Hoya plants, also known as Wax Plants, are beloved for their glossy, thick leaves and clusters of star-shaped, sweetly fragrant flowers. These tropical beauties are perfect for hanging baskets, shelves, or trailing down bookcases indoors. What makes Hoyas truly special is their stunning foliage — ranging from variegated patterns to dramatic shapes — paired with mesmerizing, porcelain-like blooms. Low-maintenance and rewarding, Hoyas thrive in bright, indirect light and are perfect for adding a touch of tropical charm to your home. Here are six must-have Hoya varieties for plant lovers.
1. Hoya carnosa ‘Krimson Queen’
Hoya carnosa ‘Krimson Queen’ is a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts for its striking, variegated foliage. The leaves feature dark green centers with creamy-white or pink margins, and new growth often emerges in shades of pink, adding a playful splash of color. Its thick, waxy leaves make it drought-tolerant and easy to care for. When mature, it produces clusters of pale pink, star-shaped flowers with a candy-like fragrance. Perfect for hanging baskets or trellises, this Hoya variety brings both elegance and personality to your space.
2. Hoya obovata
Known for its round, plump leaves with subtle silver speckles, Hoya obovata is a unique addition to any plant collection. The thick, dark green foliage adds lush texture to indoor displays, and it’s a relatively fast grower when given bright, indirect light. In ideal conditions, it rewards you with clusters of soft pink flowers with dark red centers. This plant thrives on neglect, tolerating occasional missed waterings, making it ideal for beginners. Its trailing vines look stunning cascading from shelves or hanging baskets.
3. Hoya carnosa ‘Compacta’ (Hindu Rope Plant)
Hoya carnosa ‘Compacta’, affectionately known as the Hindu Rope Plant, is famous for its twisted, curly leaves that create rope-like vines. Its unusual appearance adds a whimsical, sculptural touch to indoor gardens. This plant grows slowly but rewards patient owners with clusters of small, star-shaped, pink and crimson flowers that have a delightful fragrance. It thrives in bright, filtered light and prefers to dry out between waterings. The Hindu Rope Plant is perfect for hanging planters where its coiled vines can show off.
4. Hoya pubicalyx
Hoya pubicalyx stands out with its narrow, lance-shaped leaves adorned with random silver flecks. This vigorous climber or trailer can quickly cover trellises or cascade beautifully from shelves. Its foliage alone is enough to make it a favorite, but it also produces striking clusters of star-shaped flowers in shades of pink to deep red, often with a sweet, heady fragrance. In bright, indirect light, the leaf speckling becomes more pronounced. This easy-care plant is perfect for anyone seeking both stunning foliage and fragrant blooms.
5. Hoya kerrii (Sweetheart Hoya)
The Sweetheart Hoya, or Hoya kerrii, is adored for its heart-shaped leaves that symbolize love and affection. Often sold as a single-leaf cutting around Valentine’s Day, a full plant features thick, succulent-like leaves on long, trailing vines. Though slow-growing, it’s incredibly charming and requires minimal care. Mature plants produce clusters of white, star-shaped flowers with pink centers. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers its soil to dry between waterings. Hoya kerrii is perfect for gifting or adding a romantic touch to your plant collection.
6. Hoya australis
Hoya australis is a fast-growing, versatile variety with thick, oval-shaped, glossy green leaves that create a lush, tropical look. Its clean, simple foliage works well in modern and minimalistic spaces, while its cascading vines add softness to vertical spaces. The real showstopper is its clusters of white, waxy flowers with a burgundy-red center, which emit a delicious, sweet fragrance. Hoya australis thrives in bright, indirect light and can tolerate some direct sun. It’s an excellent choice for beginners and experienced plant parents alike.
Final Thoughts:
Hoyas offer the perfect mix of easy care, gorgeous foliage, and beautifully fragrant blooms. From heart-shaped leaves to rope-like vines and speckled patterns, these six Hoya varieties are ideal for anyone wanting to add some tropical flair and living art to their home. Mix them together in hanging baskets or let them trail elegantly from shelves — either way, they’re sure to steal the show!
