Hoya Australis Lisa - The Watercolour Wax Plant
If ever a plant looked like a living painting, it's the Hoya Australis Lisa. This stunning cultivar burst onto the plant scene in the mid-2000s and essentially started the entire variegated Hoya craze that continues to this day. One look at those leaves, splashed with shades of dark green, lime, creamy yellow, soft pink, and ruby red, and you'll understand exactly why collectors went wild for it.
The 'Lisa' is a variegated form of Hoya australis ssp. tenuipes, an Australian native discovered on the northeast coast back in the 1770s. While the original species is a handsome plant in its own right, 'Lisa' takes things to an entirely different level with her multicoloured foliage that genuinely resembles a watercolour painting.
But the beauty doesn't stop at the leaves. When happy and mature, this Hoya produces clusters of waxy, star-shaped flowers that smell absolutely divine, a sweet blend of vanilla and chocolate that intensifies in the evening. It's the kind of scent that stops you in your tracks and makes you lean in for another sniff.
The Foliage
New leaves on the Hoya Lisa emerge in stunning shades of ruby red, burgundy, and soft peach. As they mature, they develop the characteristic variegation, a beautiful mix of dark green, lime green, creamy yellow, and sometimes pink tones. No two leaves are exactly alike, and the colours shift and develop as the plant grows.
The leaves are thick and waxy, typical of Hoyas, giving them that characteristic 'wax plant' feel. This semi-succulent quality means the plant stores water in its foliage, making it remarkably drought tolerant and forgiving if you forget to water occasionally.
Being a variegated cultivar, some leaves may display more variegation than others, and you might occasionally see leaves that revert to the plain green of the parent plant. This is completely normal and doesn't affect the overall health or beauty of the specimen.
The Flowers
Hoya Lisa flowers are one of the great rewards of growing this plant. They appear in clusters called umbels, typically containing multiple star-shaped blooms. The flowers are creamy white to pale pink, often with a burgundy or reddish-pink centre (corona), and have that distinctive waxy, porcelain-like quality that gives Hoyas their 'porcelain flower' nickname.
The fragrance is truly special. Described as a blend of vanilla, chocolate, and sometimes cherry or spice, the scent becomes particularly potent in the evening. Imagine a living air freshener that fills your room with natural perfume.
Flowering typically occurs in late summer and autumn when day length begins to shorten. Under ideal conditions, the plant may bloom multiple times per year. One important note: never remove the flower stalks (peduncles) after blooming, as new flowers will emerge from the same points in future seasons.
Light Requirements
Bright indirect light is the sweet spot for Hoya Lisa. She'll tolerate some gentle morning sun or late afternoon rays, but avoid harsh midday sun which can scorch those beautiful variegated leaves.
Light is crucial for maintaining variegation and encouraging blooms. Too little light and you may notice the leaves becoming more green than variegated, and flowering will be less likely. A position near an east or west-facing window is often ideal.
If you want to encourage flowering, providing roughly equal periods of light and darkness (around 12 hours each) can help trigger bud formation. This naturally occurs as days shorten in autumn, which is why many Hoyas bloom during this period.
Watering
Thanks to those semi-succulent leaves, Hoya Lisa is fairly drought tolerant and would rather be underwatered than overwatered. Allow the top half of the soil to dry out between waterings. When you do water, water thoroughly and let it drain completely.
Overwatering is the most common way to harm a Hoya. If you notice yellowing leaves, you're likely watering too frequently. On the other hand, if leaves start to pucker or feel thin, the plant is telling you it's thirsty. When in doubt, wait a few more days before watering.
Reduce watering in winter when growth slows naturally.
Humidity and Temperature
Average household humidity of 40-50% is perfectly fine for Hoya Lisa. She's quite adaptable and doesn't demand the high humidity that some tropical plants require. That said, if you can provide 50-60% humidity, she'll thrive even more.
Temperature-wise, keep her in the 15-27°C range. She's not frost tolerant and will struggle below 10°C. Avoid placing near cold drafts, air conditioning vents, or heating units.
