The Hoya pachyclada is a gorgeous evergreen succulent native to Thailand. It has an epiphytic vining nature, and it houses the juiciest, most succulent leaves you’ll come across.
If you’re new to gardening, you’re soon becoming a potential Hoya Hoarder because these plants are just so likable!
This species belongs to the Apocynaceae family, and like other members of its family, the Hoya pachyclada too produces blooming clusters of flowers that resemble a bridal veil or even popcorn! Moreover, these flowers expel strong fragrances to take your living space up a notch.
Their scent is an exquisite blend of cinnamon and floral fantasies – that sounds super sensational, doesn’t it?
Let’s discover more about Hoya pachyclada and tips to make it thrive.
Table of Contents
Meet The Hoya Pachyclada: Basic knowledge and Origins
The Hoya pachyclada is a vining epiphytic plant. In their habitat, Hoyas usually grow in trees that are situated at high altitudes. This aerial plant is native to Thailand.
Hoya pachyclada houses one of the most gorgeous and fragrant flowers; their elegant white color boasts a natural sheen that gives the flowers a glossy finish. These flowers usually grow in ball-like bunches; each bunch comprises around 20-25 flowers.
The wax plant has fleshy green leaves that have dim red edges.
| Family Type | Asclepiadaceae |
| Common Name | Wax flower, Porcelain flower, Wax plant, Wax vine |
| Botanical Name | Hoya pachylada |
| Plant Type | Succulent vine |
| Size | 30-60 cm in height, 15 cm in width |
| Native Area | Southeast Asia |
| Sun Exposure | Bright, indirect sunlight |
| Soil Consistency | Loose, well-draining soil |
| Toxicity | Toxic to humans and animals |
| Flower color | White |
| Common Pests | Aphids, Mealybugs, other sap-sucking insects |
Varieties of Hoya
There are more than 200 family members in the Hoya family, each owing to their unique features. Let’s have a look at some of them below.
Hoya Australis
The Hoya Australis is also known as the waxflower or wax vine. This evergreen climbing vine blooms gorgeous, fragrant white flowers.
Hoya Australis is an epiphyte by nature; it grows in trees that are situated at an altitude of 250-1500 meters.
This vine can climb up to 3 meters in length. When grown indoors, it needs to be tamed via regular pruning sessions.
Hoya Krimson Queen
The Hoya Krimson Queen is yet another waxy variety of the vast Hoya family. It is also known as Hoya Tricolor or Hoya Variegata. With its variegated pink or creamy white leaves, this tropical succulent is sometimes referred to as the ‘strawberries and cream plant’.
The krimson queen pertains to the milkweed family of Hoyas because of the white exudate that oozes out of its fleshy, succulent leaves.
Hoya Kentiana
This variety gives off a tropical frenzy vibe. It has broad needle-shaped leaves and is often grown in hanging baskets.
Hoya Kentiana is native to the Philippines.
Hoya Lacunosa
Hoya Lacunosa is adored by all those addicted to the scent of cinnamon. This plant expels a soft, but soothing cinnamon fragrance that uplifts the mood and spirit of a living space.
How to Care for The Hoya Pachyclada
Sunlight
Since Hoyas are climbers; they demand their fair share of bright, indirect sunlight. Even 2-3 hours of direct sunlight is well-tolerated by the Hoya pachylada.
When growing indoors, place your Hoya pachylada next to an East-facing window for ample sun exposure.
Soil
We’re looking for well-drained yet moisture-retentive soil (which sounds contradictory).
It’s actually super simple; all you need is a regular potting mix with some additional mulch or coco coir to boost its moisture content.
Water
Pachycladas have an intrinsic ability to survive drought, making them low-fuss house plants. However, if you want them to grow and thrive, you would have to water them frequently during spring and summer (which is their growing period).
To determine when your Hoya pachyclada needs a drink, just check if the soil is dry halfway through. If it feels dry to touch, your Hoya needs some moisture replenishment.
During winters, avoid over-watering.
Temperature and Humidity
Hoya pachycladas can easily survive high temperature ranges from 65-85? or even higher. What they can’t stand, however, is cold. Make sure the temperature does not fall below 50?.
Another thing the Hoya pachycladas are fond of is humidity; you may want to invest in a good quality humidifier for these babies.
Fertilizer
You will need to apply a water-soluble, balanced fertilizer during the spring and summer at a frequency of once per month.
Pruning
This is a vining variety but unlike other Hoyas, it requires relatively less maintenance. Your Hoya will only need pruning sessions once you feel it is losing its sleek and sharp look.
Make sure to use only sterilized pruning shears to avoid cross-contamination and infection.
Propagation
Hoya pachyclada can be easily propagated. We will be discussing an easy way to propagate the wax plant below.
Propagation using stem cuttings:
Choose a healthy non-flowering stem cutting with at least 2 nodes attached. Chop the chosen stem cutting with sterilized pruning shears or scissors.
Plant these cuttings in a succulent potting mix. You can supplement the potting mix with some additional perlite and peat moss.
Next, cover your pot with a lid. This will allow the pot to harness humidity and raise the temperature. The desired temperature is 21 degrees Celsius or more.
Soon, you will witness the growth of new roots in the pot.
You can also place the freshly cut stem cuttings in filtered water instead of placing them in the soil. Just add a few rooting hormone drops to the water to speed up the process.
Challenges & Solutions
Fungal Root Rot
Fungal root rot is a result of water-logging in the soil. You must discard the affected areas to prevent cross-spread.
The Hoya pachyclada prefers well-aerated and well-drained soil.
Aphids and Mealy Bugs
Use diluted neem oil or organic insecticidal soap to repel these sap-thirsty bugs.
Ask Away: The FAQ Section
When should I sow Hoya pachyclada seeds?
The best time to sow these seeds is during the spring or summer, which is the growing season for Hoyas.
Does Hoya pachyclada like to climb or hang?
The Hoya pachyclada is a vining variety from the Asclepiadaceae family, making it an efficient climber. They would therefore need additional support for climbing up.
