Hoyas are easy-care houseplants known for glossy foliage. The australis is a lovely specimen that boasts thick, waxy leaves on reaching vines, and it blooms! A native of Australia, this plant is also found in Indonesia. Hoyas are members of the Apocynaceae family, and the australis is one of the old standby Hoya varieties. Hoyas have become incredibly popular over the last few years, and you can find many different kinds now. Before this surge in popularity, the good old Hoya australis was always easy to find, and most plant owners introduction to Hoyas.

Hoya Austalis or Hoya Australis Lisa

The Hoya australis Lisa, sometimes known as Hoya Lisa or variegated australis, is the same as the regular Hoya australis, except Lisa has variegated foliage. The Lisa has glossy leaves with green borders that surround creamy white interiors. The regular australis have solid green foliage. 

These plants have identical care needs, although the regular australis can live in slightly lower light levels. Hoyas need bright indirect light, and the variegated australis needs lots of light to maintain its colorful foliage. The non-variegated australis still needs plenty of light to thrive, but it can comfortably live several feet from a south-facing window and still look amazing.

Water Needs

Hoyas are succulents, which means they store water in their thick, glossy leaves. The plants do this to help sustain themselves during dry spells. This trait is also a big part of what makes Hoyas easy-care houseplants. They can go a while between watering. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out before watering Hoya australis plants in spring and summer. Let the soil dry completely before watering dormant plants. 

The leaves will pucker and wilt when the plant becomes too dry. In this case, remove the damaged leaves and give the plant a long drink. Overwatered Hoya plants are susceptible to mold, fungus gnats, and root rot. Mold or fungus on the soil’s surface or tiny gnats or flies buzzing near the plant are signs of an overwatered plant. In extreme instances, the stems will turn black and become mushy. Treat overwatered plants by sprinkling cinnamon on the soil and letting the soil dry out before giving it water.

Temperature and Humidity for Hoya Australis

Hoyas prefer warm temperatures, and most homes are comfortable for these plants. Keep your australis above 65° F. This plant can handle temperatures as low as 50° F, so you can move it to a porch or patio in the summer, but avoid exposure to chilly weather.

Hoya australis plants can live in average humidity, but increased humidity, even just 60%, will keep the leaves lush. These are tropical and subtropical plants, so low humidity is problematic.

Australis Fertilizer

Hoya australis plants are not heavy feeders, but fertilizing a Hoya provides the nutrition needed to thrive and bloom. Balanced fertilizers like 10-10-10 support steady growth. A 7-9-5 fertilizer will help encourage flowers.

Does Hoya Australis Bloom?

The Hoya australis blooms with proper care. These plants need excellent care to set flowers as houseplants, so dial in your Hoya care to enjoy the striking blooms. The star-shaped flowers have five points and grow in clusters. The waxy flowers inspire the nicknames porcelain flower and wax vine. The white blooms are lovely to admire but also have a sweet fragrance, making them all the more enjoyable. 

Australis plants can bloom up to three times yearly, mainly during the spring and summer. Flowers typically last for a week.

When to Repot Hoya Australis 

Let your Hoya australis become root bound. Some plants do not like being root bound, but that’s not true of Hoyas. These plants are completely happy to stay in the same pot for years. Ultimately, they will need a new pot. Try to time repotting for spring, when the growing season starts. Use a container with drainage or a breathable material like terra cotta or unglazed ceramic. All plants have delicate roots, so it’s advisable to avoid handling them when repotting, but Hoya plants tend to have very delicate roots. Take care and be gentle when repotting Hoya australis plants.

Hoya Australis Propagation

Propagating is an easy way to expand your Hoya collection or create a more full-looking potted plant. Propagate Hoya australis via cuttings. The cuttings can be rooted in water or soil. Cuttings are more likely to succeed when they receive proper light and humidity, so treat the new plants right to help them set roots. The plants can take several weeks or longer to establish roots, so be patient and give the cutting time.

Australis Styling Tips

Hoya australis are easy to style because the vines are versatile. Let the leafy stems cascade, or give them a trellis for support. Some stems will naturally grow upright in search of something to grab onto. The solid green foliage is not as showy as many other plants, but it has a timeless elegance that can provide balance when coupled with a bold container or complement a neutral pot.

Australis Care Tips

Caring for a Hoya australis is easy. This plant requires care similar to most other Hoya varieties, so it does not need special attention if you have several Hoyas in your plant collection. The solid green foliage does not stand out and get as much attention online and on social media as variegated plants, like the Hoya Lisa. Still, it’s lovely in its own way and definitely worth adding to your collection.