| Common Name(s) | Red Corona, Wax Plant |
| Scientific Name | Hoya Pachyclada Kerr |
| Sun Exposure | 2-3 Hours of Direct Sunlight |
| Soil pH | 6.1-7.5 |
| Watering Requirement | Once Every 7-10 Days |
| Hardiness Zone | Zone 11 (USDA) |
| Plant Height | 30-60 cm |
| Plant Width | 15-75 cm |
The Hoya Pachyclada is an evergreen vining epiphyte belonging to the Apocynaceae family.
Native to Thailand, it is identified by lush, green leaves and stunning, aromatic flowers.
While it may be a slow grower, the gorgeous blooms are well worth the wait.
Hoya Pachyclada Care
The Hoya Pachyclada plant is perfect for indoor gardeners of all levels, as it is extremely easy to care for.
If you are looking for a beginner-friendly plant or another low-maintenance addition to your collection, a Pachyclada is one of the best species to get started with.
Due to their succulent-like characteristics, these plants will be able to survive even if you miss watering them now and then.
After finding a location with an adequate level of filtered light, very little else is needed to ensure the health of your Pachyclada.
How Much Light Is Best For Hoya Pachyclada?
Distinctly different from other plants of the Hoya genus, Pachyclada prefers a few hours (2-3) of direct sunlight.
While most Hoyas experience ideal growth in bright, indirectly lit conditions, the Pachyclada species likes a little sun.
Placing them near an east-facing window is best, as it gives the plant a few hours of morning sunlight, without exposing it to the intense afternoon sun and risking leaf burn.
How Often Do Hoya Pachyclada Need Water?
Due to their succulent-like ability to retain water, Hoya Pachyclada only needs to be watered every 7-10 days.
This plant, while not necessarily picky, prefers stored rainwater over tap water.
If possible, rainwater is recommended for optimal flower growth.
In order to prevent root rot, water the soil around the base of the plant until water begins to leak out of the drainage hole.
At this point, empty the saucer beneath the pot, ensuring the roots of your Pachyclada are not sitting in excess water.
Avoid using extremely hot or cold water on your Hoya Pachyclada, as it prefers room temperature.
Once every 10-14 days, checking the moisture levels in your Hoya’s soil is recommended to ensure it is receiving all the water it needs.
What Is The Ideal Soil Type & pH Requirement For Hoya Pachyclada?
Hoya Pachyclada prefers well-aerated, moisture-retaining soils between pH ranges 6.1-7.5
These herbaceous climbers often draw in nutrients from the air, rainwater, and forest debris such as decomposing tree bark.
These conditions are easy to emulate with a mixture of 50% organic material such as bark bits or charcoal, with the other 50% being your choice of perlite or other sterile garden compost.
Hoya plants must have a breathable potting mix that has high water retention and proper drainage to prevent root rot or other diseases from occurring.
How Much Humidity Does Hoya Pachyclada Need?
Due to their natural habitat being located in Southeast Asia, Hoya Pachyclada prefer humidity levels between 60-75%.
If the humidity of your environment reaches levels below 30%, severe damage can occur to your plant.
Two effective methods for increasing the humidity of your indoor environment are utilizing a humidifier or a pebble tray.
While misting the plant a few times a week can also help, the previously mentioned methods are much more effective.
What Is The Best Temperature To Grow Hoya Pachyclada?
Hoya Pachyclada thrives in temperature ranges between 70-80°F (21-26°C).
Due to its resilient nature, this plant can survive at temperatures exceeding 90°F (32°C), although it is recommended to maintain conditions closer to the 70-80 °F (21-26°C) range.
What Hardiness Zone Can Hoya Pachyclada Grow In?
Hoya Pachyclada grows best in USDA Hardiness Zone 11.
If you live outside of this zone, it is recommended your Pachyclada remain an indoor plant.
What Is The Best Fertilizer For Hoya Pachyclada?