Potting and Soil
Hoyas prefer well-draining soil that allows good air circulation around the roots. A mix of quality potting mix with orchid bark, perlite, and perhaps some peat or coco coir works beautifully. You want a mix that holds some moisture but drains freely.
Here's an important tip: Hoyas actually prefer to be slightly rootbound. This means you don't need to rush to repot, and doing so too frequently can actually stress the plant and delay flowering. Only repot when truly necessary, typically every 2-3 years or when roots are significantly overcrowded.
When you do repot, terracotta pots are an excellent choice as they allow the soil to dry more evenly.
Feeding
Feed with Growth Technology Foliage Focus at 3ml per litre during the growing season (spring through summer). You can switch to a bloom-focused fertiliser when the plant is producing flowers. Feed monthly, and reduce or stop fertilising in winter.
Hoyas are not heavy feeders, so don't overdo it. A light, consistent feeding schedule is better than occasional heavy doses.
Display and Support
Hoya Lisa is naturally a vining plant and can be displayed in several ways. Allow her to trail from a hanging basket or high shelf, train her to climb a trellis or moss pole, or let her cascade over the edges of bookcases and plant stands.
The vines can become quite long over time, potentially reaching several metres. Regular pruning will keep the plant bushier if you prefer a more compact shape, but be conservative as over-pruning can delay flowering. Always leave some older growth as this is where flowers are most likely to appear.
Perfect For
- Hoya collectors and enthusiasts
- Anyone wanting a low-maintenance flowering houseplant
- Pet owners seeking safe, beautiful plants
- Those who love variegated foliage
- Plant parents who sometimes forget to water
- Hanging baskets and trailing displays
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't my Hoya Lisa flowering?
Hoyas typically need to be fairly mature to flower, and they bloom best when slightly rootbound. Ensure your plant is getting enough bright indirect light, and try not to disturb it too much. Flowering often occurs when day length shortens in autumn. Patience is key with Hoyas.
Why are my new leaves coming out mostly green?
This usually indicates the plant needs more light. Move it to a brighter position (still avoiding harsh direct sun) and new growth should show improved variegation. Already-grown leaves won't change, but future leaves should be more colourful.
Can I propagate Hoya Lisa?
Yes! Stem cuttings are the best method. Take a cutting with at least two nodes, allow the cut end to callus for a day or two, then root in water or a well-draining mix. Spring and summer are the best times for propagation. Note that plants grown from seed won't come true to the variegated parent.
Should I remove the flower stalks after blooming?
No! This is one of the most important tips for Hoya care. The flower stalks (peduncles) will produce new flowers in future seasons. Removing them means losing potential blooms.
Is Hoya Lisa pet safe?
Yes! Hoyas are listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA, making them safe for households with cats and dogs.
Please Keep in Mind
Hoya Lisa is a cultivar, meaning it was created through selective breeding rather than occurring naturally in the wild. As a variegated plant, leaf colouration can vary, with some leaves showing more variegation than others. This is completely normal and part of the plant's charm. New growth often emerges with beautiful red and pink tones before developing the characteristic variegation as leaves mature. This Hoya is pet safe and easy to care for, making it suitable for beginners and experienced plant parents alike.
If you are from a quarantine restricted state and would like to purchase this plant, we recommend using Paradise Distributors concierge service. Make sure to contact them prior to purchasing: info@rareplants.net.au
Shipping & Greenhouse Collection
Let's Talk About How Your Plants Get to You!
Alright, so here's the deal with shipping - we try our best to send all our plants potted and ready to go, but sometimes due to larger orders or when we're moving through some big changes, we'll send some plants semi-bare rooted. If you haven't come across this before, it basically means we carefully remove a bunch of the soil before packing them up. I know that might sound a bit scary if you've never ordered plants online before, but trust me, this is actually a really smart way to do it! The main reason we do this is because it creates so much more room in the box, which means we can fit way more plants in one shipment for you. More plants in one box = more green goodness arriving at your door at once! The plants honestly handle the journey better without all that heavy, wet soil sloshing around too. Just make sure you've got some fresh potting mix ready to go when your green babies arrive, because they'll want to get tucked into their new home pretty quickly!
