Hoya bilobata aka Porcelain Flower
Taxonomy ID: 9971
Hoya bilobata, also known as wax plant or porcelain flower, is a smaller evergreen perennial species of the Hoya genus. It is native to the Philippines and can either trail or climb up to 24 inches or longer. Hoya bilobata is considered either an epiphyte or a lithophyte. The Hoya genus has over 200 species and even more cultivars, all of which are native to Southeast Asia. Their common name, waxplant, comes from their thick, waxy leaves that help them retain water in hot weather. Hoyas are great climbers and can thrive if given a trellis. Their unique star-shaped flowers come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, yellow, and more, and are often fragrant.
Common names
Porcelain Flower, Wax PlantMore information about Porcelain Flower
How difficult is it to take care of Porcelain Flower
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Porcelain Flower is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
What is the region of origin of Porcelain Flower
Porcelain Flower’s native range is Southeast Asia and Australia.
What are the water needs for Porcelain Flower
Porcelain Flower does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
What is the right soil for Porcelain Flower
Porcelain Flower loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Porcelain Flower
To ensure optimal growth, the Porcelain Flower prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
What's the right humidity for Porcelain Flower
No extra humidity is necessary for the Porcelain Flower. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.
How to fertilize Porcelain Flower
Repotting the Porcelain Flower should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Is Porcelain Flower toxic to humans/pets?
There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
What seasonal care does Porcelain Flower need?
During the cold period, it is common for Porcelain Flower to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
More info:
Wikipedia
