Hoya varieties are some of the most captivating houseplants you can grow, beloved for their waxy leaves, fragrant blooms, and trailing vines that add a touch of elegance to any indoor space. These easy-care plants thrive in a range of conditions, making them ideal for both beginners and seasoned plant collectors. With dozens of species to choose from, each offering unique foliage patterns, bloom shapes, and colors, it’s no wonder hoyas have become a favorite among indoor gardeners. Whether you’re after a trailing beauty for a shelf or a compact bloomer for your windowsill, these 15 stunning hoya varieties are sure to inspire your next plant pick.
Table of Contents
🌿 1. Hoya carnosa
One of the most recognizable hoya varieties, Hoya carnosa is a timeless favorite. It features thick, waxy green leaves and clusters of star-shaped pink or white flowers with a sweet fragrance. This variety is especially popular among beginners due to its hardy nature and minimal care needs. Given the right lighting, it will reward you with beautiful blooms that can last for weeks. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers to dry out between waterings.
🌿 2. Hoya kentiana
Sleek and striking, Hoya kentiana is known for its narrow, lance-shaped leaves that feature a reddish tint around the edges, especially when grown in bright light. Its foliage alone makes it a showstopper, but it also produces small, maroon-centered pink flowers that appear in clusters. This variety enjoys hanging baskets where its trailing growth can shine, and it appreciates a bit of humidity to thrive.
🌿 3. Hoya lacunosa ‘Eskimo’
The Hoya lacunosa ‘Eskimo’ is a standout with its silver-flecked leaves and compact size. Ideal for smaller spaces, this variety releases a delightful cinnamon-like fragrance when in bloom. The silvery texture of the foliage makes it a collector’s favorite. It adapts well to indoor conditions and prefers a bright spot without direct sun. Regular misting can help mimic the tropical humidity it enjoys in nature.
🌿 4. Hoya australis
Native to Australia, Hoya australis is a fast-growing hoya with glossy green leaves and large clusters of white, fragrant flowers. It’s an excellent choice for trellising or training up a support. Among hoya varieties, this one is particularly forgiving—tolerating some neglect and bouncing back well. Its blooms often attract pollinators if grown outdoors and offer a fresh, clean scent indoors.
🌿 5. Hoya retusa
Hoya retusa is instantly recognizable thanks to its thin, grass-like leaves and minimalist charm. Unlike the rounder leaves of many hoyas, this one offers a quirky aesthetic perfect for modern plant styling. The small white flowers with red centers appear singly rather than in clusters, adding to its unique appeal. It prefers medium light and benefits from consistent but moderate watering.
🌿 6. Hoya bella
Also known as the Miniature Wax Plant, Hoya bella lives up to its name with delicate, cascading vines and elegant white flowers tipped in deep pink. Its smaller leaves make it a great option for compact spaces or hanging planters. This variety blooms prolifically when given bright, filtered light and regular watering. Its tidy form and charming blossoms make it one of the most adored hoya varieties for indoor collections.
🌿 7. Hoya pachyclada
Hoya pachyclada is a succulent-like variety with thick, rounded leaves and intensely fragrant white blooms. It grows slowly, but its sturdy, almost leathery foliage makes it a favorite for those who want a plant with strong architectural character. It prefers high humidity and ample indirect sunlight to produce its beautiful clusters of waxy flowers. Be patient—its stunning display is worth the wait.
🌿 8. Hoya wayetii
With elongated, boat-shaped leaves that often develop a maroon edge in strong light, Hoya wayetii is a striking option for any indoor plant display. It’s commonly mistaken for Hoya kentiana but can be distinguished by its slightly thicker, shorter leaves. This plant does well in hanging baskets and blooms in tight, reddish-purple clusters that give off a sweet scent. A steady routine of bright light and light feeding keeps it happy.
🌿 9. Hoya caudata
Exotic and bold, Hoya caudata brings a wild look to your collection. Its large, rough-textured leaves can appear almost reptilian, with mottled patterns and fuzzy undersides. It’s one of the more visually intriguing hoya varieties, especially when paired with modern or rustic décor. While a bit fussy about humidity and warmth, the effort pays off when it blooms with clusters of creamy, fuzzy flowers.
🌿 10. Hoya fitchii
Hoya fitchii is prized for its deeply veined leaves and compact growth habit. The foliage is often tinged with bronze under high light, adding a dramatic flair. When it flowers, expect peachy-orange blossoms with a faint sweet fragrance. This variety appreciates bright, indirect light and a well-draining soil mix. With regular care, it becomes a showstopper in any indoor setup.