The best fertilizer to speed up flower and leaf growth will be a mixture rich in phosphorous with a moderate amount of nitrogen included as well.
It is best to feed your Hoya slow-release fertilizers, like organic manure.
Rather than needing to fertilize it year-round, it is only recommended to fertilize your plant every two weeks during the growing season.
How Do I Propogate Hoya Pachyclada?
Hoya Pachyclada can be propagated by two methods: stem cutting or air layering.
While many plant parents prefer stem cutting, layering is an effective non-invasive alternative for those with a little additional patience.
If you already have one of these beautiful plants in your home, creating more can be a simple, effortless process.
However, propagation requires patience, as the slow-growing nature of this plant makes traditional methods such as propagation via seeds extremely time-consuming.
The best time to propagate Hoya Pachyclada is during the growing season (Spring or Summer) as the plant will be able to recover from any damage incurred from any trimming.
Propagation via Stem Cutting
- Before getting started, disinfect all of your tools with rubbing alcohol. This will minimize any contamination during the propagation process.
- Next, locate a healthy stem with at least two nodes and three leaves, removing at least 3 inches of the stem (but no more than 6).
- After trimming the stem just below the leaf node, remove any lower leaves.
- Allow 1-2 days for the cutting to form a callous, which will also be an adequate amount of time for the wound on your mother plant to heal.
- Fill a transparent jar with distilled water.
- Dip your trimming in rooting hormone, submerging the lower nodes while keeping the leaves out of the water. Rooting often occurs between 2-5 weeks.
- Be sure to change the water every 2-3 days, as this will prevent it from going stale.
- If you prefer to place the cutting directly into the soil, ensure it is a well-draining mixture, then cover the plant with plastic to maintain proper humidity levels. Rooting typically occurs within 3 weeks.
Propagation via Air Layering
- Choose a loose-hanging stem with exposed roots.
- After making a circular cut around the plant’s stem, apply a small amount of rooting hormone to the stem, then place the cutting into a pot and cover it with the proper soil, using hairpins to hold the stem upright.
- Handle the stem carefully, as it is fragile and can be snapped easily.
- After 2-3 weeks, the cutting should begin to form roots.
- At this point, it is safe to remove the stem’s connection to the mother plant.
- Finally, enjoy your brand-new Hoya Pachyclada.
How Much Can Hoya Pachyclada Grow?
Hoya Pachyclada are slow-growing epiphytes that take several years to reach full maturity.
Expect them to reach a foot in height over the course of two years, with a maximum potential height of two feet.
As a vine plant, they will attempt to grow in the direction of their light source.
They will benefit from additional support if planted in a container.
One of the best ways to provide additional structural support to your plant is by using a mini trellis.
As they age, the branches of your Hoya will get woodier and more stable, meaning support will not be as necessary during later growth stages.
Be aware that if you’d like to hang the plant, it will be top-heavy.
What Are Common Issues With Growing Hoya Pachyclada?
While the Hoya Pachyclada is low-maintenance, there are several common issues that Hoya owners should be aware of.
Dry patches or singed leaves
The most common cause of leaf burns is excessive exposure to the sun.
While Pachyclada prefers 2-3 hours of direct sunlight, receiving greater amounts of direct light will cause leaf burn, and can kill your plant if neglected.
It may feel like you need to play a game of musical chairs to keep this species happy, but if you follow our growing tips, finding the optimal area for your wax plant’s growth shouldn’t be any trouble.
Not flowering
The gorgeous flowers of the Hoya Pachyclada make it a desirable addition to many homes.
But what happens if those flowers aren’t growing?
While there are several possibilities, the most common reasons for poor flower growth are insufficient lighting and a lack of nutrients.
If you believe the issue is with the soil, adding a balanced orchid meal or other organic fertilizer can aid in growth.
If you believe the issue is due to improper proper lighting, try moving your plant into an area with bright, filtered light.
Ensuring a consistent watering and feeding schedule will help to mitigate any other potential growth hindrances.
