The most popular hoya plant varieties showcase the beauty and diversity in a genus of over 500 accepted species of tropical plants in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae.
Here is the list of these varieties.
Family: Apocynaceae
Order: Gentianales
Kingdom: Plantae
| Varieties | Botanical name | Common name | Native |
| Hoya carnosa | Hoya Carnosa | wax plant, wax flower, porcelain flower | East Asia and Australia |
| Hoya kerrii | Hoya Kerrii | Sweetheart Hoya, Heart-shaped Hoya, Heart Leaf, Valentine Hoya, Valentine Wax Plant, Wax Hearts | Southeast Asia |
| Hoya obovata: | Hoya Obovata | Hoya obovata ,wax plant , honey plant | Parts of Asia , Indonesia, and the Himalayas |
| Hoya carnosa ‘krimson queen’ | Hoya Carnosa, Krimson Queen | wax plant, wax vine, porcelain flower, hanging plant, multicolored leaves plant | East Asia and Australia |
| Hoya Australis | Hoya Australis | wax vine or common wax flower | Australia and parts of East Asia |
| Hoya curtisii | Hoya Curtisii King & Gamble | Fung wax flower | Southeast Asia across Thailand, the Philippines, Borneo, and Malaysia |
| Hoya pubicalyx | Hoya Pubicalyx | pink silver, porcelain flower, silver pink vine | Philippines |
| Hoya Hindu rope – hoya compacta: | Hoya Carnosa | Hindu rope plant, Porcelain flower, Krinkle Kurl, Wax plant | East Asia and Australia |
| Hoya Bella | Hoya Bella | beautiful hoya, wax flower, or pretty wax flower | Tropical rainforests of South Asia, India, Thailand, and Burma |
| Hoya Linearis | Hoya Linearis | Wax plant, porcelain flower, miniature wax plant, hoya carnosa, wax vine | Nepal and China |
| Hoya Wayetii | Hoya Wayetii | Wayetii wax plant | Philippines |
| Hoya Macrophylla | Hoya Macrophylla | Wax plant, wax flower, wax vine | Vietnam, Borneo |
| Hoya carnosa ‘krimson princess’ | Hoya Carnosa | wax flower, porcelain flower, hoya Rubra | East Asia and Australia |
Hoya carnosa
Description
Hoya carnosa, commonly known as the wax plant or porcelain flower, is a popular houseplant known for its thick, waxy shiny green leaves with deep red stems and unique aromatic appearance. It belongs to the Apocynaceae family and is native to East Asia and Australia.
Key Features
Here are the main key features of hoya carnosa.
Leaves
The leaves are thick, waxy, and typically dark green, though variegated varieties exist with white, pink, or yellow edges.
Flowers
The plant produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers that are usually pink or white with a red center. These flowers are fragrant, especially in the evening, and produce a sweet, nectar-like substance.
Trailing vine
Hoya carnosa is a climbing or trailing vine, making it suitable for hanging baskets or as a climbing plant on a trellis. Hoya carnosa is a favorite among plant enthusiasts for its attractive appearance and relatively easy care.
Hoya Kerii
Description
Hoya kerrii , commonly known as the sweetheart plant, valentine hoya, or heart-leaf hoya, is a popular succulent vine known for its distinctive heart-shaped leaves. It’s often given as a romantic gift due to the unique shape of its leaves. it is also sometimes named a lucky-heart plant.it is a thick, succulent-like tropical vine that is easily identified by its heart. It is one of the most popular varieties of hoya plant.
Key Features
Here are some key features of hoya kerrii.
Leaves
The most striking feature of Hoya kerrii is its thick, fleshy, heart-shaped leaves. These leaves are usually dark green, although variegated varieties with white or yellow margins are also available.
Fishtail leaf shape
Another distinctive feature of hoya kerrii is the fishtail leaf shape which makes it more romantic and beautiful.
Slow growing vine
Hoya kerrii is a slow-growing vine that can be grown as a trailing or climbing plant. It’s often sold as a single leaf cutting, which can root and eventually grow into a full plant, although the process is slow.
Flowers
Like other Hoya species, Hoya kerrii can produce clusters of small, star-shaped flowers known as umbels. The flowers are usually creamy white with a pink or red center and are fragrant, especially in the evening. However, it may take several years before a young plant blooms. Hoya kerrii is adored not only for its unique appearance but also for its symbolism and ease of care.
Hoya obovata
Description
Hoya obovata is a popular species of the Hoya genus, known for its attractive, round leaves and ease of care. Like other Hoyas, it is a vining plant and is often grown as a houseplant due to its ornamental vegetation and occasional blooms. Hoya obovota which is one of the most popular varieties of hoya plant, is identified by its large, deep green silver-speckled oval leaves.
Key Features
Leaves
The leaves of Hoya obovata are thick, succulent, and typically round or slightly oval (obovate) in shape. They are dark green with lighter speckling or flecks, giving them a distinct appearance. The leaves are smooth, waxy, and can grow quite large compared to other Hoya species.