🌿 11. Hoya macrophylla
As the name suggests, Hoya macrophylla stands out with its large, broad leaves often edged in creamy white or pink variegation. The deeply veined, leathery foliage adds texture and color contrast to your plant collection. When mature, it produces clusters of waxy, pale flowers with a sweet fragrance. This variety prefers bright, indirect light and benefits from occasional misting to boost humidity.
🌿 12. Hoya shepherdii
Commonly known as the “String Bean Hoya,” Hoya shepherdii features long, narrow, cylindrical leaves that give it a distinctive appearance among hoya varieties. It thrives in hanging planters where its slender foliage can cascade naturally. With time and care, it rewards growers with fragrant white flowers tinged with maroon centers. It prefers well-draining soil and moderate watering, making it relatively low-maintenance.
🌿 13. Hoya memoria (Gracilis)
Hoya memoria, also known as Gracilis, is beloved for its soft, elongated leaves speckled with silver markings. Its flowers are a rich pink with darker centers, blooming in neat, symmetrical clusters. This variety is relatively fast-growing and thrives in bright conditions with occasional feeding. Its elegant growth habit and colorful flowers make it a favorite among hoya enthusiasts.
🌿 14. Hoya neocaledonica
A rarer species, Hoya neocaledonica is native to New Caledonia and features large, matte green leaves with subtle veining. It offers creamy-white blooms with a light fragrance and prefers stable warmth and humidity. Its uncommon nature makes it a prized choice for collectors seeking something beyond the typical hoya varieties. Like most hoyas, it enjoys indirect light and a consistent watering schedule.
🌿 15. Hoya burtoniae
Hoya burtoniae combines charm and toughness in one compact plant. Its fuzzy, oval-shaped leaves often blush red under strong light, creating a beautiful contrast against its trailing stems. Small, maroon-centered pink flowers appear in tight bunches and smell sweetly fragrant. Ideal for windowsills or hanging baskets, this variety prefers moderate humidity and bright, filtered light.
Written by Molly 🌿
Founder of Grow Greenery Now, Molly’s gardening journey began in her grandmother’s sunlit vegetable patch. Every bloom she plants honors that legacy of patience, love, and quiet miracles. Through heartfelt stories and practical tips, she shares how gardening can be both soulful and sustainable.
Read more about Molly →🌼 Conclusion
From thick, succulent leaves to clusters of waxy, fragrant blooms, these hoya varieties offer something for every indoor gardener. Whether you’re new to houseplants or an experienced collector, hoyas are a joy to grow and surprisingly easy to care for. Choose a few of your favorites, give them the right light and love, and you’ll be rewarded with years of trailing vines and heavenly flowers.
❓ FAQ: Hoya Varieties
🌱 What is the easiest hoya variety to grow indoors?
Hoya carnosa is widely considered the easiest to grow. It’s resilient, tolerant of neglect, and blooms reliably in bright, indirect light. It’s perfect for beginners starting with hoya varieties.
💧 How often should I water my hoya plant?
Hoya plants prefer to dry out between waterings. A good rule of thumb is to water every 7–10 days, depending on light, temperature, and humidity. Overwatering is a common mistake with most hoya varieties.
☀️ Do hoya varieties need direct sunlight?
No, most hoyas thrive in bright, indirect light. Some varieties like Hoya macrophylla or Hoya lacunosa may tolerate a bit of morning sun, but too much direct light can scorch their leaves.
🌸 How do I get my hoya to bloom?
To encourage blooming:
- Provide bright, indirect light
- Use a well-draining soil mix
- Let the plant become slightly root-bound
- Maintain consistent care and avoid moving it too often
Many hoya varieties bloom best after reaching maturity and being slightly stressed in the right conditions.
🪴 Can hoyas grow in low light?
Some varieties like Hoya bella and Hoya retusa can tolerate medium to lower light, but none thrive in deep shade. For best growth and flowering, bright, indirect light is recommended across all hoya varieties.
🧪 Are hoya plants toxic to pets?
Hoyas are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them a safe choice for pet-friendly households. However, it’s still best to discourage chewing, as ingestion may cause mild stomach upset.
🪻 Do all hoyas smell the same?
No—each hoya variety can have a different fragrance. Some, like Hoya lacunosa, have a cinnamon scent, while others like Hoya australis smell fresh and floral. Some varieties may have no noticeable scent at all.
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