All things Hoyaaas
Hoya Care in Phoenix:
How to Grow Healthy, Flowering Hoyas
Hoyas, also called wax plants, are popular for their thick, glossy leaves and fragrant, star-shaped flowers. They are beginner-friendly, adaptable, and make a great addition to any indoor space. With proper care, they can thrive in Phoenix homes and even reward you with seasonal blooms.
Light Requirements
Hoyas do best in bright, indirect light. While they can tolerate some lower light, insufficient light can slow growth and prevent flowering. Avoid harsh, direct afternoon sun, which can scorch leaves in Phoenix’s intense summer.
Ideal placement: East- or north-facing windows, or a few feet back from south or west windows.
For low-light spaces: Consider supplementing with a small LED grow light.
Watering
Hoyas prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering is more common than underwatering and can cause root rot.
Spring and Summer: Water every 7–10 days, depending on pot size and soil.
Fall and Winter: Water less frequently, every 2 weeks, letting the soil dry completely.
Always water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot. Use a well-draining indoor mix to keep roots healthy.
Soil and Repotting
Hoyas thrive in airy, well-draining soil, such as a mix of potting soil, orchid bark, and perlite. They like slightly snug pots, so avoid oversized containers.
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. If you’d like, Maricopa Botanicals offers repotting services to help your Hoya thrive without stress.
Flowering
Hoyas are well-known for their fragrant, waxy flowers, which usually bloom in late spring or summer indoors. To encourage flowering:
Ensure bright indirect light
Use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season
Avoid overwatering
Be patient — some Hoyas take a few years to bloom but will reward you repeatedly once they do
The flowers grow from peduncles, which are small, woody stems. Do not remove these after flowering — they may produce blooms for years.
Propagation
Hoyas propagate easily from stem cuttings. Cut a section below a node, let it dry slightly if thick-stemmed, then root in water or soil.
For convenience, bring your Hoya to Maricopa Botanicals, and we can safely propagate it for you while keeping roots healthy.
Extra Care Tips
Clean leaves occasionally with our house-made leaf cleaner to remove dust and improve light absorption.
Rotate plants periodically for even growth.
Feed monthly in spring and summer with our house-made fertilizer for strong growth and healthy blooms.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overwatering
Low light, which prevents flowering
Removing peduncles after blooming
Using heavy, poorly-draining soil
Final Thoughts
Hoyas are beginner-friendly, adaptable houseplants that can thrive in Phoenix with the right light, soil, and watering. With a little patience, you can enjoy glossy leaves and fragrant flowers year after year.
Visit Maricopa Botanicals for help with repotting, propagation, and plant care products designed to keep your Hoyas happy and blooming in the Arizona climate.