Trailing vine and fast-growing
Hoya obovata is a climbing or trailing vine, making it ideal for hanging baskets, trellises, or being trained to grow along supports. It is a fast-growing Hoya compared to others in the genus.
Flowers
The plant produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers, typically pink or pale purple with a darker center. The flowers are fragrant and produce a sweet, nectar-like substance. Hoya obovata is known for its reliable blooming when given proper care.
Low- maintenance
Hoya obovata is cherished by plant enthusiasts for its beautiful, robust leaves and its ability to thrive with minimal care. It’s a great choice for both beginners and experienced plant lovers looking for a striking, low-maintenance addition to their collection. Each hoya obovata has a unique personality, no two plants have the same pattern.
Hoya carnosa ‘Krimson Queen’
Description
Hoya carnosa ‘krimson queen’ is a houseplant that is attractive and low maintenance ,one of the most popular varieties of hoya plant. It has colorful vegetation and fragrant pink blooms. Its thick succulent foliage has a dark blue-green center edge in pink or white. New leaves are often very bright pink and some leaves can be entirely white.
Key features
Leaves
This stunning plant has the most distinctive feature, heart-shaped leaves with a pointed tip as well as a combination of green and creamy-white patterns that will catch your eye.
Striking variegated foliage
It is best known for its striking variegated foliage. The green leaves with creamy white and pink shades make a beautiful contrast.
The most popular species among hoyas
It is a cultivar of the hoya carnosa, the most popular species among hoyas. The leaves of this popular variety are most famous for their variegation.
Hoya ausrtalis
Description
Hoya australis is a type of hoya plant that is best known for its fragrant white flowers, rounded oval-shaped leaves, and long climbing vines.it is one of the species among hoyas.it is mostly found in eastern and northern Australia. It is one of the most popular varieties of hoya plant.
Key features
Easy to grow
This houseplant is easy to grow, moderately vigorous climbing species.
Leaves
It is also known as wax vine or common wax flower due to its waxy leaves. It has Thick, almost round dark green leaves, particularly felted on the underside and measuring up to 90mm across. Its green leaves have a splash of color, with a bright yellow and softer green coming from the center of each leaf.
Greenhouse-grown plant
This plant is also a greenhouse-grown which means it needs to be coveted and filter light.
Hoya curtisii
Description
Hoya curtisii is a miniature trailing hoya. This form of curtisii has small round olive-green leaves mottled with grey.it is also known as the ‘Hoya Tiny Leaf Porcelain Flower’ and has sparkly silver colors on the green leaves.it is a tropical epiphyte that is adapted to growing in humid jungles.it is one of the most popular varieties of hoya plant. In the wild places, you would see mounds of hoya curtisii.it is smaller than other typical Hoyas.
Key features
Origin
It is native to the Philippines, Thailand, Borneo, and Malaysia, this petite hoya is a testament to the rich biodiversity of its tropical habitats.
Climbing epiphyte or lithophyte
It is a climbing epiphyte or lithophyte and grows primarily in the wet tropical biome.
Leaves
It has small, fleshy leaves speckled with silver—a true spectacle of nature. It’s particularly noted for its trailing vines which make it an ideal candidate for hanging baskets or as a tabletop display with a cascading arrangement.
Flowers
This mini plant blooms with clusters of star-shaped, pale pink flowers that emit a light, pleasant fragrance, adding a touch of elegance and charm to any indoor space.
Hoya pubicalyx
Description
Hoya pubicalyx is a captivating species among the genus of Hoya. It is widely appreciated for its stunning flowers and decorative foliage. It is native to the Philippines and is sometimes confused as a hoya carnosa. this wax plant is an epiphytic herbaceous perennial in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae) It is also called a succulent vine. Its dark green leaves are subtly mottled with grayish, silvery specks that look quite beautiful.
Key features
Origin
It grows in a tropical rainforest. It is also kept as a houseplant in a temperature climate and can be found in variegated forms in nurseries.
Leaves
This species has the most attractive silver-flecked leaves and aromatic showy flowers that make a garden full of beauty and adversity.
Hoya hindu rope – hoya compacta
Description
Hoya hindu rope- hoya compacta is a curly – leafed version of the most common hoya carnosa. This simi- succulent, vine-like species is best known for its waxy foliage. This houseplant has beautiful flowers with curling vine-like leaves.
Key features
Leaves
The leaves of this houseplant are waxy, wrapped, and tightly packed along the hanging stems. One of the most striking features of this is its unique color, shape, texture, and curly leaves. These curly leaves give it a unique appearance. Another striking feature is its helix and rope-like leaves arranged in opposite pairs.
Flowers
Like other hoyas, this plant also produces star-shaped flowers that make it a charming houseplant in the garden.
Slow grower
This houseplant takes time to grow and the gardener needs to be patient.
Hoya bella
Description
Hoya bella ‘carnosa’ which is also known as the beautiful wax flower or wax plant is renowned for its delicate, cascading vines adorned with small, lance like, and glamorous green leaves.it is an asclepiad species of flowering plant in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae.
