Hoya Australis: Everything That You Need to Know

Hoya australis is also known as a wax vine or common waxflower. It is the most famous hoya variety after Hoya carnosa.

One of the exciting facts about Hoyas is that anyone can grow them. They are excellent houseplants for novices and practiced gardeners alike.

Hoya australis have a tolerance for oversight. The low-maintenance Hoya australis is best for any indoor location and does not need lots of water or resources.

Choose a well-draining potting mix and an area that receives sunlight during the active growing season. In its natural setting, it often grows in rocky sections of a rainforest.

The fragrant, white flowers have become a reason for their recent popularity as a houseplant. The waxy flowers grow in late winter and survive through the summer. Hoya australis is famous because of its ability to attract butterflies.

What Is Hoya Australis?

Hoya australis is native to Australia. This vine grows on rainforest borders and rocky regions. The coastal Queensland also hosts this beautiful vine from Cape York to New South Wales.

This plant relates to the Apocynaceae plant family. If allowed, it can grow into a big plant. Europeans discovered it in 1770 on the northeastern shore of Australia. Australia hosts seven of the 200 species of Hoya.

Hoya australis, an evergreen climbing vine, grows up to 10 meters. It has simplistic opposing shinny sets of leaves. The leaves are usually three to six centimeters long and two to five centimeters wide. The succulent leaves are or ovate and vary in shades from yellowish-green to dark green,

Flowering may happen at an unspecified time of year. The flowers grow in clusters on peduncles. The petals of the fragrant flowers are thick, waxy, and triangular. White color with a red marking on each lobe makes them look stunning. The sweet, rich scent is attractive, and the flowers are full of nectar.

This popular garden plant is known for its easy-to-go nature. Train it on trellises, fences, or grow it in a glasshouse. If planted outdoors, it can invite butterflies to your garden. It is also considered a good food for caterpillars.

We have compiled a detailed guide to assist you in growing and taking care of your Hoya australis vines. Let’s have a look at what it needs to thrive.

The Basic Plant Care For Hoya Australis

Hoya australis is one of the favorite garden plants in Australia. The gardeners love the flowers and place them in the most suitable well-lit space to enjoy their beauty. It is usually hanged but can be grown in containers and trained upwards.

Although it attracts butterflies when planted in the garden, Hoya australis can be planted indoors. Furthermore, it is a fast-growing creeper. Hoya australis is an easy-to-care, low-maintenance plant. The best thing is that it also helps in air-purifying qualities.

The following section will explain everything that you need to know about it. Be it the soil, water, light, or humidity required. You will also learn how and when to feed and propagate the plant.

• Soil

Hoya australis likes a well-draining mixture. Try for a soil mix that is fast draining and well-aerated. Compost is essential for the plant to thrive. A good quality organic compost will do wonders for delicate vines.

Create your mixture using one part of each compost, orchid bark, and coarse perlite. If you are growing Hoya australis in the potting mix for succulents, it is best to amend the soil with bark, perlite, or charcoal.

The biggest benefit of a well-draining mixture is that it will reduce the damage of overwatering and preserve the plant from root rot. The ideal pH of the potting mixture is between the range of 6.1 to 7.5. In other words, the potting mix should be slightly acidic to neutral.

Hoya australis grown in greenhouses prefers a loam-based soil mixture with a combo of bark, leaf mold, and sand mixed in equal parts. It is essential to screen the plant from direct sunlight in such cases.

• Watering

Hoya australis needs low to medium watering frequency as an indoor plant. The succulent leaves store water and don’t need regular watering. Water the plants once in 10 days, and they will be happy.

It is always a good idea to inspect your soil before watering. Inspect the soil by utilizing a moisture meter or by inserting your finger into the soil. It is essential to allow the top half of the soil mix to dry out before watering.

During summer, the soil of Hoya australis should be moistened but not waterlogged. Saturate the soil until water drains from the bottom of the container. Treat your Hoya australis with rainwater or distilled water when it is possible.

