Over-Fertilizing:

Will burn your hoya plant starting from the first leaves. Then this problem can lead to the death of your plant.

No Fertilizer in Winter:

In the context of Hoya plant care, experts generally recommend avoiding fertilization during the fall and winter months, as the plant goes into dormancy. However, based on my own experience, I’ve noticed that even though sunlight decreases during these seasons, the plant still continues to receive some light. My advice is to reduce the fertilization frequency to once a month and also lower the amount of fertilizer used.

Pruning and Training

Pruning Is Rarely Necessary

Hoya plants don’t usually require frequent pruning. Personally, I only trim mine when some vines grow too long or look unhealthy. A few small cuts here and there to maintain shape or keep the plant within the pot is usually enough.

Never Cut Off the Flower Spurs (Peduncles)

This was one of the most important lessons I learned while caring for my Hoya. In the beginning, I unknowingly trimmed off what I thought were old stems—and those parts never bloomed again. I later found out that Hoyas bloom from the same spurs (called peduncles) year after year. Now, I only remove the spent flowers and make sure to leave those spurs intact.

They Thrive with Support

Hoya’s vining nature becomes more apparent over time. I initially let mine trail down naturally, but eventually added a small wire loop and a bamboo stick for support. It helped the plant grow in a more organized way, and the new shoots looked much healthier. Some varieties also look stunning when allowed to cascade from a hanging basket.Encouraging Blooms

Sufficient Light

In my opinion, one of the most important aspects of Hoya plant care is light. Avoid exposing the plant to intense, direct sunlight. While its leaves can handle some gentle light during the day, what it truly thrives in is a bright, airy environment. I remember my grandmother’s living room—our Hoya was placed in a spot that didn’t get direct sunlight at all, but the room itself was spacious and filled with soft ambient light. You might not believe it, but that plant grew to an astonishing length of 12 to 13 meters! That experience taught me that Hoyas don’t necessarily need direct sun to flourish—they just need the right kind of light.

Be Patient – Hoyas Need Time

I really believe Hoya plants go through a kind of baby phase. They don’t bloom right away, and that’s okay. The first Hoya I ever bought for my office took almost two years to give me its first flower. I was starting to think I was doing something wrong! But with time, care, and a little patience, it finally bloomed—and it was so worth the wait.

Be Careful with Fertilizing

As I mentioned earlier, fertilizing is something to pay close attention to when caring for a Hoya. So what did we say? In short: during spring and summer, you should fertilize more regularly and a bit more often. But in fall and winter, it’s important to slow things down—reduce both how often you fertilize and how much you use. Your Hoya doesn’t need as much when it’s resting.

Consistent Care

Taking care of a Hoya isn’t complicated. The key is just to be consistent and make it a habit. We’re not saying you have to water and fertilize it at the exact same time every day like taking medication. You just need to avoid neglecting your plant too much. A little regular attention goes a long way!

Propagation of Hoya Plants

Relax, I’ve Got Good News for You! 🙂 Propagating Hoya plants isn’t as hard as you might think. It just takes a little bit of time and patience.

Stem Cuttings

Take a healthy stem cutting a few centimeters long, making sure it has at least 2 or 3 nodes—the spots where the leaves grow.

Remove the Leaves

Gently remove the leaves from the lowest node on your cutting.

Rooting Options

You can root the cutting in water, perlite, sphagnum moss, or plant it directly into a well-draining potting mix.

Water Propagation

Place the cutting in a jar of water, making sure at least one node is submerged. Remember to change the water regularly. In my experience, roots usually start showing within a few weeks.

Soil Propagation

(Optional) Dip the cut end in rooting hormone, then plant it in moist, well-draining soil. Keep the soil lightly moist and place the pot somewhere warm and bright—but out of direct sunlight. Higher humidity levels help encourage root growth. I’ve found this method works well, especially when the air is a bit humid.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting in Hoya Plant Care

Lack of Blooming

Isn’t the passion for Hoya plants really about their flowers? I believe so! Try to find the spot your plant loves and avoid moving it around too much—otherwise, it can get “upset” and stop blooming.

Common reasons for a Hoya not flowering include insufficient light, poor nutrition, or simply being too young. All of these can keep your plant from showing its beautiful blooms.

Yellowing Leaves

If you notice yellowing on your Hoya’s leaves—and it’s not just one or two, but quite a few—there’s likely something wrong. This usually means it’s time to take a closer look at your watering and fertilizing habits. Adjusting those often helps fix the problem.

Brown, Crispy Leaf Edges

Just like in the previous point, it’s a good idea to review your Hoya care habits if you notice brown, crispy edges on the leaves. Now, here’s a little secret you probably won’t find anywhere else 🙂

Place a sugar cube on top of the soil and lightly water it so the sugar can slowly dissolve. Do this once every two weeks for about two months. In my experience, this simple trick often helps fix the problem!

Wrinkled or Soft Leaves

This usually happens because of watering issues. My advice is to check the soil, especially around the roots. If you notice the soil feels slimy or mushy, it’s time to change it.

Pest Infestations

This is probably one of the most challenging and frustrating issues you’ll face with Hoyas. Unfortunately, mealybugs, aphids, scale insects, and spider mites seem to love these plants just as much as we do.

Make it a habit to regularly check your plant—especially the tops and undersides of the leaves. Using insecticidal soap or neem oil is a good way to treat infestations.

Mealybugs are especially common on Hoyas. What I do is lightly dampen a cotton swab and gently wipe the leaves a few times a year (about 2-3 times annually). It really helps keep the pests under control.

Tips for Successful Hoya Plant Care

• Hoya plants don’t like too much direct sunlight. It’s best to place them in spots with indirect or gentle light.Allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings.
• Who wouldn’t want to live in a nice home? 🙂 Give your Hoya plants a well-draining, airy, and even slightly roomy pot to grow in.
• Pay attention to humidity levels. I don’t recommend overly damp environments. A balanced humidity is best for your Hoya plants.
• Follow the fertilizing instructions I shared above. To summarize again: feed your Hoya more often during the growing seasons, and reduce feeding during the other times of the year.
• If you don’t want to upset your plant or harm it, never remove the flower spurs after it blooms.
• Not blooming right away? Be patient. Your plant is probably still in its baby or childhood stage. Just wait until it reaches its teenage phase—trust me, it’ll be worth the wait! 🙂

Conclusion

Hoya plants have always been some of my favorites. I’ve always been drawn to their shiny, thick leaves much more than typical plant leaves. And their flowers? They almost look like they were made with a 3D printer. When it comes to decor, there’s really no place where a Hoya wouldn’t fit perfectly. To learn more about Hoya plants, I also recommend reading my article “Hoya Plant Secrets: What Makes This Houseplant So Special?“

If you follow the Hoya plant care tips I shared above and have a bit of patience, you can grow a completely healthy Hoya plant. And if you end up with a plant that has healthy leaves and dozens of blooms, congratulations—you’ve officially become a Hoya parent!