Wax plant care guide

Pets and children

We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.

How often to water Wax plant

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Every 7 days

The thick leaves store water, so as a guide water thoroughly only after the soil has dried out.

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Every 10 days

Water about two to three days after the soil dries; keeping it on the dry side encourages flower buds.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Every 14 days

Water sparingly about a week after the soil dries; waiting until the leaves wrinkle slightly is fine.

Light and placement for Wax plant

Bright light through a sheer curtain is generally best: the brighter the spot, the more readily it flowers, while in dim light it stretches and stays flowerless; avoid midsummer direct sun, which scorches the leaves.

Overwintering Wax plant

Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above

Move it to a bright spot indoors when nights fall below about 10°C; it tolerates roughly 5°C if kept fairly dry and away from cold windowpanes.

Fertilizing and repotting Wax plant

Fertilizer

Diluted liquid feed about once or twice a month from May to September; too much gives leaves at the expense of flowers, and none is needed in winter.

When to repot

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Common problems with Wax plant

• Overwatering rots the roots; the leaves yellow and drop.
• Cutting off the spent flower stalks removes next year's blooms.
• In a dark spot the vines stretch and no flowers form.

Tips for growing Wax plant

• The short spurs that carried flowers bloom again from the same spot each year, so leave them on.
• It flowers better slightly pot-bound, so repotting every few years is enough.
• Vine cuttings with a node root easily in soil or water.

More foliage plant care guides

• Weeping figFicus benjamina
• Whale fin snake plantDracaena masoniana
• White bird of paradiseStrelitzia nicolai
• Wire vineMuehlenbeckia complexa
• Zebra plantGoeppertia zebrina
• ZZ plantZamioculcas zamiifolia