How to Grow Hoya Australis (Varieties + Propagation)

Hoya australis is an evergreen vining houseplant with vintage indoor excellence. It has low maintenance but rewarding growing outcomes even with some neglect in looking after it.

Knowing Hoya Australis

Native to Eastern Asia and Australia, these subspecies remain more popular in Australia. They are found growing naturally along the Queensland coast to Cape York. These areas lie outside the rainforests, all the way from Grafton. They also love growing up in rocky areas.

There are five subspecies of this Hoya. Each subspecies has its own unique appearance in terms of leaf shape, color and flower setting.

Hoya Australis Flower

The subspecies of this one produces flowers at maturity. They closely resemble those of porcelain hence its common name porcelain flower.

Depending on the subspecies, the colors of the flowers range from white cream to pink pale green. When they bloom, these houseplants bear star-shaped tiny flowers. Each flower has a small margin of pale rose corona bowling under it.

They are the easiest hoyas to flower in the summer ad spring. They release a spicy fragrance that is quite strong. The flowers however last briefly.

Caring for your Australis (Wax Vine)

How do you care for a Hoya australis Lisa?

Water (Watering How-to Tips)

Watering may slightly differ throughout the growing seasons. If you live in warm areas, your plant may require a single drink in 10 to 14 days.

When watering be sure to wet through so that the pot saturates and water drains out of the holes. Before you can make it drink again, wait until the top three inches of the potting medium dry out.

If you live in cooler areas, ensure you check the moisture level. Use your finger to poke the 3 inches of the topsoil.

Humidity-temperature Index

Cultivars developed in greenhouse environments are very adaptable to indoor humidity and warmth.

Excessively humid households do not affect growth. However ideal humidity levels will speed up and encourage growth during the summer and spring.

Surprisingly, your Hoya can survive in a cooler environment with less humidity.  To artificially elevate these levels you can use a Pebble tray with water or invest in a humidifier.

All subspecies of this Hoya will keep performing in comfortable and warm indoors. Indoor gardens that can sustain temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal.

To encourage them to flower avoid drafts and extreme temperatures. If you prefer keeping your houseplant in the living room strive to maintain it between 16 – 24 degrees Celsius.

Hoya Australis Care & Info

Hoya Australis Propagation

You can forge new plant generation from your own. The procedure is easy and hassle-free. What you need:

• Water and glasses/jars
• Sphagnum moss
• Sterilized sharp pruners

Water Propagation

• Locate mature stem cuttings from the mother plant
• Allow a few inches on the lower part of the internode
• Cut such that each cutting has 2 or 3 nodes
• Remove the lower leaf (leaves)
• Insert each stem cutting with the lower side first
• Situate your specimen in bright and warm enclosed rooms

Regularly check water levels and refill back to initial levels.

Direct Soilless Propagation

For easier propagation use small tins or clear carrier plastics. Dampen your sphagnum moss then insert each cutting singly. (Always plant the lower side first.)

To stimulate faster rooting, dip your cuttings in a hormone powder.

After 2 weeks, check whether the stem can cutting resist a small tug or pull. Transplant to a new 4-inch wide pot using fresh potting mix. Water thoroughly.

Keep your plant in a warm and humid location until the first new leaf has emerged.

Hoya Australis Varieties (Cultivars) + Pictures

There are about 300 known species and subspecies of hoya Australis.

Subspecies list:

• H. australis oramicola
• H. australis rupicola
• H. australis sana
• H. australis sanae
• H. australis tenuipes

Here are some cultivar details for you.

1. Variegated Waxvine (Hoya australis ssp. tenuipes ‘Lisa’)

One terrific variegated type is hoya Australis lisa. It is quite an expressive houseplant. It has creamy, light green colors that make the foliage appear splashed with acrylic paint. These colors make this type of hoya a standout.

For it to be happy indoors, it prefers a brightly lit and warm location. Exposure to direct light in early mornings benefits the plant. An ideal location for this one is the southern-facing window. If you live in the tropics you may be required to fix light filters.

Besides light, if you want this variegated houseplant to bloom, do not prune it. Also avoid repotting it often.

Do you love vanilla and chocolate wave fusion? That is what emanates from the plant’s blooms. However, overwatering and mealybug infestation are the main weaknesses of this type of hoya.

Plant profile + Growing needs

Country of origin: Australia
Scientific Name: hoya australis ssp. tenuipes
Growing: potted vine
Light Requirements: filtered light
Water Requirements: average
Tempetrature range: 50°F – 80°F
Blooming: During the warmer months, fragrant

2. Hoya australis ssp. sanae

This cultivar has thick elongated leaves. What makes it unique is its compact growth habit.

The ssp. sanae can be identified easily by its smooth-end curving leaf edges. The leaves appear elongated for this reason. These leaves measure roughly 7 cm long by 3 cm.

Plant profile + growth trends:

Scientific name: Hoya australis ssp sanae
Common name: Hoya
Flower color: White star-shaped
Soil: Well-drained soil. Hoya hates clogged soil!
Light: Bright filtered to partial shade
Watering: Let the pot dry out between waterings
Hardiness: 14°C (57°F)
Height:  3m high (9’9″)

Growth nature: Compact, vining

3. H. australis rupicola

Identified by its narrow ovate leaves, this subspecies of hoya is so easy to distinguish. If you are keen, you should notice the erect and pointed leaves.

Like the variegated waxvine, this one has a compact growth nature. The vines have shorter internodes. These vines tend to twine, wind and look stringy.

Once bloomed, the flowers’ cluster is substantially big. The flowers are shiny white.

Does Australis prefer Climbing or Hanging?

Climbing plants that rely on filtered or indirect light is purposeful so. As a result, it is crucial for you to align your own purpose with that of the houseplant.

Australis are epiphytes that love climbing. While young, you may want to have your preferred cultivar as a hanging basket. Then as it matures, you need to train it. Use trellises as support frameworks once they have attained rambling vines.