In winter, Hoya australis will not need frequent watering. It is better to underwater Hoya australis plants than overwatering. Overwatered plants will have root rot, and the leaves will begin to wither. So, Hoya australis will tolerate underwatering because of its succulent nature.

Immediately water your plants if the leaves are curling. Don’t panic. The leaves will soak up the water and will revive soon. In the same manner, it can tolerate drought but will be sensitive in the cold season.

• Light

Hoya australis needs lights to bloom and thrive. They originate from tropical environments and like to grow by climbing up trees. If we try to mimic that same growing conditions, the Hoya australis will grow beautifully.

In some areas, it can also grow in full sun. But it is best to shelter it from the direct sun. This step saves it from sunburns. It is best to shelter the plants from strong winds too. Avoid hanging in a window that gets a strong blow of winds. Sea-facing windows will also bring a lot of salt with them and affect the plant.

Hoya australis needs bright indirect light. It will enjoy the sun all year long. Early morning and late afternoon light is the best for the elegant vine. Low light will discourage blooming. Select a place where it gets the right light for the optimal growth rate of Hoya australis.

• Temperature

Hoya australis prefers indoor temperatures ranging from 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit in summer and spring. Avoid extreme fluctuations in temperatures because it will disrupt the plant and stop the growth.

Hoya australis prefers to be warm and cozy. The minimum room temperature that is ideal for it is above 60.8 degrees Fahrenheit. During winters, 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit is perfect.

It is best to bring in the Hoya australis plants indoors in winter if you get harsh cooler months. If the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, then it will damage the plants. There are other varieties of Hoya that grow on an elevation and respond well to cold in their natural habitat.

• Humidity

Hoya australis grows from tropical environments, but it is now grown in diverse climates as a houseplant. Hence, it is essential to mimic the original growing conditions for vigorous plant growth.

Hoya australis loves high humidity levels but will withstand low humidity levels too. Humidity can be increased in many ways. Here are some ideas:

• Install a humidifier
• Moist your plants with a sprayer
• Install a gravel or pebble tray under the pot
• Group plants together

For best results, increase humidity for your Hoya australis plants to boost their growth.

• Fertilizer

Hoya australis likes a light feed of fertilizer. You can apply any well-balanced fertilizer during summer. Here is a simple way to do this.

• Dilute a quarter teaspoon of fertilizer in a gallon of water.
• Use it on moistened soil once a month.
• Spray it on the leaves too.
• Bloom booster fertilizer like 7-9-5 of NPK or a general fertilizer labeled 15-15-15 will be suitable.

Remember, the plant stops growing in winter. It should not be heavily fed during that time. Some gardeners prefer treating it with high potassium fertilizer monthly during winters. A feed of plant food in the growing season is most suitable.

Hoya australis also loves organic and all-natural fertilizers.

• Pruning

The climbing vines of Hoya australis can grow as big as five meters in height. Container-grown plants will need appropriate pruning to keep them in shape. You can prune the plant anytime during the year after flowering.

Spring is the best time to perform this task. Flowers grow on the new shoots but avoid over-pruning. Pruning can help rejuvenate the vine. Watch out for the dried seed pods while pruning. You can also save seeds as you trim your plants.

Propagation of Hoya Australis

Propagating Hoya australis is simple. The easiest method to extend your plant collection is by taking stem cuttings. You can choose any one of the two main strategies for Hoya australis propagation. Following is the guide to multiply your plants using water and soil propagation.

