Hoya there plant lovers, get ready to meet the star of your indoor jungle – the Hoya Carnosa Jade! Yes, I made a silly little pun, but this plant is absolutely a master of charm and grace, with its glossy, oval-shaped leaves and delicate, sweet-scented flowers.
The Hoya Carnosa Jade is a subspecies of the popular Hoya Carnosa plant, but it has a distinct feature – its lighter green foliage as opposed to the darker green leaves of the regular Hoya Carnosa.
Origin and Description of Hoya Carnosa Jade
The Hoya Carnosa is a popular choice among plant enthusiasts due to its unique foliage and fragrant flowers. Very few houseplants flower and the ones that do, rarely create a lovely smell such as the hoya.
The plant is native to Southeast Asia and Australia and belongs to the family Apocynaceae.
It’s worth noting that the Hoya Carnosa Jade is known by several names, including Jade Hoya, Hoya Jade, Hoya Jade plant, Hoya carnosa Jade flower, Jade Wax plant, Hoya carnosa Green Jade, Hoya Green Jade, and Green Jade Wax plant.
Regardless of the name, they all refer to the same beautiful plant with glossy, oval-shaped leaves that start out light green and mature to a deeper forest green.
As a vining plant, the Hoya Carnosa Jade can reach up to 5-6 feet indoors if given support, just like in its natural habitat where it climbs up tree trunks to seek light. You can provide it with a trellis or pole to climb, or opt for a hanging basket to showcase its trailing stems (my preferrence).
What makes this plant even more stunning are its star-shaped flowers with red centers that grow in clusters, forming spherical balls. They are a true sight to behold and add to the plant’s overall charm.
So, whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or a newbie looking for a low-maintenance buddy, the Hoya Carnosa Jade is sure to become your new best friend. Plus, it’s the only jade that won’t break the bank!
About the Hoya
Hoya Carnosa Jade, also known as Wax Plant, is a beautiful succulent tropical vine that is primarily grown as a houseplant.
Its unique name – Jade – is a nod to its lustrous green leaves, while the “Carnosa” part of its name refers to the waxy texture of its leaves
The leaves of Hoya Carnosa Jade are thick, waxy, and dark green in color. They are oval-shaped and grow up to 3 inches long. The plant produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers that are white or pink in color and have a sweet fragrance. The flowers bloom in summer and fall and can last up to a month.
Hoya Carnosa Jade prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can damage the leaves. The plant should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important to let the soil dry out between waterings. Fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season.
Don’t be fooled by its delicate appearance, the Hoya Carnosa Jade is tough as nails and can handle a little neglect (shh, don’t tell the other plants). Just give it some bright, indirect light and let its soil dry out a bit between waterings, and you’ll be rewarded with its stunning blooms.
Growing Conditions
Hoya Carnosa Jade is a relatively easy plant to grow, but it does require specific growing conditions to thrive. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Light
For the Hoya Carnosa Jade, bright indirect light is the key to success. The brighter the light, the more vibrant the leaf color will become, and the better chance the plant will have of blooming.
However, be cautious of too much light, especially direct sunlight. Strong sun rays can dull the plant’s green foliage and cause it to lose its waxy appearance or even burn the leaves. It’s recommended to avoid direct sunlight for more than 1-2 hours daily and keep it away from mid-day and summer sun.
This plant is often mistaken for a succulent due to its thick leaves, which allow it to store water and make it drought-tolerant. However, it can’t tolerate high intense heat between 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. like succulents do. Hence, it’s crucial to remember that this plant isn’t a succulent, and it requires different care.
The best spot for your Hoya Carnosa Jade is a well-lit room with indirect light. When grown outdoors, partial shade is optimal. Avoid direct sun exposure and care for it like the unique plant it is.
Temperature
The Hoya Carnosa Green Jade is a tropical plant originating from Southeast Asia, where temperatures range from warm to hot throughout the year. Frost or cold temps are not a common occurrence in this region.
The plant usually grows under the shade of larger trees in the forest, as its large leaves and plants absorb more of the sun’s intense rays. Therefore, it is not accustomed to very strong light, unless gradually acclimated.
Indoors, the Carnosa Jade thrives best in temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Although it can tolerate hotter temperatures, it grows the fastest within this range. However, it is sensitive to cold temperatures, so it is essential to keep it away from air conditioners, vents, and cold drafts or breezes. The plant’s growth slows down or stops altogether in temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Outdoors, the Hoya Carnosa Jade grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 to 12, which have sunshine all year round. These zones include locations such as Florida and Texas, where snow is not a common occurrence during winter. This allows for year-round growth of the plant outdoors.
