Burton's Wax Plant

Burton's Wax Plant (Hoya sp. aff. burtoniae)

Burton's Wax Plant is a compact, trailing hoya with thick, slightly fuzzy leaves that blush bronze to burgundy in strong light and clusters of fragrant, starry blooms; it excels as a hanging or trellised indoor specimen in bright, indirect light.

Distinctive Features

Succulent, lance-shaped foliage develops red tones and dark edges under high light, while waxy umbels of pink to red flowers with contrasting centers appear on mature vines and rebloom from persistent peduncles.

Growing Conditions

Provide strong filtered light, a chunky, fast-draining mix, and moderate watering with partial dry-down; warmth and moderate humidity support steady growth and flowering.

• Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light with brief morning sun; avoid harsh afternoon rays.
• Soil: Airy epiphytic mix with bark, perlite, and a small amount of peat or coco; excellent drainage is essential.
• Water: Water thoroughly, then allow the top 1 to 2 in to dry; reduce in winter.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 to 11 outdoors; grow as a houseplant elsewhere.
• Mature Size: Trailing vines typically 2 to 6 ft indoors with support.
• Bloom Time: Spring to fall on established plants with good light.
• Humidity: Moderate to high, about 40 to 60 percent.
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, about 6.0 to 7.0.

Ideal Uses

Train on a hoop or trellis for sculptural form, or let vines cascade from shelves and baskets to showcase the leaf color and flower clusters.

• Focal Point: Blushing foliage and waxy blooms create a high-contrast accent.
• Hanging Displays: Cascading habit suits baskets and high shelves.
• Trellised Specimen: Compact spirals on hoops or ladders for tight spaces.
• Collector Groupings: Pairs well with other fuzzy or dark-margined hoyas.
• Low-Light Transitions: Tolerates bright shade better than many tropical vines.

Low Maintenance Care

Keep roots slightly snug, feed lightly in the warm season, and never remove spent peduncles to encourage reliable rebloom.

• Watering: Deep soak and drain fully; err slightly dry to prevent root rot.
• Pruning: Tip-trim for shape but do not cut off peduncles, which rebloom.
• Fertilizing: Apply balanced or bloom-boosting fertilizer at half strength monthly in spring and summer.
• Mulching: Not needed in pots; a thin decorative bark layer can slow evaporation.
• Notes: Provide support for climbing, increase airflow to deter mealybugs, and repot only when rootbound.

Why Choose Burton's Wax Plant?

This selection combines dramatic foliage color shift with manageable care and fragrant umbels for year-round indoor interest.

• Color-Shifting Leaves: Bronze to burgundy blush in strong light.
• Fragrant Umbels: Star-shaped flowers on mature vines.
• Waterwise: Succulent leaves tolerate brief dry-downs.
• Space Efficient: Trails or trains vertically to fit any room.
• Collector Appeal: Distinct look within the Hoya group.

Place in bright, indirect light with a chunky mix, allow partial dry-down between waterings, and keep peduncles intact for repeat bloom and rich foliage color.