Hoya Pachyclada Care

With so many Hoyas available, finding a favorite is challenging, but the Hoya pachyclada is a unique cultivar worth considering. This vining Hoya has broad foliage with a fuzzy texture for something unexpected. Help your pachyclada thrive by following these tips.

All About Pachyclada

Foliage is always the most noticeable thing about a plant; the pachyclada is no exception. The grayish-green ovoid foliage comes to a gentle point. The leaves are thick and waxy and feature tiny hair-like structures that give the surface a fuzzy texture. This texture is known as pubescent. The leaves grow from thick, hulking stems. The Hoya pachyclada is native to Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, where it is found as a vining epiphyte, meaning it naturally attaches itself to trees as it grows.

Mistaken Identity

The Hoya pachyclada is often misidentified as the Hoya subquintuplinervis and vice versa. These plants appear closely related but are different varieties from my research. It seems relatively common for a plant to be labeled in a store as one when it is actually the other. Fortunately, these plants have similar care needs, so these tips work for the pachyclada and the subquintuplinervis. Please reach out if you find anything confirming these are the same plant, and I will update the post accordingly.

Hoya Pachyclada Light Needs

Give the pachyclada bright, indirect sunlight. An east- or west-facing window is a good location. Spin the container a quarter turn every other week or whenever you give the plant water to ensure even growth. Failing to spin the container will cause foliage on the darker side to not grow as big and to possibly wither and die. Giving the pot a slight turn will keep the plant full and healthy.

The Hoya pachyclada can handle limited direct sunlight. Just a few hours a day of direct sunlight will suffice. Early morning direct sunlight is less harsh than afternoon direct light, so close to an east-facing window is a good spot. Too much direct light will burn the foliage, so monitor the plant. The pachyclada is a slow grower, but all-around quality care and increased sunlight are necessary for this plant to grow as fast as possible.

How Often to Water the Pachyclada

The water requirements for this Hoya are very much like a succulent. Wait until the potting mix is completely dry before giving the plant water. Hoyas need consistent moisture during the growing season (spring and summer) but require less water when dormant (fall and winter). Drench the soil when it’s dry so the entire root ball is wet, and remove excess water from the saucer or cover pot.

The leaves will appear wrinkled or shriveled when the plant needs water. Give the Hoya a drink right away, and it should recover. The plant is distressed when it shows signs of dehydration, so avoid letting it dry out too much.

Best Soil for Hoyas

Medium moisture, well-drained soil is best for Hoya pachyclada care. Wet or soggy conditions will damage the sensitive roots, so use a potting mix that supports drainage. Use a general or all-purpose mix, but add perlite to improve the drainage.

Temperature for Hoya Pachyclada

This Hoya houseplant loves warm temperatures in the 70° to 80° F range, but anything above 60° F is acceptable. Most homes are comfortable, but be careful if you move the plant outdoors for the summer. Chilly temperatures under 50° F will damage the plant.

Hoya Pachyclada Humidity Needs

High humidity is ideal for Hoya pachyclada care. Extra moisture in the air keeps the thick foliage plump and lush. The pachyclada can live in average humidity, but dry, arid conditions are unacceptable. Dried-out, wrinkled leaves are a sign the humidity is too low. Locate the plant in a spot with increased humidity, like a kitchen or bathroom, or use a pebble tray or humidifier if the air is too dry for the Hoya.

Hoya Pachyclada Fertilizer

Hoya houseplants often spend years in the same container, which benefits their development. Any nutritional content to the potting mix when the plant is potted will be long gone by the time the Hoya needs to be repotted. A regular fertilization schedule keeps the Hoya healthy and growing.

Feed the pachyclada using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Water-soluble plant food is a good choice because it protects the roots from fertilizer burn. Combine fertilizing with routine watering during the spring and summer. Do not fertilize dormant plants.

Does Hoya Pachyclada Bloom?

The Hoya pachyclada blooms. The star-shaped flowers are white and bloom in clusters. Each flower is tiny, but the dome-shaped clusters can contain up to 30 flowers, creating an impressive display. The flowers are lovely to admire and have a sweet fragrance.

Hoya houseplants often bloom, but they require excellent care and some help from you.

Pachyclada Pruning Tips

The pachyclada doesn’t require much pruning but remove dead or damaged growth. Leggy plants can be trimmed, but this is a slow-growing plant, so it will take a long time to regain lost ground. If you do prune the plant, keep the cuttings to propagate.

When to Repot Hoyas

Let the Hoya pachyclada hang out in the same container for at least 2 to 3 years. This plant is in no rush for a new container, and you shouldn’t be in a hurry either — rootbound plants are more likely to bloom. Regular signs indicate that a Hoya is ready for a new container, but also monitor the bloom cycle. If your Hoya fails to bloom after several years of consistently blooming, it may be time for a larger container and fresh soil.

Pachyclada Propagation

Create more Hoya plants by propagating your pachyclada. Stem cuttings are the easiest way to expand your collection. Hoya stem cuttings should measure several inches long and have several leaves. Remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes and propagate cuttings in water or soil. Keep the soil damp but not constantly saturated.

Roots will grow in several weeks. Water-propagated cuttings can be transplanted to a well-drained potting mix when the roots are several inches long. Keep the soil damp for the first couple of weeks before transitioning to the level of care necessary for an established plant.

Is Hoya Pachyclada Pet Safe?

The Hoya pachyclada is pet-safe. Hoyas are non-toxic to animals and humans. Eating or chewing on the pachyclada will not poison your furry companion, but eating anything out of the ordinary or in large quantities may cause an upset stomach. Be careful, but know that Hoyas are non-toxic.

Hoya Pachyclada Styling Tips

Styling the pachyclada is easy because this plant is lovely. Allow the thick stems to cascade from a hanging planter, or give it a trellis and watch it climb. Always select a container with drainage, but think about an unglazed container that will complement the foliage and allow the soil to dry more quickly.