Hoya Australis Tricolor aka Wax Plant (4 Inch Nursery Pot and Up)

Hoya australis 'Tricolor' is a popular cultivar of Hoya australis, a species of flowering plant in the Apocynaceae family. It's commonly known as the "Wax Plant" or "Porcelain Flower" due to its waxy and often fragrant flowers. The 'Tricolor' variety is prized for its attractive variegated foliage, which sets it apart from the standard Hoya australis.

Like other Hoyas, Hoya australis 'Tricolor' is a vining plant. It produces long, slender stems that can climb or hang, making it a popular choice for hanging baskets or for training on trellises or stakes.

While the main appeal of 'Tricolor' is its foliage, it can also produce clusters of star-shaped flowers. The flowers are waxy in texture and are typically pink to mauve in color, with a sweet fragrance. However, it's important to note that flowering might not occur unless the plant is in optimal conditions.

Hoya australis 'Tricolor' thrives in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, while too little light can lead to reduced variegation. It prefers well-draining soil and should be watered moderately, allowing the top inch or so of the soil to dry out between waterings. Like many Hoyas, it's relatively drought-tolerant.

This plant can be propagated through stem cuttings. Take a cutting with a few nodes, allow it to callous for a day or two, and then plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil lightly moist until roots develop.

Hoya australis 'Tricolor' is commonly grown as a houseplant, particularly in regions where outdoor conditions might not be suitable year-round.