Light
Bright indirect • approx. 10,000–20,000 lux
Apocynaceae
Hoya imperialis 'Red'
Wax Plant
- Curated selection:
Every plant is hand‑picked for health and visual appeal, so you receive a strong, well‑established plant.
- Representative photos:
Product images show a typical plant of this variety. Natural differences in leaf number, shape or variegation are normal, your plant will still match in type and quality.
- Size details:
Listed sizes refer to pot diameter (cm) and approximate overall height (cm) from the base of the pot to the tallest leaf or stem.
- “Get What You See” items:
If you are buying the exact plant shown in the photos, this is clearly stated in the size section.
- Individual photos:
One‑off photos are only provided when this is explicitly mentioned in the size section. - For special traits or small quirks, please check the full product description.
VAT included · plus
Your new plant has just travelled a long way and needs a calm start in its new home. For step-by-step unboxing and first-week care, check our after-delivery care guide. For deeper tips on how your plant settles in over the next weeks, read our houseplant acclimatization guide.
- Care basics , Main hub with links to all houseplant care guides.
- After delivery & first week , Unpacking, first placement, and early recovery.
- Light, How much light houseplants really need indoors.
- Watering , When to water and how to avoid root rot.
- Substrates & roots, Potting mixes and drainage for strong root systems.
- Humidity, When humidity matters and what actually helps.
- Fertilizing, Simple feeding routine without burning roots.
- Problems & pests, Yellow leaves, brown tips, bugs, and fixes that work.
- Semi-hydro, How to run low-maintenance mineral substrates.
Secure shipping, carefully packed orders with safe delivery across the EU, UK and Switzerland.
28-day plant guarantee, if a plant arrives damaged or fails soon after delivery, we help you make it right.
Free returns, simple, cost-free returns according to our policy.
For full details, please see:
Please head to our FAQ Page or Contact us.
Care at a glance
Hoya imperialis 'Red'
Watering
Water when ~50–70% dry
Substrate
Airy + fast-draining • Light moisture buffer • Bark-based • Medium-chunky
Temperature
Ideal: 16–24 °C • Avoid below: 10 °C
Humidity
Humid 60–80 % +
Growth habit
Climbing or trailing epiphytic perennial vine.
Support
recommended
Growth speed
Average
Max size indoors
Max. trail length: 100 cm • Max. spread: 50 cm
Toxicity & safety
Non-toxic
Origin & habitat
Cultivar of Hoya imperialis; species native from Peninsular Thailand to western and central Malesia
Outdoor growing
Outside from 15 °C · sheltered from wind and rain
How to read these values
These care values are quick reference points for indoor growing. Use them as a guide, then adjust for pot size, substrate, temperature and how quickly the substrate dries.
For more detail, read the full product description or visit our Plant Care Guides.
- Light: level and approximate lux at leaf level.
- Watering: “% dry” shows how far the substrate should dry before watering again.
- Substrate: structure, drainage, moisture retention, base material and particle size.
- Temperature: “Ideal” shows the preferred range; “Avoid below” marks the cold-stress threshold.
- Humidity: target range; steady conditions usually matter more than exact numbers.
- Growth habit: how the plant grows, such as upright, climbing, trailing, clumping or rosette-forming.
- Support: whether a stake, pole or trellis is needed, optional or unnecessary.
- Growth speed: expected pace under suitable indoor conditions; use as a guide, not a promise.
- Max size indoors: realistic long-term indoor size under good conditions.
- Toxicity & safety: irritation, toxicity or physical hazards such as spines or bristles.
- Origin & habitat: native range, hybrid background or typical habitat where relevant.
- Outdoor growing: when a potted indoor plant can be placed outside and what outdoor protection it needs.