Now, let's chat about what actually fits in our boxes. We can safely fit about 4-6 plants in one box, or if you're stocking up on supplies, one box can hold 3 bags of medium plus 1L of Growth Technology. We really don't recommend adding heavy items with your plants though - it just puts extra stress on your precious plants during transit and limits how many we can fit. If your order ends up being heavier than our standard box can handle, we'll reach out to you about additional postage fees. We're always transparent about costs, no sneaky surprises!
When Does Everything Ship Out?
Here's how our timeline works - we process and ship orders the week after you place them. So if you order on a Tuesday, your plants will get packed and sent out sometime the following week. We ship Monday through Friday (because let's be real, we all need weekends to recharge!), and we're aiming to get your order out within 4-6 business days of processing. Sometimes things take a tiny bit longer because we're a small but mighty team, and we take absolute care in making sure every single plant is packed perfectly. Like, we're talking individual attention for each plant here. We don't rush this stuff!
Once your order ships, you'll get an email with your tracking number. If you haven't received that tracking email, it just means we're still working on your order - it hasn't left us yet. Please be patient with us! We promise we're working as fast as we can while still making sure everything is done right. We pack orders in chronological order to keep things fair for everyone, so no one's getting special treatment or jumping the queue. First come, first served, that's how we roll!
The Journey to Your Doorstep
All our orders ship with Australia Post, and here's something cool - they operate 24/7! That means even if your order gets sent out on a Friday afternoon, it's still making its way to you over the weekend. The postal system doesn't sleep, and honestly, that's pretty amazing for getting plants to you quickly. You can generally expect your plants to arrive within 2-7 days after we ship them, depending on where you are in Australia. Metro areas tend to be quicker, regional spots might take the full week, but either way, your tracking number will keep you in the loop the whole time.
And here's the thing that always blows people's minds - our plants are absolute troopers. We've tested this extensively, and they can genuinely survive in their boxes for up to three weeks if needed. Obviously we don't want them sitting around that long, but life happens, mail gets delayed sometimes, and we want you to know that your plants are prepped and ready to handle whatever the postal system throws at them. While we do our best to avoid delays, occasional unforeseen circumstances may slightly impact delivery times, but rest assured, your plants are packed with extra care and are tougher than you think!
Quarantine States (WA, NT, TAS)
We currently only ship directly to non-quarantine states. Unfortunately, biosecurity restrictions make it pretty complicated to send plants to Western Australia, Northern Territory, and Tasmania. But don't worry, we've got a solution for you! If you're from a quarantine restricted state and would like to purchase plants from us, we recommend using Paradise Distributors' concierge service. They're absolute legends and can handle all the biosecurity paperwork and requirements for you. Make sure to contact them prior to purchasing so they can give you all the details and help you out: info@rareplants.net.au
Come Visit the Greenhouse! (Rockdale)
If you're local or just love the idea of picking up your order in person, we've got you covered! Greenhouse collection from our Rockdale location is available the same week you make your purchase. Our opening hours are always changing, so make sure to check booking availability on our 'Visit the Greenhouse' page before purchasing. After you've paid for your order, just head over and book a time slot that works for you. You'll get to pick up your plants AND have a wander through the greenhouse while you're here, which honestly is such a vibe. Just please wear a mask if you're feeling unwell - it's a small space and we want to keep everyone safe and healthy!
Catch Us at Markets!
We do regular markets around Sydney and would love to meet you in person! If you'd prefer to skip shipping altogether and grab your order at one of our market stalls, just email us at info@growinggroundsaustralia.com and we can arrange collection at an upcoming market. It's a great way to chat plants face-to-face, see what else we've got on the day, and save on postage!
Questions? We're Here for You!
If you've got any questions about shipping, tracking, or literally anything else, please don't hesitate to contact us at info@growinggroundsaustralia.com. We love chatting with you guys and we're always happy to help troubleshoot, answer questions, or just talk plants!
Much love from the GG's Team 🌱
