Wax Flower Care: [Soil, Humidity and Pruning]

The wax flower, also called mother-of-pearl flower, or porcelain flower, is an extremely attractive ornamental plant due to the thick, fleshy appearance of its flowers and leaves.

As well as for its waxy texture and sweet aroma. It also has the ability to purify the air inside the home.

Although it is an easy plant to grow, it is necessary to know and comply with some essential conditions and aspects for it to grow properly.

If you are interested in knowing them, we invite you to read this brief guide with the care of the wax flower. We hope they’re useful to you.

What soil needs does the wax flower have?

This plant is not usually demanding regarding the type of soil and can grow with almost any substrate due to its tolerance to slightly alkaline soils, with clay, sand and loam.

However, it prefers an acid medium, rich in nutrients, fibrous, well drained and porous. A good substrate can be made up of Peat Moss, perlite and cactus mix, at a ratio of 1:1:1.

It is also possible to make mixtures with peat, perlite, coarse sand and a little charcoal, or a substrate for African violets with perlite.

On the other hand, commercial or universal substrates also work, but it is preferable to add materials that favor drainage such as perlite, pumice stone or ceramic balls.

How to make the wax flower grow strong and vigorous?

The wax flower is a very noble plant as it more than responds to the essential care it needs to grow strong and vigorous. We share them briefly below.

Climate and Temperature

The wax flower is typical of warm climates, so it is recommended to grow it in regions and places with daytime temperatures between 20°C and 30°C, and night temperatures between 12°C and 18°C.

Being from 15°C to 25°C the range in which its optimum temperature is found. In case of not having the optimum temperature, it can be grown perfectly indoors.

In fact, it has some tolerance to low temperatures, but it should never be exposed to frost, as it causes severe damage.

Light

Good lighting is one of the main cares for the wax flower, since it directly intervenes in flowering. As such, it should be located in areas with bright, indirect light, such as next to north-facing windows.

It is important to avoid mid-day and evening light, as it is very powerful and could burn the plant. On the other hand, although they tolerate low levels of light, the production of flowers and buds will be reduced, so it is better to locate it in bright places.

Pots

Most growers recommend growing this plant in pots or baskets. It is recommended to use those pieces with a small size so that the roots can be kept compact.

Fertilizer

It should be fed monthly, or fortnightly, with a soluble fertilizer diluted in water during the development and flowering stage, that is, during the spring and summer months.

What humidity does the wax flower need?

The wax flower needs to be found in spaces where the relative humidity is between 40% and 60%.

To do this, you can spray the leaves, but never on the plant that is sprouting or in flower. Regarding irrigation, this plant is drought tolerant.

However, it is necessary to apply deep watering when the soil is dry, especially during the growth phase, flowering, as well as throughout the summer.

During the winter, the frequency of watering should decrease. An easy way to tell when your wax flower needs water is to check the leaves.

If they look plump, watering can wait a bit. However, if the leaves have a shriveled appearance, irrigation should be applied as soon as possible.

Is it necessary to prune the wax flower?

As such, pruning is not one of the essential care of the wax flower, since its growth rate is slow, in addition, it is a climbing plant and needs support to develop.

However, damaged or withered flowers, stems or leaves can be removed to prevent disease outbreak.

How often should we prune the wax flower?

Both the flowers and the leaves of the wax flower last a long time, so pruning of wilted components is done occasionally and infrequently, unless the plant is diseased or suffering from a pest.

How to prevent pests and diseases from appearing on the wax flower?

The wax flower is usually a very hardy plant. However, it can present problems due to excessive heat, lack of moisture in the substrate and in the environment, lack or excess of light and nutrients, as well as the passage of cold air currents.

With regard to pests, you can suffer from the presence of nematodes, mealybugs, aphids and mosquitoes. To prevent its appearance, the periodic application of Neem oil or potassium soap is recommended.

On the other hand, they are susceptible to fungal diseases, such as Botrytis. To avoid its appearance, it is recommended to avoid excess watering or humidity. If it presents problems, it should be treated with fungicide and change the substrate for a sterilized one.

Conclusions

In addition to being a beautiful plant, this specimen is very easy to grow as it is not demanding with growing conditions. In fact, it is enough that you meet the requirements that we have shared in this guide for your plant to grow successfully.

We hope that this article with the care of the wax flower will be useful to you. On the other hand, we invite you to continue reading our blog where you will find more information about this and other plants.

Wax Flower Care: [Soil, Humidity and Pruning]

What soil needs does the wax flower have?