Common hoya is a flowering vine and a member of the Dogbane family (Apocynaceae). It is native to a wide area from Borneo to New Guinea and Australia. It is a highly variable species, and seven subspecies (differing in aspects of the leaf and flower) are recognized. The species epithet means "southern." Like many succulents, it likes to be pot-bound in well-drained soil. Do not overwater and place in bright light for best blooming. This species is a vigorous epiphyte (grows on another plant but does not take nutrients from it) in its native, tropical habitat. As a houseplant, it will grow quickly and produce flowers sooner than other hoyas. The flowers are produced on a long stalk or pedicle and bloom in a cluster. They are very fragrant, way, and white with a splash of red at their center. The pedicle should not be removed as the new flowers will be formed here in subsequent years. The leaves are thick, smooth, green, and round or elliptical. Common hoya is a houseplant that can spend its summers outside. Bring indoors when the weather becomes cool. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Aphids, mealybugs, scale, and spider mites are the most common pest problems. Overwatering can lead to root rot. More information on Hoya .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter
Soil pH
Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Occasionally Dry
Available space
Less than 12 inches
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
6 - Vine (vertical)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Cascading; Climbing; Creeping
Texture
Coarse
Leaf color
Green; Variegated
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Opposite
Leaf shape
Elliptical; Oblong; Orbicular; Ovate
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf feel
Leathery
Leaf size
3-6 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
The leaves are smooth or fuzzy, fleshy and dark green. They will darken in low light and become more yellow with too much light. Some cultivars can have white or red markings on the leaves. Fleshy egg-shaped or more or less round leaves.
Flower color
Red/Burgundy; White
Flower value
Fragrant; Long-lasting; Showy
Flower form
Raceme; Umbel
Flower shape
Star
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
The flowers are white with red centers and are fragrant. Fleshy and spindle-shaped, they are grouped to make a showy display.
Fruit type
Follicle
Fruit size
> 3 inches long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
The fruits are paired follicles, 3 to 5 inches long, that open to release plumed seeds.
Stem color
Green; Insignificant
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
Southeast Asia, Indomalaya, Malesia and northern Australia.