The wax flowers, which belong to the milkweed family, are found worldwide in many subspecies, of which around 300 have been scientifically recorded as valid species to date. The wax flowers, also known as porcelain flowers due to their filigree flowers, are used as houseplants and are limited to a relatively small number of species that are available in specialist shops.
The Hoya bella, the "beautiful" porcelain flower, lives up to its name
The Hoya australis
Hoya australis is one of the porcelain flowers commonly cultivated as houseplants. As the name suggests, the original range of this species complex within the genus of wax flowers is in the tropical regions of northern Australia, but also on the islands of Oceania. This wax flower is characterized by the following properties:
- particularly vigorous
- dark green leaves (sometimes silvery spotted)
- white umbels with red centers
The twisting shoots of the species can partially lignify with age. With the appropriate climbing opportunities and good care, this pleasantly scented wax flower species can reach a maximum height of 5 meters during the flowering period.
Peculiarities of the Hoya bella
Compared to the Hoya australis, the Hoya bella is characterized by a more compact growth. Therefore, this species is particularly suitable for culture on a shady windowsill. The flowers of this species are also basically white, but have a purple center. Since this species branches particularly richly, the plants can easily be trained to form a handsome shrub. Propagation can be done relatively easily via offshoots.
The care of the Hoya camosa
This subspecies of porcelain flowers is a strongly climbing variety that can be used to climb stair gates or other trellises in the house. However, it should not be too warm at the chosen location in winter, otherwise the wax flower may take a longer break from flowering. The color of the flowers is between white and soft pink in the subspecies Hoya camosa.
tips
In the literature on the care of wax flowers, there are sometimes very contradicting statements about their poison content. Since some varieties can be poisonous not only to birds but also to humans, young children should not be left near the plants unsupervised.