How to Get a Hoya Plant to Bloom

This plant has never flowered but Grandma’s friend’s has the same plant and it has bloomed. Neither one knows what the plant is. Whatis the plant and how do we get it to produce flowers? Thanks for your help!

Hi Scott,

The plant is a variegated Hoya Plant. This is what it looks like in bloom.

Pink flowers on Hoya Plant
Blooming Hoya Plant

Hoya plants must be a few years old and have some fairly long stems before they can produce flowers. Proper light and watering are the two most important things a hoya plant needs so that it can bloom.

Light: Hoya Plants do best and bloom more often in very bright light. They are one of the few indoor houseplants that can even thrive in direct sun. Although Hoya Plants can adapt to lower light, they grow slower and do not produce the fragrant waxy flowers that are so beautiful. The best place to put a hoya plant is in front of a window facing east or west where it will get several hours of direct sun every day. It needs bright indirect light the rest of the day. Direct sun from a south facing window will burn the leaves.

Water: Hoya Plants are Succulent Plants. The soil of a Hoya Plant should dry out almost completely before being watered.  These plants thrive on neglect, but do need additional water when in bloom. Use water that has been left sitting in an open container for 24 hours or more so that chemicals such as chlorine and fluorine in your tap water can dissipate or use distilled water. Chemicals found in tap water, salty water that has passed through a softener, and very cold water can harm a hoya plant. Be sure there are drip holes in the pot so excess water can drain and not cause root rot. Never allow a hoya to sit in water. In the winter, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering so that plant can have a “rest.” This helps the plant bloom more in the spring and summer months.

You can find all of my care tips for hoya plants in the Popular Houseplant section of the website.

https://www.houseplant411.com/houseplant/hoya-plant-how-to-grow-care-tips