Shriveling leaves
This frequently occurs when a plant is underwatered.
Increase the frequency of watering, checking the moisture of your Hoya’s soil every 10-14 days.
If you have adjusted watering frequency and still experience shriveling leaves, this may be due to poor water quality.
It is possible your tap water has excessive amounts of minerals that are inhibiting the Hoya’s ability to absorb water and nutrients.
If nothing else seems to be working, switching to distilled water or rainwater may yield positive results.
Sudden leaf loss, browning, and drooping
While moderately pest-resistant, the Hoya is still prone to infestations from common garden pests.
For example, if the underside of the leaf appears to have numerous white, fuzzy-looking bugs, this is a mealy bug infestation.
Another common cause of these problems in your Pachyclada is root rot, which is distinguishable by a foul odor from the plant’s soil, in addition to the aforementioned symptoms.
While many gardeners opt to dispose of a plant with root rot, eliminating overwatering and repotting before the condition becomes severe, or ideally before it occurs, can prevent the loss of your Hoya.
Discolored leaves and stems
Leaf and stem discoloration is common amongst nutrient-deficient plants.
A light, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season can provide an immediate boost to nutrient availability.
Using a soil mixture with proper amounts of nitrogen and phosphorous will ensure healthy growth year-round.
If fertilization isn’t yielding much change, and your Hoya hasn’t been repotted in a few years, fresh soil is likely what your plant needs.
Do Hoya Pachyclada Produce Flowers?
Hoya pachyclada produces pale, fragrant flowers in clusters of 10-30.
The sweet-smelling flowers are one of the main reasons it is a popular houseplant, as the waxy petals provide gorgeous decoration paired with a sweet scent.
Flowering typically occurs during late spring or summer.
Each Hoya flower cluster emerges from a single spur, called a peduncle, that grows from the axil of the leaves and stem.
Peduncles are responsible for the ability of the Hoya to repeat blooms and should never be removed unless for propagation.
Is Hoya Pachyclada Pet Safe?
Hoya Pachyclada is non-toxic to children and animals.
However, this plant should not be consumed, as they contain a toxin called pachynolide, which is known to cause allergic reactions in some cases.
While generally harmless to children and pets, it is wise to take precautions to ensure this plant is out of reach to curious children and pets.
Hoya Pachyclada Varieties
There are many different varieties of Hoya Pachyclada that are known to exist. Some of the known Hoya Pachyclada Varieties include Hoya Pachyclada Albomarginata, Hoya Pachyclada ‘New Moon,’ Hoya Pachyclada Red, Hoya Pachyclada Red, Hoya Pubicalyx Splash, and Hoya Pachyclada Apodagis.
Hoya Pachyclada Albomarginata
This member of the Hoya genus grows much larger leaves than its relatives, as they can grow to be between 6-8 inches long and as many as 3 inches wide.
This variety has mostly white or cream colored leaves, which may be accentuated by a slight pink hue on the edges.
Hoya Pachyclada ‘New Moon’
This Hoya Pachyclada subtype is identified by the variegated yellow and pink edges on its leaves.
As it is much more rare than other Hoyas, prices range from $30-100 per plant, depending on it’s size, age, and health.
Hoya Pachyclada Red
The Hoya Pachyclada Red, also known as Hoya Pachyclada Pink Corona, variant is similar to the Hoya Pachyclada, with the addition of a distinct pink/red shaded center in each flower
Hoya Pubicalyx Splash
Hoya Pubicalyx Splash is identified by wax-like leaves and star-shaped flowers in vibrant pink and white colors
Hoya Pachyclada Apodagis
This vining Hoya variant is similar in structure to the Hoya Pachyclada, but has more curved, wavy leaves.
Where can I find Hoya Pachyclada for sale?
Hoya Pachyclada is available to be purchased online from nurseries and independent sellers on Etsy.
Prices range from as low as $15 for up to as much as $150 for rare variegations and plants with phytosanitary certificates.