Hoya pachyclada ‘New Moon’ – Variegated Compact Hoya with Creamy Margins
 
Hoya pachyclada ‘New Moon’ is a rare variegated cultivar admired for its thick, semi-succulent leaves edged in creamy white and sometimes kissed with a soft pink blush under strong light. Compact, slow-growing, and distinctly sculptural, it brings an elegant yet resilient presence to any Hoya collection. It’s the kind of plant that rewards patience with quiet, refined beauty rather than flashy speed.
 
Key features of Hoya pachyclada ‘New Moon’
This cultivar is easily recognised by its dense, round to oval leaves with a leathery texture and subtle sheen. The creamy margins appear like a pale halo around each leaf — a look that inspired the name ‘New Moon’. Under bright, indirect light the edges can turn blush-pink, creating a delicate gradient that collectors prize.
 
The plant stays naturally compact, forming tidy rosettes or short, firm vines that rarely become unruly. It’s an ideal Hoya for smaller spaces or growers who prefer well-behaved foliage displays.
Origin and botanical context
 
The parent species Hoya pachyclada Kerr was first described in 1939 (Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1939: 462) from specimens native to Thailand and neighbouring regions. It grows epiphytically on tree trunks and branches, storing moisture in its thick leaves to handle short dry spells.
 
In recent years, the cultivar ‘New Moon’ has occasionally been listed as Hoya subquintuplinervis ‘New Moon’, as some taxonomists consider H. pachyclada a synonym or variant. In trade, both names refer to the same variegated form — a semi-succulent Hoya with creamy margins and slow, compact growth. For shop accuracy, note the synonymy rather than declaring one as definitive.
 
Growth habit and natural adaptations
In its native habitat, Hoya pachyclada grows in bright, filtered light within warm, humid forests. Its thick leaves and robust stems act as miniature water reservoirs, allowing it to tolerate occasional dryness better than many thinner-leaf Hoyas. Indoors, this makes ‘New Moon’ highly adaptable — happy in bright rooms, airy mixes, or semi-hydro systems, as long as roots never sit in stagnant moisture.
 
Care guide for Hoya pachyclada ‘New Moon’
Light:
Bright, indirect light maintains healthy growth and clear variegation. A few hours of gentle morning sun are fine, but harsh midday rays can scorch the margins.
Water:
Let the upper layer of substrate dry out before watering again. Because of its succulent foliage, overwatering is a greater risk than underwatering.
Substrate:
Use a coarse, well-draining mix with bark, perlite, and mineral elements. ‘New Moon’ also adapts well to semi-hydro or mineral substrates, as long as moisture is consistent and oxygen remains high.
Fertiliser:
Feed lightly but regularly with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Focus on steady nutrition throughout active growth rather than seasonal schedules.
Humidity:
Prefers moderate to high humidity (50–70 %), though it tolerates average indoor air when airflow is good.
Temperature:
Ideal range is 20–30 °C. Avoid prolonged exposure below 15 °C.
Repotting:
Only repot when roots have clearly filled the container — Hoyas generally thrive slightly root-bound.
Propagation:
Take stem cuttings with 2–3 nodes, allow the cut end to dry for a few hours, and root in a moist substrate or semi-hydro setup.
 
Common issues and solutions
Leaf edges turning brown: Too much direct sun, fertiliser build-up, or overly dry air. Rinse leaves occasionally and soften the light.
Wrinkled or floppy leaves: Indicates dehydration or compacted substrate. Water thoroughly, then improve aeration.
Variegation fading: Happens in low light; move to a brighter location but avoid full sun.
Slow growth: Normal for this cultivar. Variegated sections contain less chlorophyll, which naturally slows growth rate.
Sticky residue or leaf yellowing: Check for mealybugs or scale — Hoyas can attract them if air is stagnant.
 
Collector notes and visual appeal
‘New Moon’ sits firmly among the more sculptural Hoyas. Its thick, polished foliage gives it a modern, architectural look, while the pale variegation keeps it visually light and elegant. The leaves develop soft pink or peach tones under higher light stress — a trait collectors appreciate for subtle seasonal colour shifts.
 
This is a slow-growing but rewarding cultivar that suits display shelves, hanging setups, or bright desks. With time, it may also bloom — small clusters of white, fragrant flowers typical of H. pachyclada — but its main charm lies in the foliage, not the flowers.
 
Etymology
The genus name Hoya honours English botanist Thomas Hoy (1750–1822), gardener to the Duke of Northumberland.

The species name pachyclada comes from Greek pachys (“thick”) and klados (“branch”), a direct reference to its sturdy, fleshy stems.

The cultivar name ‘New Moon’ refers to its glowing white margins reminiscent of lunar light against the darker leaf centre.
 
FAQ
Is ‘New Moon’ the same as Hoya subquintuplinervis ‘New Moon’?
Yes — both names refer to the same variegated form. Some nurseries updated the label after taxonomic revisions.
Does it bloom indoors?
Yes, but rarely. Under stable light and warmth, it can produce clusters of white, waxy flowers with a light scent.
Why are my leaves losing colour?
Usually due to low light or excess nitrogen. Move it to a brighter spot and fertilise lightly.
Can I grow it in semi-hydro?
Absolutely. It adapts well to inert or mineral media if moisture remains consistent and roots are well aerated.
Is it beginner-friendly?
Yes — once established, it’s forgiving and low-maintenance thanks to its succulent foliage.
 
Why collectors love Hoya pachyclada ‘New Moon’
This cultivar combines compact growth, unique texture, and creamy variegation in a way few Hoyas do. It’s a plant that stands out quietly — elegant rather than showy, slow but reliable, and perfectly suited to the collector who values structure and subtlety.
 
If you’re building a curated Hoya collection or simply want a foliage plant that thrives on steady care rather than fuss, Hoya pachyclada ‘New Moon’ is an excellent choice.