What it is: This listing is Hoya australis (common wax flower, wax vine), grown as a hanging basket, with thick, smooth, rounded to oval leaves (NC State Extension). It belongs to the Hoya genus in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae).

Light: Bright light gives the best blooming (NC State Extension), but keep it out of hot summer sun, which can scorch the leaves (RHS). NC State Extension notes the leaves darken in low light and turn more yellow in too much light. Grow bulbs in a nearby lamp can help through dark winters.

Watering & care: It likes to be pot-bound in a well-drained mix (NC State Extension). Water when the mix has dried, and don't overwater, because that can lead to root rot (NC State Extension). The RHS recommends moderate to high humidity. A room humidifier is the most effective way to raise humidity; a pebble tray gives only a small, local boost. Watch for mealybugs, aphids, scale and spider mites (NC State Extension).

Winter indoors: Hoyas go semi-dormant in winter. Keep it a little cooler and drier, and water moderately once the mix is fairly dry, but never let it dry out completely (RHS). Keep it away from cold windows, drafts and heaters. It grows best at 16–24 °C (61–75 °F) in spring and summer (RHS).

Flowers: It tends to flower sooner than many other hoyas (NC State Extension). Never remove old flower stalks (spurs), because new flowers form on them in later years (NC State Extension). Don't move a plant once it has buds, because changing light can make the buds drop (RHS). Blooming and scent are not guaranteed.

Expected indoor size: It climbs by twining and can also cascade (NC State Extension). Indoors its stems lengthen over the years; how far depends on light, support and care, and young plants are far smaller. Light pruning in late winter or early spring keeps it tidy (RHS).

Feeding: Hoyas need only light feeding: about every couple of weeks in spring and summer with a balanced feed (ideally urea-free), reduced to about once a month in autumn and winter (RHS). Our All Purpose Fertilizer works at the label dilution. Flush the pot with plain water every few months to prevent salt build-up, and don't feed for 5–6 weeks after repotting (RHS). For plants old enough to flower, some growers also use a bloom feed such as Gaia Green Powerbloom fertilizer; follow its label.

Pets: NC State Extension lists Hoya australis as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Still keep plants out of reach of pets that chew, and wear gloves when pruning, because the milky sap can irritate skin (RHS).

About your plant: Every plant is a little different. Size, fullness and leaf count vary from plant to plant and change with age and light. The size option (8") refers to the hanging basket diameter. It does not guarantee an exact plant height or leaf count. Photos and the shared gallery image show typical plants from our greenhouse, not the specific plant you will receive. Flowers in photos are from mature plants; your plant may not be in bloom or old enough to flower.