Hoya Carnosa 'Tricolor'
Best low-maintenance vining plant for busy indoor gardeners.
Discover the enchanting Hoya Carnosa 'Tricolor', also known as the Porcelain Flower or Wax Plant. This established houseplant showcases long, vining stems adorned with waxy, deep green leaves, often flecked with silver or creamy white. It's celebrated for its star-shaped, sweet-smelling blooms that appear in charming clusters. Ideal for bright, indirect light and high humidity, this plant thrives with minimal fuss, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts. Guide its growth on a trellis for a fuller display.
$24.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
141
/ 9218
#141 in Potted Houseplants
Price vs Category Average
-52%
Below average
Plant Type
Flowering Plant
/ Flowering Plant
Who it's for
- Interior decorators seeking high-contrast, colorful foliage
- Busy plant owners needing a low-effort, resilient companion
- Hanging basket enthusiasts wanting fragrant, trailing displays
Who should skip it
- Impatient gardeners wanting immediate, lush growth
- Apartment dwellers lacking bright, indirect light sources
- Pest-averse owners wanting a low-maintenance, bug-free experience
Performance breakdown
Foliage aesthetic
Variegated leaves provide striking visual contrast in any indoor space.
Ease of care
Low maintenance requirements make this an ideal choice for busy owners.
Fragrance impact
Sweet floral scent adds a sensory layer to your home environment.
Growth versatility
Vining habit allows for creative styling on trellises or hanging baskets.
Environmental adaptability
Requires consistent high humidity to reach its full growth potential.
Pet safety
Toxic to household pets, requiring careful placement away from curious animals.
Key Specs
Plant Type
Flowering Plant
Scientific Name
Hoya carnosa
Light Requirement
Bright Indirect Light
Humidity Requirement
High
Water Requirement
Allow soil to dry out between waterings
Care Level
Easy
Watering Frequency
Low
Growth Habit
Vining
Features
- Produces fragrant, star-shaped flowers
- Waxy, attractive foliage with unique flecks
- Vining habit for decorative displays
- Easy care for busy lifestyles
- Thrives in high humidity
- Established plant ready for display
- Suitable for trellising
- Bright indirect light preferred
What customers say
Customer satisfaction centers on the Hoya Carnosa Tricolor's exceptional aesthetic quality and robust health upon delivery. Reviewers frequently highlight the vibrant, mature variegation, often exceeding expectations set by product images. The plant consistently arrives lush and full, indicating superior cultivation. A key positive theme is the meticulous packaging, which successfully protects this delicate trailing plant during shipping, ensuring a smooth transition to a new environment. While the premium pricing is noted by some buyers, the overwhelming consensus is that the superior quality and established specimen justify the investment. This Hoya is highly recommended for enthusiasts seeking unique beauty and reliable health.
Know before you buy
While it doesn't strictly require one, it is a vining plant that benefits significantly from a trellis. Providing a support structure encourages a fuller, more organized display as the stems grow.
This plant prefers to dry out between waterings. Check the soil moisture and only water when it feels dry to the touch, as Hoya roots are sensitive to being kept constantly soggy.
No, the Hoya Carnosa 'Tricolor' is not considered pet-safe. It is best to keep this plant in a location that is inaccessible to curious pets.
To encourage those fragrant, star-shaped flowers, place your Hoya in a spot with bright, indirect light. While it can survive in lower light, it is unlikely to bloom without sufficient brightness.
You can increase humidity by grouping it with other plants, using a pebble tray with water, or placing it in a naturally humid room like a bathroom with a window. Misting is an option, though it provides only temporary relief.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$25