Love Hoyas? Here are 60 Popular Species of Hoya Plants.
Despite their similarities between species, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much diversity there is between the species of hoya. Check out these 60 popular species:
Table of Contents
Hoya Background
The Hoya genus was discovered in the early 19th century by Scottish botanist Robert Brown. Brown was on an expedition through West Australia when he discovered this group of plants. Despite discovering the Hoya genus, Brown instead chose to name the genus after his fellow botanist Thomas Hoy.
Today, hoya plants are popular in households worldwide. The Hoya genus is home to approximately 300 different species. This genus of plant can be located throughout the regions of Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands where they appear in a diverse array of geographical formations.
Hoyas are often referred to as “wax plants” or “waxflower” due to the waxy texture of both leaves and flowers. The leaves of the hoya plant are often succulent and vary greatly in size, color, and shape. The flowers of the hoya plants commonly grow in a spherical pattern and are star-shaped.
60 Hoya Species
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1. Hoya carnosa
Common Name:
- Wax Plant
Native Region:
Native to eastern Asia and Australia.
Descriptive Features:
- Flowers are light pink and grow in spherical cluster formations.
- Leaves are dark green, glossy, and oval-shaped.
Learn more about the Hoya Carnosa on this post.
2. Hoya carnosa ‘compacta’
Common Name:
- Wax Plant
- Hindu Rope Plant
Native Region:
Commonly found in the southern region of Asia; namely India & China.
Descriptive Features:
- Features are very similar to that of the classic Hoya carnosa, however the leaves curl around the stem and grow in a vine formation.
- Variegated varieties of the compacta have leaves with pink or white variegations on them.
Find Hindu Rope plant care here.
3. Hoya kerrii
Common Name:
- Sweetheart Hoya
- Valentine Hoya
Native Region:
Southeast Asia
Descriptive Features:
- True to their name, this species of hoya grows green heart-shaped leaves.
- These succulent leaves are very thick and fleshy.
- Grows flowers in small spherical clusters. These flowers range in color from pink to brown and ooze a sap from the flowers.
- The Hoya kerrii enjoys climbing, so be sure to give it a trellis or stake to climb on.
- Has a thick root system, so be prepared to repot this plant yearly.
4. Hoya obovata
Native Region:
South Asia, namely Bhutan
Descriptive Features:
- Plants start their life without any leaves, then grow to develop thick, round leaves. These leaves have no distinctive veins.
- When given enough light, the obovata produces clusters of light pink flowers all year-round.
- Climbing hoya, requires a trellis for optimal growth.
5. Hoya australis
Common Name:
- Waxvine
Native Region:
Found in the rainforests of Australia
Descriptive Features:
- Very commonly cultivated hoya plant, the australis has many varieties.
- Typically has glossy, green oval-shaped leaves.
- Vining variety of hoya, grows best on a trellis.
6. Hoya bella
Image via Tropical Roots Plant Co
Common Name:
- Beautiful Hoya
- Pretty Waxflower
Native Region:
Commonly found in South Asia
Descriptive Features:
- Grows erect in a shrub-like formation.
- Leaves are green and spear-shaped which only grow to about 4 cm in length.
- Flowers bloom in summer and are white/pink star shaped with a pleasant aroma.
7. Hoya linearis
Image Copyright Bubble Blooms
Common Name:
- Hanging Hoya
Native Region:
Commonly found in South Asia
Descriptive Features:
- Thrives on abundant light, consistent watering, and high humidity
- Grows in long, green vines with skinny, spear-shaped leaves.
- Ideal for a hanging planter to allow the vines to drape.
- Beautiful white star-shaped flowers only bloom every 2 years.
8. Hoya curtisii
Image via The Plant Farm
Native Region:
Native to Southeast Asia
Descriptive Features:
- Hanging variety of hoya, grows best in a hanging planter when grown indoors.
- Leaves are extremely unique. Olive green leaves are round and small with flecks of white and purply-silver variegations all over.
- Requires close attention from plant owner. Enjoys consistent watering and bright light.
9. Hoya multiflora
Image via Nursery Plants
Common Name:
- Shooting Star Hoya
Native Region:
Tropical regions of South Asia
Descriptive Features:
- Evergreen climbing plant.
- Leaves are thin and glossy with a deep green hue.