– Stem Cuttings Planted in Soil

• Choose a healthy stem that is not flowering
• Cut using a sterilized pruning shears
• Cut below the nodes keeping at least two nodes on the cutting
• Have a propagation mix of three parts perlite and one part peat moss ready in a pot
• The optimal temperature for successful propagation is above 70 degrees Fahrenheit
• Make space in the soil and place the cuttings inside the soil, leaving a few inches above the ground
• The rooting hormone can be used
• It will take about a month to establish roots and grow shoots

 

– Stem Cuttings Planted in Water

• Fill a container with filtered water and combine a few drops of the rooting hormone.
• Take cuttings by the method mentioned above.
• Place cuttings in the water, keeping a few inches above the water surface.
• Roots will appear in a couple of weeks.
• Once you notice that the roots are a few inches big, repot it to the soil mix.

– Repotting

Just like other Hoyas, Hoya australis also prefers to be a little root-bound. Do not repot if it is not necessary. Hoya australis roots will not appreciate being disturbed.

Choose a container with drainage holes. Add a well-draining soil mix that has lots of perlite soil. Terracotta pots are suitable for planting Hoyas and will assist in a robust root system. The best time to repot Hoya australis is in spring.

 

– Blooms

Summer is the time of blooms for Hoya australis. Sometimes the flowers appear in Autumn or any time in the year. The secret to a good flowering season is the health of the plant. You can expect an abundance of flowers from a stress-free, healthy plant.

The flowers have a sweet vanilla-like scent, and they grow in three-inch clusters. The flowers have a tiny red spot on the white or cream petals. If the growing conditions are good, the flowering clusters can grow bigger. Seed pods offer seeds that can be saved and regrown.

– Growth

The stunning Hoya australis vine grows dark green succulent leaves that are up to 6 centimeters long and 5 centimeters wide. The leaves are fleshy, oval, and thick. They grow on stems packed with milky sap. The leaves that grow in more light turn yellowish-green, while those that grow in dark spaces remain dark green.

The flowering clusters appear on the stem anytime during the year. Additionally, the stems grow fast into a large vine, even as a container plant. It is ideal for verandahs, windows, and trellises. Let us now learn about some of the common problems faced by Hoya australis so that you can solve them.

Common Problems for Hoya Australis

The best plan of action against pests is to prevent their attack from advancing on your houseplants.

Mealybugs are the most prevalent houseplant pest. All Hoya species are vulnerable to their attack. They can rapidly grow on the stems of your Hoyas in humid and hot conditions. The best way to prevent it is always to clear the dead foliage of Hoya australis and remove the pests as soon as you see them.

Whiteflies, tiny insects, love to feed on the juicy sap. They may infect your Hoya australis in summer. The sticky honeydew released by the bugs causes discoloration of the Hoya australis leaf. It can also kill them. They become hard to manage once the population expands.

Whiteflies mostly grow underneath the leaves. They suck the juices of the plant leaves in malnourishment. You can treat the plant with neem oils. As an alternate method, you can remove mealybugs and whiteflies with a spray of insecticide spray or a blow of water.

Snails and slugs feast on the Hoya australis. They emerge in moderate and humid weather. Half eater leaves or holes in the foliage are a sign of their attack. Slime trail on the plant also indicates their presence.

Spreading coffee grounds around the plants protects them against the slug attack. Gardeners also use diatomaceous earth as an effective tool against them. Copper barriers are created to keep slugs away in an outdoor garden.

Yellowing of leaves happens in cold temperatures. Leaf drop, darkening of leaves, and stems that die back may also occur in winters. This problem is mainly because of poor drainage. The overwatered soil of Hoya australis turns cold during winter and spoils the plant.

Overwatering also causes root rot and fungal disease. If your Hoya australis is performing poorly because of this condition, then take cuttings. This method is the only solution to save your plants.

