Basic Information about your Hoya

Scientific name: Hoya australis ‘Lisa’

Common names: Variegated Wax Plant, Hoya Lisa

Plant type: Tropical perennial vine

Family: Apocynaceae

Native range: Australia and nearby Pacific islands

Natural habitat: Tropical and subtropical forests, where it grows as a climbing or trailing epiphyte on trees and rocky surfaces

Difficulty level: Beginner friendly

Fun fact: Hoya australis ‘Lisa’ produces clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers made of waxy petals that can last for weeks when in bloom.

How to care for your Australis-Lisa Hoya

LIGHT

It prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially in the morning

WATER

Water it once a week or when its completely dry

HUMIDITY

It does well in average household humidity levels but appreciates higher humidity. Aim for 40-60% humidity.

TEMPERATURE

This plant prefers temperatures between 60-85°F 

FOOD

Fertilize every month  during the spring and summer.

PET FRIENDLYNESS

It is harmless to pets

Additional Tips*
This plant will benefit from a trellis since its a creeping vine.

Use a well-draining substrate, such as a mixture of coconut fiber, perlite, pine bark, and activated charcoal. This ensures good aeration and prevents excess humidity.

Use orchid bloom fertilizer to enhance the hoya blooms and make them longer-lasting.

  • Slow Growth

    Hoyas naturally grow slowly, especially when young or during lower-light periods. Increase bright indirect light and give the plant time to establish.

  • No Flowers

    Hoyas can take time to mature before producing blooms. Give the plant plenty of bright light and avoid removing healthy flower spurs.

  • Wrinkled Leaves

    Wrinkled or soft leaves usually indicate dehydration or stressed roots. Check the roots and water thoroughly once the soil has dried.

  • Leggy Growth

    Long stems with large spaces between leaves usually mean the plant is reaching for light. Move it closer to a bright, indirect light source and prune long vines.

  • Crispy Leaf Edges

    Brown, crispy edges can come from dry conditions, inconsistent watering, or environmental stress. Keep watering consistent and increase humidity if the air is very dry.

  • Droopy Leaves

    Drooping usually means the plant is thirsty or experiencing environmental stress. Check the soil and water thoroughly if the top portion feels dry.

  • Low Variegation

    Low variegation means new leaves are producing less white coloring than expected. Give the plant bright indirect light and avoid heavy pruning of the more colorful growth.

  • Yellow Leaves

    Yellow leaves are commonly caused by excess moisture or naturally aging foliage. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings and remove heavily yellowed leaves.

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