- Stunning flowers are white and star-shaped with neon green tips that earns this hoya its name as the “shooting star hoya”
- This plant is epiphytic, so plant in a potting mix heavy in chunky materials such as tree bark.
10. Hoya kentiana
Image via Tropical Roots Co
Native Region:
Native to South Asia
Descriptive Features:
- Thin, long spindle-shaped leaves that are bright green in color.
- Produces clusters of flowers that range from pink to burgundy in color.
- Only blooms when the right conditions are met; lots of bright light and keep the soil consistently moist, but not too damp.
11. Hoya shepherdii
Image via The Plant Farm
Native Region:
Native to South Asia
Descriptive Features:
- Hanging plant with long, spindle-shaped leaves that are dark green in color.
- Their flower clusters are large and spherical, and produce fuzzy white/pink flowers with a red center.
- This plant thrives in lower light conditions when grown indoors.
12. Hoya lacunosa
Image via The Plant Farm
Native Region:
Native to the Pacific Islands, namely Indonesia
Descriptive Features:
- Compact, vining variety of hoya plant. Ideal for hanging baskets.
- Green, glossy oval-shaped leaves grow on a long vine.
- Flowers form in clusters of 15 and are small and fuzzy in appearance. The flowers are often white with yellow crowns.
13. Hoya pubicalyx
Image via Tropical Roots Plant Co
Native Region:
Native to the Pacific Islands, namely the Philippines.
Descriptive Features:
- This hoya grows a rather unruly vine of green, glossy oval leaves. This plant is ideal for either hanging baskets or climbing on trellises.
- Foliage is prone to wide range of variegated colors, ranging from purple to pink to silver.
- Their star-shaped flower clusters also grow in a range of colors that include dark brown, pink, and bright rose.
14. Hoya retusa
Image via Tropical Roots Plant Co
Native Region:
Native to South Asia
Descriptive Features:
- Green foliage that grows outright in a bizarre pencil-shape; the ends of the leaves appear as if they are abruptly chopped off.
- Cool-weather hoyas that prefer low nighttime temperatures to induce blooming.
- Flowers are the typical star-shaped, but they grow scattered all over the plant instead of the hoya’s usual clusters.
15. Hoya wayetii
Image via the Plant Farm
Native Region:
Native to South Asia
Descriptive Features:
- Hanging hoya that produces glossy, green banana-shaped leaves.
- Enjoys high levels of humidity as well as bright, indirect light.
- Epiphytic plant, so it requires a potting mix that is heavy with chunky materials.
16. Hoya caudata
Image via the Plant Farm
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
- Thick, oval-shaped leaves are a mix of green and silvery-white variegation all over the surface of the leaves.
- Produces clusters of white, fuzzy flowers with red crowns in the center.
- Enjoys high levels of humidity above 50%
17. Hoya macrophylla
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
- Their large, pointed oval leaves are bright green with intricate light green veins all over.
- While these plants bloom small flowers, the macrophylla is mostly revered for its leaves.
- Climbing plant that grows well with a stake or a trellis; reaches a height of 5 feet tall.
18. Hoya memoria ‘gracillis’
Common Name:
Sometimes referred to as the Hoya gracillis
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
- Long, pointed oval leaves. These leaves are glossy and dark green with a white speckled pattern on them.
- Does not climb naturally, but with attachment support, owners can train it to grow on a stake. Otherwise, this plant is perfect for hanging planters.
- Very easy to care for new plant owners.
19. Hoya neocaledonica
Image via Fridays Foliage
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
- Small vining variety
- Produces round leaves that are lime green in color.
- Flowers are yellow with red centers.
20. Hoya fitchii
Image via The Plant Farm
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
- Small, vining variety. Ideal for trellises or staking.
- Leaves are long, pointed oval shapes. Color is olive green with pale green veins covering the entirety of the leaf.
- Flowers are copper-orange with bright pink crowns in the center.
21. Hoya coronaria
Image via Slo Hoyas
Native Region:
Native to South Asia
Descriptive Features:
- Large green, paddle-shaped leaves are covered in a fine layer of fuzz. These leaves are succulent and allows the coronaria to survive under droughty conditions.
- The flower petals of this plant are very thick and the flower resembled that of an ocean starfish.
22. Hoya finlaysonii
Image via The Plant Farm
Native Region:
Native to South Asia
Descriptive Features:
- Foliage grows in a shrub formation on a woody stem.
