Hoya burtoniae 'Variegata' takes a small leaved, easy going wax plant and lights it up from the inside. Each soft, finely hairy oval leaf carries a pale centre of cream to light green inside a green margin, and no two leaves are marked quite the same. Given good light, the new growth can flush pink. The stems are slender and quick to trail, so it suits a shelf edge or a hanging planter, or it can be trained up a small hoop or trellis.
Origins
The species comes from Luzon in the Philippines, where it climbs as an epiphyte on trees and rocks in wet tropical forest. 'Variegata' is the variegated form sold in the trade, and its markings sit in the centre of the leaf rather than around the edge. It sits alongside our plain green Hoya burtoniae and the closely related Hoya sp. aff. burtoniae 'DS70', which share the same compact, fuzzy leaved look.
Care
Bright, indirect light keeps the variegation crisp and encourages flowering, but hot summer sun through glass will scorch the paler leaf centres. Water when the top few centimetres of compost have dried, then let it drain fully, and water more sparingly from autumn to late winter. It likes more humidity than a dry, heated room provides, so a bathroom or a pebble tray helps. Keep it above 10C. Once it flowers, leave the old flower stalks in place, because new clusters often form from the same spurs. A chunky, free draining mix such as our Hoya Mix suits it, and the wider Hoya collection has more compact climbers and trailers to pair it with.
Live Arrival Guarantee
All plants are covered by our 7-day live arrival guarantee. We pack every order in protective, sustainable packaging designed to keep your plants safe in transit, and every plant is checked before it ships. On the rare occasion something is not right on arrival, we will make it good, provided the plant is still in its original nursery pot.
Your quick reference for choosing the right plant size. We group our plants by the diameter of their nursery pots which gives you a consistent way to understand scale.
5–8cm
Mini
Small but full of charm. These compact plants are perfect for desks, windowsills, and small shelves, or for building out a collection over time. Ideal if you enjoy watching your plants grow from the beginning. Approx. height: 10–20cm
9–11cm
Small
A step up in presence, great for side tables, shelves, or styling in clusters. Easy to move around and perfect for adding greenery without taking up too much space. Approx. height: 25–35cm
12–14cm
Medium
Our most versatile size. Works beautifully on shelves, desks, and plant stands, offering a fuller look without dominating a space. A great balance between impact and flexibility. Approx. height: 25–50cm
15–18cm
Large
More established plants with fuller foliage and stronger structure. Ideal for creating soft focal points in a room. Great for corners, beside furniture, or as standalone features. Approx. height: 40–70cm
19+cm
Extra Large
Big, impactful plants designed for floors and open spaces. These are your statement pieces and are perfect for anchoring a room or transforming a corner with instant greenery. Approx. height: 60cm–1.3m
Pots that fit this plant
We recommend
How to care for Variegated Wax Plant
Give me bright light out of the midday sun and water me when the top of my soil feels dry.
In their words
What our customers say
EP
Emily P.
Arrived just like the photos - maybe even fuller. Healthy, well-acclimated, and straight into my collection with no issues.
JR
James R.
Flawless leaves, stunning variegation, and clearly cared for by experts. It’s already a talking point in my home office.
SL
Sophie L.
Hard to find rare plants that are pet-safe. Ours arrived in perfect condition and looks amazing without any worry.
Get to know me
About Variegated Wax Plant
Hoya burtoniae 'Variegata' is a houseplant that takes a little effort. It needs bright indirect light, watering once the top 2 to 3cm of compost has dried out, a little extra humidity and a minimum temperature of 10°C. It is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Bright, indirect light keeps the cream centres crisp and is needed for flowering. Keep it out of hot summer sun through glass, which scorches the paler parts of the leaf.Read moreShow less
Bright, indirect light keeps the cream centres crisp and is needed for flowering. Keep it out of hot summer sun through glass, which scorches the paler parts of the leaf.
Watering
Evenly moistDries out fully
Let the top few centimetres dry out
Water when the top few centimetres of compost feel dry, then let it drain fully. From October to February water more sparingly, letting the compost become fairly dry but never bone dry. Never leave it standing in water.Read moreShow less
Water when the top few centimetres of compost feel dry, then let it drain fully. From October to February water more sparingly, letting the compost become fairly dry but never bone dry. Never leave it standing in water.
Humidity
Average homeHigh humidity
Prefers a little extra humidity
It prefers more humidity than a heated room offers, ideally 50 to 70 percent. A bathroom, a pebble tray or grouping it with other plants all help.Read moreShow less
It prefers more humidity than a heated room offers, ideally 50 to 70 percent. A bathroom, a pebble tray or grouping it with other plants all help.
