Wax flower

These evergreen bushes originate in Australia but make a surprisingly easy house plant in the UK producing masses of long lasting flowers in early Spring.

Because they are native to the southern hemisphere they do need to be protected from a hard frost and are best kept in a pot to avoid waterlogging. A light spot in a cool room is ideal but they will also do well on a patio in the summer and even all year round in sheltered parts of the UK.

How often you need to water will depend on the room conditions. Typically, about a teacup a week, but make your own judgement, by feeling the weight of the pot. Try feeling the weight when dry and when well-watered and then try and keep it half-way in between. Water from the top and let the excess drain out through the lightweight compost.

Problem Solving

Generally wax flowers are very easy going but be careful not to overwater them in the winter months. You are aiming for damp rather than soggy soil and they are very drought tolerant if you are away on holiday for a week or two.

Wax flowers are not too greedy feeders but if you notice the new growth becoming pale or mottled in anyway feed with Plants4Presents plant tonic or with a general-purpose houseplant food according to the manufacturer’s instructions.