Maybe you’ve already met the Hoya australis, but have you met Hoya australis Lisa? This variegated beauty is sometimes simply known as the Hoya Lisa. The Hoya australis is a classic with glossy, solid dark green foliage that grows along reaching vines. The Hoya australis Lisa has the same vining stems and glossy shine, but the dark green color appears on the margins of the leaves and surrounds hues of chartreuse, yellow, and cream. New leaves have a reddish tint. This beauty is stunning, and if you’re into Hoyas or just like pretty plants, consider adding the Hoya australis Lisa to your collection.

Get to Know Lisa

The Hoya Lisa is not exactly rare, but it also isn’t always easy to find. Several years ago, the Hoya australis Lisa would have been considered hard to find, but it’s more available now. This plant is not likely to turn up at a grocery store’s plant department, but it is often available at a plant store, or you may get lucky and find it available through plant groups or swaps. 

This plant is a member of the Apocynaceae family and was first recorded in Australia during the 1700s. In nature, the Hoya Lisa thrives in a tropical environment, but this plant can easily live in most homes without special care.

Hoya Australis Lisa Care Requirements

Care for Hoya australis Lisa is similar to other Hoya plants. This beauty needs bright, indirect light. Some direct sunlight is okay, but too much will scorch the leaves. Hoyas are adaptable, but Lisa needs increased light to maintain her variegation. Plants grown in medium or low light may revert to solid green foliage. You can always use grow lights to make any spot the best spot for your Hoya. 

Let the top few inches of soil dry before watering. This succulent plant stores water in its leaves, so give it time to work through its reserve before giving it more to drink. Increased humidity will keep the leaves lush and healthy.

Growth Habit

As houseplants, the stems of the Hoya australis Lisa typically reach about three feet long. However, the stems may get even longer with excellent care, similar to the plant’s natural habitat. This plant has long, reaching stems, but it has a tendency to climb. If you allow the Hoya Lisa’s stems to trail, they will likely become intertwined and tangled. Give this plant a trellis or moss pole, and the stems will do what they do best. The stems may need help grasping a support initially. You can gently secure the stems with twine until they learn to hold on.

Does Hoya Australis Lisa Bloom?

The lovely variegated foliage gives the Hoya australis Lisa plenty of visual appeal, but this stunner also blooms. Small, star-shaped flowers bloom in clusters often during the spring or summer. The flowers give off a sweet fragrance and usually last about one week.

Plants only bloom with proper care, so make sure the Hoya Lisa has everything it needs so you may enjoy its flowers.

Why Are Hoya Australis Lisa Leaves Turning Yellow?

Yellow leaves are usually a sign of overwatering, so the plant was watered too often, or the cover pot or tray was not emptied, and the soil reabsorbed excess water. Dense soil that retains too much moisture can also cause the Hoya Lisa’s leaves to turn yellow.

Help an overwatered Hoya by holding back on the water. The immediate goal is to get the soil to dry out before any additional damage is caused. Plenty of bright indirect light will help the soil dry as quickly as possible. If necessary, repot the Hoya using a moist but well-drained soil and a container with drainage.

Hoya Australis Lisa Pruning and Propagation

When correctly cared for, Hoya australis Lisa is a moderate grower, but pruning is not generally necessary. You can trim the plant to even up lopsided stems or to take sections to propagate. 

To propagate a cutting, remove a section several inches long with multiple leaves. Remove the lower leaves to expose the growth nodes. Roots will form on the growth nodes or the spots where the leaves were attached. Place the cut end in water or soil; roots will develop in several weeks. Lots of sunlight and increased humidity help new cuttings set roots and thrive.

Is Hoya Lisa Pet Safe?

Hoyas are considered pet-friendly, so they are safe in homes with pets. The plant produces a white sap when trimming stems or leaves. The sap can cause minor skin irritation but is not considered toxic.

Hoya Australis Lisa Care Tips

Caring for Hoya australis Lisa is easy because this plant is not demanding and thrives on a small degree of neglect. Finding the right spot and properly managing the watering routine is essential to a happy and healthy Hoya Lisa. All Hoya plants are lovely, but the Lisa is next level with its beautifully variegated foliage.