Leaves wilt because of overwatering and poor drainage as well. Here are a few solutions for your overwatered plants:

• Let the soil try out before watering
• Water only when it needs it
• Make well-drained soil mix
• Choose terracotta pots for improved drainage
• Slow down on watering in winters

Some Tips and Tricks for Healthy Hoya Australis

• Encourage blooming by bringing them under good light
• A potassium-rich natural fertilizer will also boost blooming
• Misting the leaves will be a treat for the Hoya australis
• High humidity in winters may cause fungus. Be mindful
• In summers, the humidity will keep pests away
• Avoid misting when the vine is flowering
• Do not feed the newly potted plant for two months
• Moderately water Hoya australis during winters
• Feed once a month during the dormant months

Varieties of Hoya Australis

If you love Hoyas, you will love these stunning varieties of Hoya australis too. We have selected some of the most beautiful cultivars of Hoya australis for you. Explore these variations and follow the same care practices for them.

– Hoya Australis Tenuipes

This plant has lustrous circular leaves that are thinner than other Hoya australis, which increases its need for watering. During summers, it grows clusters of white flowers. It draws wildlife and pollinators like hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

– Hoya Australis Brookfield

The blooms of Hoya australis Brookfield are bigger as compared to Hoya tenuipes. It has attractive foliage with bronze-tinted new shoots paired with dazzling golden veins.

– Hoya Australis Tricolor

This creeper is also native to northern Australia. The foliage is thick, waxy, and succulent and the attractive feature is the marking of shades of pink, green, and white.

Hoya australis tricolor blooms thrice in a year.

 

– Hoya Australis Kapaho

This plant is known for its pointed glossy leaves. The older leaves get rounder in shape as they mature.

– Hoya Australis Grande

The clusters of flowers that resemble star shapes are an interesting feature of the Hoya australis Grande variety.

– Hoya Australis Lisa

Hoya australis Lisa is a variegated hoya. The dark leaves have shades of pale green and white color. Additionally, the succulent leaves are thin. The new growth has tins of peach, burgundy, and red. It grows slowly, but it is easy to grow.

– Hoya Australis Rupicola

The Hoya australis Rupicola is not a climber and grows as a bush. The slender, long leaves like to spread in all directions, and it likes to grow in dry, rocky areas.

– Hoya Australis Oramicola

The flowering season for Hoya australis Oramincola is from spring to summer. The flowers are pleasantly fragrant. It adapts well in arid climates.

Conclusion

Hoya australis is the most popular variety of Hoya when it comes to the scent of the flower. It is a great indoor plant.

Here is what we have learned about it:

• Hoya australis is native to Australia and grows on the edges of rainforests in rocky regions.
• It is drought tolerant, but overwatering can kill it.
• Hoya australis has beautiful foliage with stunning flowering bunches.
• The clusters of flowers have a sweet scent and attract pollinators.
• Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds love this nectar-rich flower.
• Seed pods are collected during pruning.
• The juicy sap of the stems also invites pests like mealybugs and whiteflies.
• Hoya australis also attracts snails and slugs that feed on the delicious leaves.
• Neem oil can prevent pest attacks, while copper shields and coffee grounds can keep snails and slugs away.
• Hoya australis is propagated using both water and soil propagation methods.
• Take cuttings using sterilized pruning shears to avoid infections.
• It takes a couple of months to see roots and shoots.
• Hoya australis likes pruning.
• Do not prune in winters or when the flowers are growing on the vine.
• Hoya australis likes bright indirect light and will enjoy the sun all year.
• Direct light will encourage sunburn and should be avoided.
• Too much humidity can cause problems for the plant in winters.
• High humidity in summers can keep pests away.
• You can use a humidifier, pebble tray, or a misting technique to increase humidity when needed.
• Water only when the soil gets dry.
• It can be potted or hung in a basket.
• Hoya australis grows well indoors and also outdoors in indirect light.
• Do not change pots unless it needs it. Hoya australis likes to be slightly root-bound.
• The plant is generally problem-free.
• There are a few more varieties of Hoya australis with diverse foliage types and growing habits.
• The vines are suitable for training upwards on fences and trellises.
• The vines look beautiful indoors and outdoors equally.

 

Hoya australis is a plant popular among gardeners for its striking looks. Hang it or train it like a creeper. No matter what style you choose, it is an excellent addition to any home garden.