Temperature
10°
0°C25°C
Keep above 10°C · Happy at normal room temperature
Happy at 16 to 24C through the growing season. Keep it above 10C in winter and away from cold draughts.Read moreShow less
Happy at 16 to 24C through the growing season. Keep it above 10C in winter and away from cold draughts.
Feeding
Feed monthly with a balanced fertiliser from spring to autumn, and let it rest over winter.
Is the variegation on Hoya burtoniae 'Variegata' inner or outer?
Inner. The cream to pale green colour sits in the centre of each leaf with a green margin around it, and the balance changes from leaf to leaf. The name is also used loosely in the trade, and some sellers apply it to a variegated form of the related Hoya sp. aff. burtoniae 'DS70', which looks very similar.
How is it different from plain Hoya burtoniae and 'DS70'?
Plain Hoya burtoniae has all green, softly hairy leaves. 'DS70' is an unnamed Philippine Hoya close to burtoniae, usually with slightly larger leaves and more visible veins. 'Variegata' has the small burtoniae leaf with a cream centre. We stock all three as separate listings.
How do I keep the variegation strong?
Give it bright, indirect light. In a dim spot new leaves come through greener, while good light brings out the cream centres and the pink flush on new growth. Avoid hot direct summer sun, which burns the pale tissue.
Will it flower?
Yes, once the plant is mature and has enough light. Hoya flowers form in clusters on short spurs. Do not cut the old flower stalks off, as new flowers often appear from the same place, and avoid moving the plant once buds have formed.
Is Hoya burtoniae 'Variegata' safe for cats and dogs?
Hoya burtoniae has not been assessed by the ASPCA. The common wax plant, Hoya carnosa, is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs, but that listing does not cover this species. The milky sap can irritate skin, so wear gloves when pruning.
Is this plant safe for my pets?
Yes. This plant is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs, so it's a good choice for homes with pets. Even so, plants aren't food, so a keen chewer could still get an upset stomach. If you're worried, speak to your vet.
We aim to avoid using pesticides where possible, but we can't control the whole supply chain.
If the plant is going into a vivarium, terrarium or aquarium with live animals, rinse the leaves and roots well, remove any soil and let the plant dry out before adding it. We'd also suggest keeping it away from animals for a month first.
Can I see a photo of the exact plant I'll receive?
We're not able to send photos of individual plants or let you choose a specific one, as plants are selected by our team when your order is packed. Our photos show the variety and the kind of plant you can expect, and yours may vary a little in height, shape or fullness.
If a size has a code next to it, such as 9cm / B2, you're buying the exact plant pictured.
Does my plant come with a pot?
Your plant will arrive in its nursery grow pot — the plastic pot it's been growing in. We don't include a decorative pot as standard, and there's a good reason for that: it means you get to choose one that fits your space and style, rather than being stuck with something that doesn't suit your home.
It also means you're not paying extra for a pot you might not want. The nursery pot is perfectly fine to keep your plant in for a while, just pop it inside a decorative cover pot or cache pot and you're good to go. When you're ready to repot (usually after a growing season or when roots start poking out the bottom), you can move it into something more permanent with fresh soil.
If you're not sure what size cover pot to go for, check the pot selector tool listed above, you'll want a decorative pot that's a centimetre or two wider than that to give it a comfortable fit.
How big will my plant be when it arrives?
Every plant on our site includes the pot size (e.g. 12cm) and, where possible, an approximate height. That's the most reliable way to set your expectations, photos can sometimes make a plant look larger or smaller than it really is.
If you're thinking "that sounds quite small for the price," here's something worth knowing: younger, smaller plants almost always adapt better to your home than larger ones. They adjust faster to your light and humidity, put out new growth more quickly, and tend to establish stronger root systems long-term. A plant that grows into your space will usually outperform one that was already big when it arrived.
That said, every plant is an individual. The one you receive may vary slightly in height, shape, or fullness compared to the photo, that's the nature of living things, not a quality issue. We select healthy, well-established specimens, and if you ever feel your plant doesn't match what you were expecting, just get in touch and we'll take a look.
What makes your plants different from the supermarket or garden centre?
There's a big difference between a plant that's been sitting under on a retail shelf and one that's been looked after and cared for by people who specialise in exactly this.
Our plants are grown in house or sourced from specialist nurseries, many of them varieties you simply won't find at your local garden centre or supermarket. Before anything leaves us, it's checked over by our horticultural team to make sure it's healthy, well-rooted, and ready to thrive in your home. We're not shifting volume off a pallet, we're choosing plants we'd want to keep ourselves.