Humidity
In Southeast Asia, humidity is an essential aspect of the weather, with levels ranging between 55% and 75% on average, and increasing up to around 85% during rainfall. Ideally, the Hoya plant would prefer these levels of humidity.
However, maintaining such high levels of humidity can be challenging if you do not live in a tropical location, unless you have a greenhouse, terrarium, or grow cabinet. Thankfully, the plant’s thick, succulent-like leaves store water, making it more tolerant to lower humidity.
The Hoya Carnosa Jade can do well in average room humidity, but it is best to maintain humidity levels between 40% and 60% for optimal growth. Although it can tolerate humidity levels lower than 40%, the risk of dry, crispy leaf tips increases the longer it stays in such conditions or the drier the air gets.
Therefore, if you live in an area with relatively low humidity or dry air, it is advisable to mist the plant regularly or invest in a humidifier. Grouping the plant with other houseplants can also help increase humidity levels, but this method is only effective if you have multiple plants.
Another option to increase humidity levels is to place the plant near water or on top of stones in a water tray. As the water around it evaporates, the vapor increases humidity above and around the plant.
Watering
The Carnosa Jade requires minimal watering for two reasons. Firstly, its semi-succulent leaves store moisture, and secondly, it is susceptible to overwatering. Therefore, it does not require daily watering unless left outdoors under direct sunlight in tropical regions.
Instead, it is best to wait until the soil is almost dry before watering to avoid overwatering the plant. However, if you enjoy watering your plant, you can water it as early as when the top 2 inches of soil are completely dry, but never before that time.
This approach will give you enough leeway to avoid watering too often, which can lead to soggy and mucky soil.
The roots of the plant can rot when left in a waterlogged environment for an extended period due to a lack of oxygen. Therefore, it is advisable to water the plant anytime between the top 2 inches of soil drying out until the soil is completely dry. It is essential to avoid extremes such as watering before the soil dries out or letting the soil dry out completely for extended periods as both can be detrimental to the plant’s health.
Soil
The Hoya Jade plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A good potting mix for this plant would consist of a combination of peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand or vermiculite to promote good drainage. You can also add some orchid bark or charcoal to the mix to help aerate the soil.
It’s important to avoid using heavy, clayey soil or soil that retains too much moisture, as this can lead to root rot and other problems for your Hoya Carnosa Jade. Also, make sure the soil pH is slightly acidic, ideally around 6.0-6.5.
When repotting your Hoya Jade, make sure to choose a pot with good drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating in the soil. And remember, this plant prefers to be a bit root-bound, so don’t choose a pot that’s too large for its current size.
Fertilizer
Hoya Carnosa Jade doesn’t require frequent fertilization, but you can fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength.
By providing the right growing conditions, you can enjoy a healthy and thriving Hoya Carnosa Jade plant in your home.
Propagation
Hoya’s are a popular houseplant known for its beautiful, fragrant flowers and trailing vines. Propagating your hoya carnosa jade is a great way to expand your collection or share with friends.
There are two main methods for propagating hoya jade: stem cuttings and layering.
Stem Cuttings:
The stem cutting method involves taking a cutting from the mother plant and rooting it in soil or water. Here are the steps:
- Choose a healthy stem with at least two nodes and a few leaves.
- Cut the stem just below a node using a clean, sharp knife or scissors.
- Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only a few at the top.
- Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder (optional).
- Plant the stem in a well-draining soil mix or place it in a jar of water.
- Keep the soil or water moist and place the cutting in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight.
- After a few weeks, roots should begin to form and new growth should appear.
Layering:
The layering method involves encouraging roots to form on a stem while it is still attached to the mother plant. Here are the steps:
- Choose a healthy stem and bend it down to the soil surface.
- Make a small cut in the stem just below a node.
- Apply rooting hormone powder to the cut area (optional).
- Bury the cut area in soil, leaving the top of the stem exposed.
- Water the soil and keep it moist.
- After a few weeks, roots should begin to form where the stem is buried.
- Cut the rooted stem from the mother plant and plant it in its own pot.
Propagation is a rewarding way to expand your collection of hoya carnosa jade plants. With a little patience and care, you can successfully propagate your plant and enjoy its beautiful blooms and trailing vines for years to come.
