Hoya clemensiorum ‘Dragon Scale’

Origin and Description:

Hoya clemensiorum was first described in 1981 by botanist Dale Kloppenburg from plants native to Borneo. Over the years, many different forms and variations of clemensiorum have surfaced in cultivation, each with slightly different textures, shapes, and growth habits. However, in April’s opinion, Hoya clemensiorum ‘Dragon Scale’ truly takes the cake.

What immediately sets this form apart is not just the signature deeply textured foliage that clemensiorum is known for, but the intense splash patterning and the way the leaves grow noticeably more wavy compared to other variants. The combination of heavy texture, silver splash, and undulating leaf shape gives it an almost reptilian appearance that looks even more dramatic in person. Photos honestly don’t fully capture how different and breathtaking this clone is compared to standard forms.

Like many clemensiorum types, this plant loves to vine aggressively once established. We highly recommend providing a trellis as early as possible to encourage faster leaf production and more mature growth.

Natural Habitat:

In the wild, Hoya clemensiorum grows epiphytically in the tropical rainforests of Borneo, climbing tree trunks and branches in warm, humid environments with filtered light and strong airflow.

Care Instructions:

• Light:
  Bright, indirect light is ideal. Gentle direct morning light may help enhance texture and splash without stressing the foliage.

• Watering:
  Allow the medium to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid prolonged soggy conditions.

• Humidity:
  Prefers moderate to high humidity, though established plants can adapt well to ambient greenhouse conditions.

• Temperature:
  Thrives between 65–85°F with consistent warmth and airflow.

• Soil:
  A chunky, airy mix such as coco husk blends works best to support healthy roots and vigorous vining growth.

Fun Fact:

The extra wavy foliage combined with heavy splash gives this clone an almost scaled appearance, which is exactly how it earned the name ‘Dragon Scale’.