When you buy from a supermarket, you get a plant and a generic care label. When you buy from us, you get the knowledge that comes with it, detailed care guidance, a team you can actually contact if something isn't going right, and the confidence that what's arriving has been looked after properly from the moment it was grown to the moment it reaches your door.
We're a specialist nursery first, not a retailer that happens to sell plants. That's the difference, and you'll see it the moment you open the box.
What should I do when my plant arrives?
First things first, unbox it as soon as you can. Plants don't love being in dark boxes any more than you would, and the sooner yours is out and breathing, the better.
Remove all the packaging carefully, give the soil a check with your finger, and water lightly if it feels dry. Then find it a spot with appropriate light, but avoid putting it straight into harsh direct sun or next to a radiator. Think of it like arriving somewhere new after a long journey: it needs a moment to adjust.
It's completely normal for your plant to look a little tired or droopy after transit. This is called transit stress, and most plants bounce back within a week or two. You might see a yellow leaf or some drooping, don't panic, and resist the urge to overwater or start repotting straight away.
Our advice for the first couple of weeks: leave it in its nursery pot, water it only when the top layer of soil feels dry, and let it acclimatise to your home's light, temperature, and humidity. Once it's settled in and showing signs of new growth, you can think about repotting or moving it to its permanent spot.
Every plant we sell comes with a care guide on the product page so you'll know exactly what it needs going forward. And if anything doesn't look right, get in touch with our team, we're always happy to help.
Will my plant survive being shipped?
Yes! and we go to serious lengths to make sure of it. Every plant is hand-packed by our team with protective wrapping and secure, custom-designed boxes to keep it stable and safe in transit. We've shipped hundreds of thousands of plants across the UK and our packaging methods have been refined over years to handle the bumps and jolts of delivery.
During colder months, we monitor weather forecasts and offer heat packs where needed to protect against frost. In extreme conditions, we may hold your order for a day or two rather than risk sending it out, we'd rather you wait an extra day than receive a stressed plant.
That said, plants are living things, and the occasional transit wobble can happen. If your plant arrives damaged or isn't in the condition you'd expect, just get in touch within 7 days with a photo, and we'll make it right, whether that's a replacement or a full refund. No fuss.
The short version: we treat every box like it's going to someone who really cares about what's inside, because it is.
Hoya plants, also known as wax plants, are beautiful, low-maintenance houseplants that thrive when their natural growing conditions are mimicked. Found draped under trees in their natural habitat, Hoyas use other plants as support to climb or trail. By prov...
Every order is hand-packed in eco-friendly, protective packaging - refined through thousands of deliveries to ensure your plant arrives healthy, hydrated, and looking its best.
Backed by our Live Arrival Guarantee.
Perfect for Gifting
From rare collector’s pieces to easy-care favourites, our plants arrive fully potted and ready to enjoy. Add a personalised note at checkout for a thoughtful finishing touch.
Delivered fresh, beautiful, and gift-ready.
Sustainability at Heart
All plants are ethically sourced from trusted growers, never wild-collected. Every order ships carbon-neutral in minimal-waste packaging.
Good for your home - and the planet.
Verified reviews
Rated by real customers
Customers praised this Hoya plant for its beauty, with one noting "beautiful markings and wonderfully healthy." Shoppers appreciated the "good size" and quality. Reviews highlighted excellent service, packaging, and consistent product quality. All reviews were 5-star ratings with highly positive feedback.
Beautiful markings and wonderfully healthy.
Beautiful plants arrived! Highly recommended
Consistently impressed by the quality of the plants received.
5 stars: 8 (100%)
4 stars: 0 (0%)
3 stars: 0 (0%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 0 (0%)
N
Nicole
Beautiful
N
Nicole
Beautiful
R
Rebecca M.
Great site, service and plants!
Great site, service and plants! :seedling:
S
Sarah
Good size
S
Sarah
Good size
I
Itsumi S.
Beautiful plants arrived! Highly recommended
Beautiful plants arrived! Highly recommended
H
Hazel H.
Beautiful markings and wonderfully healthy.
Beautiful markings and wonderfully healthy.
A
Adam C.
I have made about four
I have made about four orders from Grow Tropicals and I have been consistently impressed by the quality of the plants received. The packaging is excellen,’they have a wide range of products for all your plant needs. Staff are super helpful, I won’t hesitate to recommend them to friends family and on social media. Give them a go, your green fingers will glow :seedling::sunny:️:cactus::+1:
