
Watching a hoya plant bud and prepare to bloom is quite a thrill for indoor gardening enthusiasts. If you’ve ever nurtured a Hoya plant and waited patiently for those waxy, star-shaped flowers to appear, you’ll understand the delight in seeing buds form and develop day by day.
In this photo series, you’ll watch a single cluster of Hoya buds progress from tiny nubs to full, plump formations, just days before blooming. Whether you’re new to Hoya care or already a collector, this visual timeline will give you insight into the fascinating process of how a Hoya bloom comes to life.
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Editor’s note: This is an updated version of an article originally posted February 2009 with better photos and additional information.
Watching Hoya Buds Develop
I am highlighting two of my favorites, the classic Hoya Carnosa and the striking Hoya Carnosa ‘Krimson Queen’ with detailed images of their growth and blooming habits. Learn how these trailing beauties develop, what encourages them to flower, and why they’ve become staples for houseplant enthusiasts everywhere.
What is a Hoya?
A Hoya, also called waxplant, waxvine or waxflower is a tropical plant native to Australia, the Southern Pacific, and Southeast Asia with curving vines covered with waxy leaves. A hoya is a succulent. They have thick, leathery, leaves and blooms that are borne in rounded, upsided-down clusters like umbrellas. Many Hoyas are fragrant.
Hoya plant in bloom
I photographed the stages as the Hoya Carnosa plant as it forms its unique and beautiful flowers beginning with the tiny group of buds I spotted among the leaves on my Hoya plant. Watch as it develops and opens to a very unique blossom.
The Stages of Hoya Carnosa Bloom Development
1. Peduncle Formation
A tiny flower spur (peduncle) appears on the vine. This woody nub is where future blooms will emerge—never cut it off!
2. Bud Initiation
Small round buds begin to form in a tight cluster. The first visible sign that a bloom is on the way.
3. Bud Elongation
The buds grow fuller and more defined, with hints of pink emerging in the center. The star shape begins to take form.
4. Swelling and Shape Definition
The buds take on a more pointed appearance and continue to swell. You can start to recognize the classic star-like geometry.
5. Surface Texture Changes
Buds develop a waxy coating and become more angular. They are nearly ready to open.
6. Opening Begins
The petals unfold slowly, revealing the deep pink centers. Each flower begins to flatten and separate from the cluster.
7. Partial Bloom
Many flowers in the cluster are fully open while others are just finishing their bloom. You may start to notice a subtle fragrance.
8. Full Bloom Glory
The entire cluster is now in full bloom—perfect five-pointed stars with fuzzy petals and vibrant centers.
9. Happy, Blooming Plant
The full Hoya Carnosa vine with lush green leaves and multiple bloom clusters—a sign of healthy, mature growth and consistent care.
About Hoya Carnosa and Krimson Queen
- The Hoya Carnosa is an evergreen perennial vine that is beloved for its waxy leaves and porcelain-like flowers. Often called the “Wax Plant,” its blooms appear in tight clusters and exude a soft fragrance.
- The Krimson Queen is a cultivar of Hoya Carnosa, with variegated leaves edged in creamy white. It has a more decorative foliage appeal while retaining the same flower charm.
Both varieties thrive indoors with minimal care and, once mature, can bloom multiple times a year.
How to Propagate Hoya: Rooting Cuttings
There is more than one way to propagate hoya, but here is the method I’ve had the most success with:
Water Method
- Take a cutting from softwood using clean, sharp pruners or scissors. It should be about 4 to 12 inches long and cut at an angle.
- Place the cutting in a container of water, making sure the bottom node stays submerged. Keep the rest of the stem above water.
- Roots typically begin to appear in about 4 weeks.
Soil Method
- Use shorter cuttings with 1 to 3 nodes. Remove all leaves except the top set.
- Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone and plant in a light propagation mix. Insert deep enough so the lowest set of leaves sits just above the soil line.
- Create a humid environment by covering the container with a clear glass jar or a plastic bag. Lift it every other day to allow fresh air in.
- Roots usually develop in 3 to 4 weeks, with new leaf shoots following in a month or so. A fully established plant may take 5 to 11 months to grow.
Plant Requirements & Care
Hoya plants are wonderfully low-maintenance, but a few simple care tips can help them thrive and encourage regular blooming:
Watering: Every 7–14 days. Allow the soil to dry out partially between waterings.
Lighting: Bright, indirect sunlight is ideal. Avoid direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves.
Temperature: Best kept in temperatures between 60–85°F. Protect from cold drafts.
Repotting: Every 2–3 years. Hoyas prefer to be a little rootbound and don’t need frequent repotting.
Tip: When in doubt, less water is better than too much. Hoyas are semi-succulent and store moisture in their leaves.
Encouraging Hoya Blooms
Want your Hoya to bloom? Here are a few things that help:
- Bright, indirect light: Both the Krimson Queen and standard Carnosa thrive in high-light conditions. A bright east or west-facing window works beautifully.
