A common criticism of the flowers is the heady scent they release each evening. Fragrance from a blooming hoya can easily fill a large house. Some people choose to place the plant outdoors at night, or remove the flowers entirely. Hoyas should be kept evenly moist during the active growth period in spring and summer. Water can be decreased in autumn and winter to permit drying of the soil between waterings.
Fleshy leaves provide the plant with the ability to withstand a considerable degree of drying.
Should the plant become excessively dry, the leaves will pucker inward as they lose water. Though drying to this extent is not desirable, full recovery is likely once the plant is watered. An east and west window is ideal for the hoya. Direct southern exposure may produce a greater quantity of flowers, but may also result in rigid, yellow leaves. Insufficient light causes dark green leaves to be produced, but will prevent any flowering.