Key features
Leaves
This tropical epiphyte has pouring spear-shaped stems with razor-edged and furry leaves. About 1 to 1.5 cm long stems support the perennial leaves. The blade is a heart-shaped, broad oval, or longitudinal oval. The leaves have a glossy, waxy surface and are semi-sucrose.
Flowers
The most alluring feature of this hoya is the flowers which come easily. From the tip of the stem, five thick, waxy petals emerge in the shape of a star, each with a deep pink color and a pleasant scent.
Hoya linearis
Description
Hoya linearis is a rare hoya, native to Northern India’s Himalayas. Hoya linearis does not climb as much as other plants in the genus. It grows instead in the cracks and nooks of trees, hanging lovely from their limbs.
Key Features
Leaves
The leaves are narrow, tiny, and have a faint fuzz covering them.
Flowers
Blooming in clusters, these white, star-shaped flowers have a lovely lemon scent.
The most difficult hoya to cultivate
It is reputed to be one of the most difficult hoyas to cultivate. Although it is extremely sensitive to overwatering, it must be kept in a humid atmosphere.
soft and lumpy tendrils
A barrage of soft and lumpy tendrils makes the linear porcelain plant another trailing triumph for hoyas.
Hoya wayetii
Description
Hoya wayetii is an epiphytic succulent that tends to trail. This species, which prefers dampness, creates lovely tiny clusters of mauve flowers.it is sometimes confused with Hoya kentiana or Hoya shepherdii.
Key features
Leaves
The distinctive feature of this plant is its thick, deep green leaves, which, with sufficient light, turn crimson at the edges. Seek for the variegated variety, whose leaves have a remarkable yellow-white pattern.
Ideal for arranging on shelves or hanging baskets
They’re ideal for arranging on shelves or hanging baskets because of their trailing habit. If let to develop, the tendrils can attain a maximum length of three feet.
humidity-loving plant
The Hoya wayetii is a humidity-loving plant that thrives in well-lit bathrooms.
Hoya macrophylla
Description
Hoya macrophylla is a vining plant that produces clusters of fragrant, galaxy flowers, adding stunner and a sweet fragrance to any indoor space. Since the species’ name means “large leaved” and has distinctive veins, it has a relatively enormous leaf for a hoya.
Key features
Leaves
Leaves can grow about 3 inches wide and 6-8 inches long. In comparison to other hoyas, Hoya macrophylla, as its name implies, grows unusually huge leaves. It has large variegated leaves with white and pinkish margins.
Hoya carnosa ‘krimson princess’
Description
Hoya Krimson Princess has vivid green leaves that are accented with creamy white to pink variegation in the centers, which contrasts with the green borders. It’s originally from East Asia and Australia. The species of Hoya carnosa thrives in tropical and subtropical environments, clinging to trees and rocks in its natural habitat. It is one of the most popular varieties of hoya plant.
Key features
stem-rooting climber
Hoya carnosa ‘krimson princess’ is a succulent vine that can grow upwards gracefully with the support of hanging baskets.it is a stem-rooting climber.
Adaptable indoor and outdoor plant
It is adaptable, developing as an indoor potted plant and an outdoor enduring plant in warm climates.
Flowers
This plant is renowned for its beautiful star-shaped flower blooming in clusters. these waxy, porcelain-like flowers are red-centered with pale pink and emit a sweet fragrance in the evening especially. Flowering may take several years to bloom.
Uses
Hoya carnosa ‘krimson princess’ is used as a hanging basket, container, and paved area of a garden. It is mainly used in Mediterranean gardens.
Natural air purifier
It offers many benefits as ,a natural air purifier, that maintains a good quality of indoor environment conditions by removing pollutants.
| FAQs How many Hoya varieties are there? The hoya plant varieties showcase the beauty and diversity in a genus of over 500 accepted species of tropical plants in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae. What is the most popular Hoya? Hoya carnosa is commonly known as the wax plant or porcelain flower, is a popular houseplant known for its thick, waxy shiny green leaves with deep red stems and unique aromatic appearance. It belongs to the Apocynaceae family and is native to East Asia and Australia. What is the easiest Hoya to grow? Hoya Australis, this houseplant is easy to grow, moderately vigorous climbing species. This plant is also a greenhouse-grown which means it needs to be coveted and filter light. Do Hoyas prefer sun or shade? Hoyas prefer bright, indirect sunlight to grow. For better growth provide the right conditions with consistent light and well-draining soil. |
Conclusion
Hoya plant varieties are diverse and beloved for their waxy leaves, unique blooms, and ease of care. With species like Hoya carnosa, Hoya kerrii, and Hoya pubicalyx, each variety offers a distinct charm, from heart-shaped leaves to fragrant star-shaped flowers. These plants are perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners, thriving in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments. Their ability to grow as climbers or trailing plants makes them versatile choices for home décor. Overall, Hoya plants offer beauty and resilience, making them an excellent addition to any plant collection.
