Find some tricks that will make your wax plant grow fast and bloom indoors. Turn your slow-growing Hoya into a stunning, bloom-covered indoor climber.
The thick, glossy leaves and sweet- smelling star-shaped flowers are the characteristics of the Hoya plant. It is all about light, airflow, mild stress, and patience. They are tough and long-living houseplants, and with a few tricks, you can encourage them to grow faster and flower indoors.
Tricks to Make Hoya Grow Faster and Bloom Indoors
1. Right Amount of Light
Hoyas aim for bright and indirect light, but not harsh sun. The more light they receive (without burning), the faster they grow and the more likely they are to bloom. The best spot to keep your indoors is at east- or west-facing windows, or at south-facing windows with a sheer curtain. Rotate the pot every 7-10 days to ensure even light exposure, helping the plant grow symmetrically and preventing weak, one-sided vines.
2. Let the Roots Feel a Little Crowded
Hoyas bloom better when they are slightly root-bound. Too much space in the pot makes them focus on root growth instead of flowers. So, use a snug pot to keep them root-bound. Repot the wax plant only when the roots circle the pot heavily. Use a clear nursery pot inside a decorative planter. This will let you easily check root growth and prevent over-repotting, which can delay blooming.
3. Water Deeply—Only After Drying
The thick leaves of Hoyas store water. So overwatering slows growth and stops blooms. Water them thoroughly when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry, then wait before watering again. The trick is to use lukewarm rainwater or aquarium water once a month, as the mild nutrients and natural minerals encourage faster growth of leaves and vines.
4. Use the Right airy Soil Mix
Hoya roots like to breathe, i.e., they need airy, fast-draining soil to grow quickly. The ideal mix for Hoya is 40% coco or peat moss, 30% orchid bark, 20% perlite, and 10% compost or vermi-compost. Add a small handful of crushed charcoal to the mix to keep the soil fresh, prevent root rot, and improve nutrient absorption.
5. Feed Lightly but Regularly
Hoyas are light feeders, but they need nutrients to bloom. And the best feeding routine is to use a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, diluted to half strength. Feed every 2–3 weeks during spring and summer. Before the blooming season, switch once a month to a bloom booster with higher phosphorus (like 10-30-20). This signals the plant to produce flower buds.
6. Don’t Cut the Flower Spurs
Hoyas bloom from old flower spurs, called peduncles. Cutting them will delay or completely stop flowering. The golden rule is never to trim the small woody stalks that appeared earlier with flowers. Mark the old peduncles with a small thread or plant tag so you don’t accidentally cut them during pruning.
7. Support the Vines for Faster Growth
Hoyas are climbers, and supporting their vines will boost growth and flowering. The best support for them is a trellis, a hoop, and a moss pole. Train the vines upward instead of letting them hang, as upright growth encourages stronger vines and more flower nodes.
8. Increase Humidity—But Smartly
Hoyas love moderate humidity (50–70%), especially for blooming. The simple way to increase humidity are to keep the plant over the pebble tray. Group the plants together, or mist them occasionally to increase moisture. So, just change the place of your Hoya plant, keep it in the bathroom near a bright window. The natural steam from showers can trigger faster growth and bud formation.
9. Keep Temperatures Stable
Hoyas grow best in 65–85°F and avoid cold drafts, AC vents, and sudden temperature drops as this will give shock to the plant. A slight drop in night temperature (3–5°C) in winter will help trigger flower bud formation, mimicking the natural conditions of the wax plant.