Hoya imperialis ‘Red’ – Giant-Flowered Tropical Vine for Bright Indoors
Hoya imperialis ‘Red’ is a bold, large-flowered cultivar of Hoya imperialis Lindl., a species known for producing the largest blooms in the genus. Each flower can reach up to 10 cm across and displays velvety, deep red petals with a subtle evening scent. Combined with thick, glossy green leaves and a vigorous vining habit, this plant is a must-have for collectors seeking an exotic, easy-care tropical houseplant.
Quick Facts: Hoya imperialis ‘Red’
- Flower size: Up to 10 cm diameter
- Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
- Growth habit: Slow to moderate vining climber
- Humidity: 60% or higher preferred
- Safe for pets: Non-toxic but not for ingestion
Key Features of Hoya imperialis ‘Red’
- Massive Blooms: Clusters of red, star-shaped flowers with a velvety texture and evening fragrance.
- Foliage: Large, thick green leaves with a waxy surface, approx. 10 cm long.
- Growth Form: A climbing tropical vine that can be trained on a trellis or allowed to trail in a hanging basket.
Care Guide for Hoya imperialis ‘Red’
- Light: Bright, indirect light promotes growth and flowering. Avoid harsh direct sun to prevent leaf scorching.
- Watering: Let the top 2 – 3 cm of soil dry before watering. Reduce watering frequency in lower light or cooler conditions.
- Humidity: Prefers 60% or higher. Use a humidifier or cluster with other plants to increase ambient humidity.
- Soil: Use a chunky, well-draining mix: orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir or peat-free potting soil.
- Temperature: Ideal range is 18 – 26 °C. Avoid cold drafts and temperature extremes.
- Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly throughout the year. No need to adjust seasonally.
Encouraging Blooms on Hoya imperialis ‘Red’
- Keep slightly root-bound – this often encourages flowering in mature plants.
- Maintain bright, indirect light consistently throughout the year.
- Reduce watering slightly in cooler months to simulate dry season triggers.
Common Issues and Solutions
- Yellowing Leaves: Often caused by overwatering. Check drainage and let the soil dry out more between waterings.
- Drooping or wrinkled leaves: Can signal underwatering or low humidity. Adjust watering and environment accordingly.
- Pests: Watch for spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Treat early with neem oil, insecticidal soap, or beneficial insects.
- Lack of blooms: Ensure sufficient light, avoid oversized pots, and maintain consistent feeding.
Growth and Display Tips
- Training: Provide a trellis or hoop to encourage vertical growth. Prune lightly to maintain shape and promote bushiness.
- Repotting: Every 2 – 3 years or when rootbound. Use a pot with good drainage.
- Cleaning: Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth to remove dust and improve photosynthesis.
Natural Habitat
Hoya imperialis is native to lowland tropical forests of Borneo, the Philippines, and parts of Malaysia, where it grows as an epiphyte in warm, humid, shaded environments. Mimicking these conditions – filtered light, high humidity, and good airflow – will help the plant thrive indoors.
Etymology
The genus Hoya was named in honor of Thomas Hoy (c. 1750 – 1822), an English botanist and horticulturist. The species name imperialis refers to the regal, crown-like appearance of its massive blooms. The cultivar name ‘Red’ highlights the flower’s deep crimson color, which distinguishes it from other forms such as pink or white.
Taxonomic citation: Hoya imperialis Lindl., published in Bot. Reg. Sub T. 68 (1846).
Bring Home Hoya imperialis ‘Red’
Hoya imperialis ‘Red’ is one of the most dramatic and rewarding flowering Hoyas. Its giant blooms and robust foliage make it ideal for trellised displays or statement planters. Order yours today and enjoy the tropical grandeur of this rare vining houseplant.
Plant names, growth habits, natural habitats and indoor care guidance are checked against trusted botanical, habitat and horticultural references before publication.View our plant care resources and references.
Choose options
Hoya imperialis 'Red'
Sale price€49,00
FAQs about Hoya imperialis 'Red'
Recently viewed:
Sign up for Foliage Factory newsletter for early access to new arrivals and practical care tips that work in real homes.