Hoya burtoniae Variegata - Wax plant

The Hoya burtoniae 'Variegata' is a variegated form of a fairly fast-growing and relatively hardy species. Its thick, waxy, ovate leaves display a mix of dark green on the edges and cream at the centre, with variegation that may vary from leaf to leaf. This tropical houseplant creates an elegant cascade of lush lianas, perfect for placing on a shelf or in a hanging basket. The flowers, which appear in clusters, are lightly scented and have a waxy appearance, hence its other name "Porcelain Flower". It rewards patient gardeners with umbels of star-shaped flowers ranging in colour from pink to brown.

The Hoya burtoniae 'Variegata' is also known as the Wax Flower. This species originates from Southeast Asia, particularly the lush tropical forests of Luzon in the Philippines, where it grows in warm and humid conditions. In these regions, this epiphytic plant climbs onto other vegetation, using it as support to reach several metres in height. The Hoya burtoniae 'Variegata' develops semi-succulent, cream and green, slightly waxy leaves, with moderate growth, on lianas that can reach 1 to 1.5 m in length. Its spring or summer flowering, when grown indoors, appears once the plant reaches maturity, forming umbels of star-shaped yellow flowers tinged pink to brown, with a striking texture reminiscent of porcelain. Grouped in clusters of 15 to 20 or more, they are borne on long floral peduncles, creating bouquets around 5-6 cm in diameter.

The genus Hoya belongs to the Apocynaceae family and comprises around 400 species, native to the warm, humid regions of Southeast Asia, Australia, and Polynesia, where they thrive in tropical forests. Primarily epiphytic shrubs or lianas, they often anchor themselves to tree trunks and branches using aerial roots, allowing them to grow towards the light. This unique climbing habit has made them popular as ornamental houseplants, ideal for training onto supports or cascading from hanging baskets. These plants were popularised in Europe by the Scotsman Robert Brown in the late 19th century. They can sometimes be difficult to catalogue, and some specialists believe there may be 600 to 800 species.

The Hoya burtoniae 'Variegata' thrives in bright, indirect light—ideally 10 hours a day to encourage flowering—but can also tolerate some gentle direct morning or late afternoon sun. Use an epiphytic plant substrate, such as an orchid mix, and allow it to dry out between waterings, except in summer or warm periods when you may water your plant several times a week. This species prefers temperatures between 18°C and 26°C, with an ideal humidity level of 60-70%, though it tolerates standard ambient humidity. You can choose to train it onto a support or, alternatively, grow it in a hanging basket, allowing its flexible stems to trail freely.