- Leaves are green and long, spindle-shaped with dark green veins adorning the entirety of the leaf.
- Produces spherical clusters of white flowers with red crowns in the center.
23. Hoya imperialis
Image via Land of Alice Studio
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
- This plant will start out very small, then grow into an absolute giant. This variety of hoya is capable of reaching 30 feet in length
- Foliage is long, glossy green spindle-shaped leaves.
- Flowers have thick petals and resemble a starfish (similar to the coronaria)
24. Hoya skinneriana
Image via Fridays Foliage
Common Name:
- Dee’s Big One
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
- Foliage is typical glossy green, oval-shaped leaves.
- Plant is often purchased for its flowers. Pink and white flowers grow to about 1 inch in diameter and grow in clusters of 20 flowers.
25. Hoya diversifolia
Image via Sproutique
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
- Produces small, oval-shaped leaves. Leaves are green in color with small flecks of lime green or yellow.
- Flowers are very typical hoya flowers; clusters of drooping star-shaped flowers
26. Hoya pachyclada
Image via Sproutique
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
- Very succulent hoya variety with thick, matte green leaves. Leaves are small and round and slightly cup.
- Produces white cluster of flowers rather frequently.
27. Hoya mindorensis
Image via The Plant Farm
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
- Foliage is succulent with long, pointed oval leaves.
- Flowers are red in color and grow in spherical clusters.
- This plant is epiphytic, so plant in a potting mix heavy in chunky materials such as tree bark.
28. Hoya affinis
Image via The Plant Farm
Native Region:
Native to the Solomon Islands
Descriptive Features:
- Foliage grows on winding stems. Leaves are round and paddle-shaped with a bright green hue.
- Flowers grow in 2 inch long clusters that are maroon in color and have a musky aroma.
29. Hoya sigillatis
Image via The Plant Farm
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
- Leaves are 3 inch long, pointed oval shaped. Dark green in color with silver speckled variegation all over the surface of the leaves.
- The flowers are brown in color, and have an aroma similar to caramel.
- This plant is epiphytic, so plant in a potting mix heavy in chunky materials such as tree bark.
30. Hoya acuta
Image via The Plant Farm
Native Region:
Native to Southeast Asia
Descriptive Features:
- Leaves are long, pointed, and spear-shaped. The color of these hoyas vary, though most are green with a splotch of pale yellow-green variegation in the center of the leaf.
31. Hoya pauciflora
Image via Plant Lady 11
Native Region:
Native to Asia.
Descriptive Features:
- Vining hoya plant with long, spindle-shaped leaves that are olive green in hue.
- Produces singular, white flowers that have a dark purple crown in the center.
- Perfect for hanging planters to allow the long vines to hang over the sides.
32. Hoya krohniana
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
- Foliage grows on a singular, long vine.
- Leaves are small, heart-shaped leaves that grow in either pairs or clusters. These leaves are bright green in color.
- Heavily produces clusters of white flowers with a strong, fragrant aroma.
33. Hoya odorata
Common Name:
- Philippine Hoya
Native Region:
Native to the Pacific Islands, namely the Philippines
Descriptive Features:
- The foliage of this plant grown on long, woody stems. The odorata is somewhat of a cross between a vining hoya and a bush hoya.
- Leaves are dark green and glossy, with a long, spindle shape.
- Produces clusters of small white flowers. These flowers are known to have a sweet, citrus aroma.
34. Hoya merrillii
Image via Sproutique
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
- The oval-shaped leaves of this plant are often glossy green with light veins adorning the surface. In bright light, the foliage can become red-tinted.
- Can be planted in either a hanging basket or on a trellis.
- This plant is epiphytic, so plant in a potting mix heavy in chunky materials such as tree bark.
35. Hoya cummingiana
Image via The Hoya Girl
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
- When small, this plant grows in a bushy formation, though begins to trail once it grows into maturity.
- The stems are thick and sturdy, and the leaves are oval-shaped and a glossy green.
- Produces small, white flowers with a spicy aroma.
36. Hoya brevialata
Image via Buds and Blooms NY
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
- A small, compact succulent epiphyte hoya that is perfect for windowsill or desks.
- Its leaves are thick, fleshy and light green in color.
- Flowers grow in clusters that are cream in color and have an aroma similar to caramel.