Pests and Diseases
Hoya carnosa jade plants are generally hardy and disease-resistant, but they can still fall prey to a few pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common issues and how to deal with them:
Pests
Spider Mites: These tiny pests are common in dry conditions and can cause yellowing and stippling of leaves. To get rid of them, wash the plant thoroughly with soapy water and spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. You can also increase humidity around the plant to prevent future infestations.
Mealybugs: These white, cottony pests can cause stunted growth and curling leaves. To remove them, dab them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or spray with insecticidal soap. Repeat every few days until they are gone.
Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can cause distorted growth and yellowing leaves. To remove them, spray the plant with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of aphids and can be introduced to the plant to control their population.
Diseases
Powdery Mildew: This fungal infection can cause white, powdery spots on leaves. To prevent it, avoid overwatering and keep the plant in a well-ventilated area. If it does occur, remove affected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide.
Root Rot: Overwatering can cause root rot, which can lead to wilting and yellowing leaves. To prevent it, make sure the soil is well-draining and allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering. If the plant is already affected, remove it from the soil, trim away any affected roots, and repot in fresh soil.
Leaf Spot: This bacterial infection can cause brown or black spots on leaves. To prevent it, avoid getting water on the leaves and keep the plant in a well-ventilated area. If it does occur, remove affected leaves and spray the plant with a copper fungicide.
By keeping an eye out for these pests and diseases and taking prompt action to address them, you can keep your hoya carnosa jade plant healthy and thriving.
FAQs
Q: How often should I water my Hoya Carnosa Jade?
A: The Hoya Carnosa Jade plant prefers to be on the drier side, so it’s important not to over-water it. Allow the top inch or so of soil to dry out before watering, and make sure the pot has good drainage to prevent water from accumulating in the soil.
In general, you may need to water your Hoya Carnosa Jade every 1-2 weeks, depending on the humidity levels and temperature in your home.
Q: Does the Hoya Carnosa Jade plant need direct sunlight?
A: No, the Hoya Carnosa Jade plant does not like direct sunlight. It prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade.
Too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves, so it’s best to place it near a window with a sheer curtain or in a spot where it receives filtered light.
Q: How do I propagate my Hoya Carnosa Jade plant?
A: Propagating the Hoya Carnosa Jade plant is relatively easy. You can propagate it using stem cuttings or by layering. For stem cuttings, choose a healthy stem and cut it just below a node.
Place the cutting in water or in a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist until roots form. For layering, choose a long stem and make a small cut in the middle of the stem, then bury the cut section in soil and keep it moist until it roots. See full details above.
Q: Does the Hoya Carnosa Jade plant bloom?
A: Yes, the Hoya Carnosa Jade plant blooms in the summer and fall, producing clusters of fragrant, waxy flowers that are usually pink or white in color.
The plant needs to be mature and receive adequate sunlight and water to bloom, but once it does, the flowers can last for several weeks.
Q: Is the Hoya Carnosa Jade plant toxic to pets?
A: Yes, the Hoya Carnosa Jade plant is toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats. The sap of the plant contains a toxic substance called cardiac glycosides, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms if ingested. If you have pets, it’s best to keep the plant out of their reach.
Q: Is the Hoya Carnosa Jade a Succulent?
The Hoya Carnosa Jade is often mistaken for a succulent due to its thick, succulent-like leaves that store water, but it is not a true succulent. It is a tropical plant that belongs to the Hoya genus, which includes 200-300 evergreen perennials native to Asia and Australia.
The Carnosa Jade is considered a semi-succulent due to its thick, fleshy leaves that store water, which is a characteristic of succulent plants.
Final Thoughts
The Hoya Carnosa Jade is an amazing addition to any plant collection. With its unique light green foliage, stunning star-shaped flowers, and vining stems that can climb up trellises or trail in hanging baskets, it’s sure to add some pizzazz to your space.
But beware, this plant may look like a succulent, but it’s not! Don’t let its thick leaves fool you. It needs bright indirect light, but not too much sun or heat. So, give it the care it deserves, and it will reward you with its beauty and charm.
Plus, with so many fun names like Jade Hoya, Hoya Jade, and Green Jade Wax plant, it’s hard not to love this little guy. So go ahead, give the Hoya Carnosa Jade a home, and let it brighten up your day with its whimsical nature and stunning appearance.