- Allow roots to fill the pot: Hoyas tend to bloom better when slightly root-bound.
- Don’t remove the spurs: Flowers return from the same spot, so never snip them off.
- Consistent care: Keep a regular watering schedule, letting the soil dry out a bit between waterings.
Propagation Tips
Ideal temperature for rooting is between 70–80°F (21–27°C).
If using tap water for propagation, let it sit for 24 hours to allow chlorine to dissipate, or use distilled water for best results.
Avoid direct sunlight while rooting cuttings. Bright, indirect light encourages root formation without scorching tender stems.
When propagating in water, refresh the water every few days to prevent bacterial growth.
Label your cuttings with the date and variety, especially helpful if propagating multiple types.
Tips for growing and caring for a hoya houseplant
- Hoya plants make great houseplants.
- Hoya do well with bright indirect light, like a north-facing window.
- Keep soil evenly moist in spring and summer, but allow it to dry in the winter, with just enough so the leaves won’t shrivel.
- Humidity in your hoya habitat should be at least 40 percent. This can be achieved through regular misting with a spray bottle.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer only during spring and summer, the active growing season.
- Hoya prefer to be pot-bound and will flower more vigorously.
- Cooler temps are okay during the winter but make sure they don’t drop below 50. The plants enjoy the warm temperatures of the spring and summer growing season.
- Do not remove spurs after the blooms have faded. That’s where the next round of flowers will blossom. Allow faded flowers to fall off naturally.
Shop My Indoor Plant Favorites
Hanging Planters – Modern or vintage-style planters that let trailing Hoyas shine
Macramé Hanging Planter Set – AmazonGrow Light – A compact grow light for encouraging blooming, especially in low-light homes
GooingTop LED Grow Light – AmazonPlant Mister – Gentle misting tool to keep humidity up
Glass Plant Mister with Brass Pump – AmazonWatering Can – A long-spout watering can for reaching hanging pots
Stainless Steel Long Spout Watering Can – AmazonPropagation Tubes or Bottles – Pretty and practical display for rooting cuttings
Propagation Station Glass Tube Set – Amazon
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So cool – I have never heard of this plant before. Wow. I love the progression.
Just noticed this bloom on a plant in my house recently it was on a glass shelf and it spread out in a perfect circle of stars ,.. really cool effect
Chris in OS, Wash.
Hello Molly, Thanks for you growing hints! Since this posting, my plant had grown substantially. I keep twisting the new growth around the plant and it is now like a small bush. Just recently I have noticed abundant growth. I am so anticipating a new bloom period!
Thank you for your visit and comment!
Kindly, ldh
Hi,
I couldn't help but comment on your lovely photos. Your Hoya carnosa is a lovely specimen. They prefer bright indirect light, so you have it a brilliant position. You are right to let the soil dry out almost completely between waterings. An occasional misting with weak fertiliser during the growing months will help promote more umbels of flowers. They also flower more profusely when pot-bound, so don't rush to repot it!
Good Old Mother Nature!
Kind regards,
Molly
(Molly's Tropical Plants)
So thats a Hoya plant…I had one once upon a time and the blooms are lovely, so unique. I was having a very bad allergy year though that year and the fragrance of the flowers did me dirt…grin.
Wow, what an amazing series of photos and a beautiful plant. Thanks for visiting my blog, glad you enjoyed it.
That is such a gorgeous plant! Who would dream that is how it would bug? Thanks for sharing!
Thanks all, for your sweet comments!
Sharon, I lightly water once or twice a week, but lately have been watering a bit more. I’ve read they should be allowed to dry out between waterings. I have looked closely and found several tiny sprout-like growth along the vines. They could do nothing, become a leaf or maybe… another blossom! I look each day and there is very little change, but I am hopeful 🙂
I have a hoya too. It seems to have stopped blooming for me. They are beautiful. Any Ideas would be appreciated. How much do you water yours? I was also picked by Bella. I ordered her wrist warmers and am teaching myself to crochet. LOL Sharon
Oh WOW…that is lovely. Thanks for the great pictures of the stages.
Mrs.H,
I LOVED this! 🙂 It was so neat to see the beautiful flower develop in stages!! Isn’t God’s creation marvelous?! 😉
Hope you are having a wonderful day, dear friend.
Love in Jesus,
Miss Jen
I love the stages. I’ve not seen that before – how unique and beautiful they are.
I love the pictures you took of the plant in all the stages leading up to the beautiful blooms!!! Great job!
This is a gorgeous plant! Thanks for sharing the pictures.
I always loved to see my grandmother’s tulips and daffodils bloom in the early spring. Thanks for sharing the amazing pics!
Karen
I remember my Grandma had one of those. We didn’t know the name so we called it a matchstick plant. They are very interesting plants ~ the flowers look like wax.
Thanks for the memories!