- Despite being a succulent, this hoya enjoys a moist soil and high humidity levels.
37. Hoya meredithii
Image via the Plant Fern
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
- Vining hoya that is compatible with a trellis or hanging planter.
- Revered for its unique leaves, which are large and bright green with an intricate network of dark green veins.
- Also produces lemon-scented flowers.
- Requires high temperatures and humidity levels in order to keep this plant alive. Best suited for intermediate plant owners.
38. Hoya latifolia
Image via The Plant Farm
Common Name:
Dinner Plate Hoya
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
- Leaves are large, flat, and round. The leaves are a dark, glossy green hue with a network of veins that adorn the leaves. These leaves grow on a study stem.
- Primarily purchased for their beautiful leaves, these plants also produce clusters of flowers.
- This plant can grow quickly, so make sure to give it plenty of space to grow in your home.
39. Hoya globulosa
Image via Slo Hoyas
Native Region:
Native to the Himalayas.
Descriptive Features:
- Leaves are large and paddle-shaped with a glossy bright green hue. In addition, these leaves have dark green veins adorning the surface.
- Flowering is very temperamental, but they can produce clusters of white flowers with red crowns in the center.
- Tolerant of cool temperatures, but requires high levels of humidity over 60%
40. Hoya subcalva
Image via Sproutique
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
- This hoya can grow to as big as 9 feet long, so many sure to give it plenty of room to stretch out!
- Leaves are long and paddle-shaped. When young, these leaves begin as a pale green, but later mature to a deep green hue.
- Produces clusters of 20 pink flowers. These flowers are often described as having a grape-like aroma.
41. Hoya lauterbachii
Image via Nursery Plants
Common Name:
Giant Wax Plant
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
- This plant grows long vines that are adorned with deep green oval-shaped leaves. The leaves are fuzzy in texture.
- It is very difficult to get this flower to bloom indoors. On the bright side, the lauterbachii’s flower emits an unpleasant aroma, so it’s a good thing it’s difficult to bloom!
42. Hoya callistophylla
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
- Climbing variety of hoya, foliage grows on thick, wordy stems.
- Leaves are large and paddle-shaped with a lime-green hue. Adorning the leaves are a dark green vein pattern.
- Produces clusters of red flowers, though this hoya species is often purchased for its leaf pattern.
43. Hoya polyneura
Image via the Plant Farm
Common Name:
Fish-Tail Hoya
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
- True to its nickname, this hoya’s leaves are in the shape of a fish-tail. Similar to the callistophylla, the leaves of this plant are bright green with a darker vein pattern.
- This is considered a very difficult hoya to care for; it is very finicky with temperatures and moisture levels.
44. Hoya undulata
Image via Wild Joyo Nursery
Native Region:
Native to the Pacific Islands, namely Indonesia.
Descriptive Features:
- This hoya has a naturally tattered appearance. Their leaves are long and crinkly, and oftentimes is mistaken for being dead or diseased.
- When exposed to more light, the green hues of these leaves turn red.
45. Hoya aff. serpens
Image via Sproutique
Native Region:
Native to the Himalayas
Descriptive Features:
- This is a trailing succulent with small, coin-shaped green leaves that trail along a green stem.
- Prefers being outdoors, though it needs cooler temperatures to survive.
- It’s not terribly difficult to care for this hoya, though newcomers might find this challenging.
46. Hoya imbricata
Image via Sproutique
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
- The leaves are curled and adorn a thin, woody vine. These leaves are green with a silver speckled pattern all over.
- These fascinating curled leaves serve a symbiotic purpose; they allow ants to tunnel through the inside of the leaves, giving them protection from the elements.
47. Hoya elliptica
Image via the Plant Farm
Common Name:
Turtle Shell Hoya
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
- True to its nickname, this hoya’s leaves have an interesting grid-like pattern on them that strongly bears resemblance to a turtle shell.
- The leaves are bright green with white veining.
- Produces small clusters of red and pink flowers.
48. Hoya megalaster
Image via Sproutique
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
Vining hoya that is perfect for trellises or staking.
Leaves are large, pointed oval shapes with bright green veins adorning the leaves.
Conditions have to be met in order to bloom. Produces large pink/red flowers with a scent similar to vanilla.
49. Hoya spartiodes
Image via Ritter Orchids
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
- The leaves of this plant do not look like leaves at all. The leaves are long and thin, with a stringy appearance.
- At the very end of the leaves, flowers bloom (albeit only for a day). These flowers are bright orange in color.
50. Hoya macgillivrayi
Image via The Hoya Girl
Native Region:
Native to Australia
Descriptive Features:
- This hoya produces large heart-shaped leaves that are a glossy dark green.
- Produces large, waxy flowers that are maroon with flecks of lilac in the center.
- Frequent training and pruning are a necessity for this hoya, otherwise it will run rampant all over your home.
51. Hoya guppyi
Image via NurseSeries | Follow on IG Here
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
- Looks like a very typical hoya plant; climbing variety with glossy green oval-shaped leaves.
- Produces maroon-hued flowers with very thick petals that resemble a starfish.
52. Hoya madulidii
Image via Root and Fin
Native Region:
Native to the Philippines
Descriptive Features:
- The foliage of this hoya is described has being “hairy,” due to the light fuzz that covers the green oval-shaped leaves.
- The flowers produced are thick and waxy in texture, and often a yellow/brown color.
53. Hoya erythrina
Image via Sproutique
Native Region:
Rare in the wild, though originally native to Asia.
Descriptive Features:
- Plants are slow-growing and leafless in their juvenile period.
- When leaves begin to grow, they start off as a green and bronze color, but eventually turn bright green and wavy.
- Produces fuzzy, yellow flowers.
54. Hoya nummularioides
Image via the Plant Farm
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
- Dark, dull green leaves are cupped downwards.
- While they only produce blooms once a year, they will profusely bloom a cluster of 15 white flowers that have a spicy aroma.
- This plant is best kept in a small pot with plenty of bright light.
55. Hoya pentaphlebia
Image via Pamstr Plants
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
- The leaves of this plant is very typical for hoyas; they have waxy, dark green leaves.
- Produces fascinating waxy yellow flower clusters. These clusters can contain up to 35 flowers and bloom between spring to fall.
- This is a large plant, so be prepared to make enough space for it in your home.
56. Hoya diptera
Image via The Plant Farm
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
- This is a climbing hoya with a thick stem. The leaves of this plant are dark green with a pointed oval shape.
- Produces waxy white flowers with a pink center.
57. Hoya mindorensis
Image via The Plant Farm
Native Region:
Native to the Philippines
Descriptive Features:
- This is a trailing, succulent hoya plant that produces thick, green leaves. It is best suited for a hanging planter.
- Their flowers range from a variety of different colors, which include yellow, red, or orange. These fuzzy flowers grow in spherical clusters.
58. Hoya angustifolia
Image via CactilandiaPlants
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
- This is a hanging hoya plant, perfect for a hanging basket to allow these long, thick stems to drape over.
- Leaves are long, spindle-shaped and range in bright green to dark green.
- Produces small, fuzzy purple flowers.
59. Hoya benguetensis
Native Region:
Native to the Philippines
Descriptive Features:
- Leaves are long and spindle-shaped with intense veiny patterns on its leaves. These leaves are smooth and waxy, and can burn red when exposed to enough light.
- Also produces waxy clusters of flowers that are peach colored with red crowns in the center.
60. Hoya paziae
Image via The Hoya Girl
Native Region:
Native to Asia
Descriptive Features:
- While this is a bushing variety of hoya, its long stems are perfect to use for a hanging basket.
- Unlike many other hoya plants, this variety has thin leaves.
- During the fall, it sparingly blooms white flowers with a pink center.
How to Care For Hoya Plants
Hoya plants are an incredibly unique and diverse genus of plants. Because of their extreme diversity, it is often hard to pinpoint a general care guide for all hoya plants.
Most hoya plants enjoy a soil that is lightly moist at all times. You’ll notice many hoyas are epiphytic and require a special potting mix that contains high amounts of chunky material, such as tree bark or pumice stone.
Because of the waxy texture of most hoya leaves, you might notice hard water spots on the leaves of your plants. While this is in no way detrimental to your plant’s health, it can make your plant look unkempt.
To properly polish your hoya leaves, dip a microfiber cloth in a solution of 1:10 lemon juice and water and gently wipe the leaves of your plant.
Overall, I highly recommend doing research on the specific species of hoya that you own just to be completely safe. While hoya plants can have so many similarities, they’re incredibly different at the same time.
Check these other hoya houseplant posts!
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