Many plants have waxy leaves, which helps them to retain water and stay healthy in dry or hot climates.
The waxy coating on leaves also helps to protect them from pests and diseases. If you are looking for plants that are easy to care for and resistant to pests and diseases, consider adding some plants with waxy leaves to your garden.
In this article, I share the list of 25 Plants with Waxy Leaves.
25 Plants with Waxy Leaves
The following is the list of 25 plants which having waxy leaves. I shared a lot of helpful information about these plants, such as their origin, blooming time, suitable weather, etc. Please keep reading to learn more.
1. Swiss Cheese Plant
The Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) is a species of flowering plant that is native to the tropical forests of southern Mexico, as well as parts of Central America.
The Swiss cheese plant is a member of the Araceae, or aroid, family.
The Swiss cheese plant gets its name from the fact that its leaves are covered in holes that resemble Swiss cheese.
The Swiss cheese plant is a climbing vine that can grow up to 20 meters in length.
The leaves of the Swiss cheese plant are large, glossy, and deeply lobed. The flowers of the Swiss cheese plant are small and white, and they bloom from June to July.
2. Rubber Fig
The rubber fig plant is a popular houseplant that originates from Southeast Asia. It is an evergreen plant that can grow up to 10 feet tall.
The leaves are large and leathery, and they have a waxy surface that makes them resistant to water loss.
The plant produces small, white flowers that bloom in the spring. The rubber fig plant requires a moderate amount of water and prefers bright, indirect light.
It is a low-maintenance plant that is relatively easy to care for.
3. Jade plant
The Jade plant, also known as Crassula ovate, is a succulent plant that is native to regions of Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
It has an upright growth habit and can reach a height of up to three feet, although it is often much smaller.
The leaves are thick and fleshy, and they are a deep green color with a glossy sheen. The flowers are white or pink and appear in clusters.
It is native to the African continent and has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Australia.
The jade plant is a popular houseplant and is relatively easy to care for.
4. Zanzibar Gem
Zanzibar Gem is a plant that is native to the island of Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania. The plant is a succulent, which means it stores water in its leaves.
It is a popular plant to grow as a houseplant because it is easy to care for and does not require a lot of water.
The plant gets its name from the fact that it produces small, gem-like fruits that are edible and have a sweet taste.
5. Radiator Plant
Radiator plants are easy to care for and make a great addition to any home. These plants are native to the tropics, so they thrive in warm, humid environments.
Radiator plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight and should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
These plants are not tolerant of cold temperatures, so if you live in an area that gets frost, it’s best to grow your radiator plant indoors.
Radiator plants are typically low-maintenance and only need to be fertilized once a month during the growing season.
When it comes to blooming, radiator plants usually produce flowers in the spring and summer.
6. Bromeliad
Bromeliads are a family of plants that includes over 3,000 species, many of which are native to South America.
Bromeliads are known for their waxy leaves, which often form a cup-like shape that can hold water.
Bromeliads typically bloom only once in their lifetime, but they can produce offsets (or “pups”) that can be used to propagate the plant.
Bromeliads are typically small plants, ranging in height from a few inches to a few feet.
Bromeliads require relatively little water and can tolerate both low and high light levels, making them ideal houseplants.
7. Carissa Holly
Carissa holly is a plant that is native to South Africa. It is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall.
The leaves of the plant are dark green and glossy with a waxy surface.
The plant blooms white flowers from December to February.
The plant requires full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant but will require more water during periods of extended drought.
8. Mistletoe Fig
Mistletoe figs are a type of epiphytic plant that is native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australasia. They get their name from the fact that they often grow on other trees, using them for support.
Mistletoe figs are usually found in rainforests, where they can get the moisture and sunlight they need to thrive.
Mistletoe figs are relatively small plants, usually only reaching a few feet in height. They have waxy leaves that help to prevent water loss, and their flowers are small and white.
Mistletoe figs bloom throughout the year, but they are most commonly seen in the spring and summer months.
Mistletoe figs require a fair amount of moisture and sunlight to grow well. They should be watered regularly, and they prefer bright, indirect sunlight.
Mistletoe figs are not particularly tolerant of cold temperatures, so they should be protected from frost.
9. Flaming Katy
The Flaming Katy plant is a beautiful and unique plant that is native to Brazil. It is named for its bright red flowers that bloom in the shape of a Katy.
The plant is relatively small, only growing to be about 12 inches tall. The leaves of the plant are thick and waxy, and the plant requires very little water and sun to thrive.
The Flaming Katy plant blooms in the spring and summer months and is a beautiful addition to any garden.
10. Peace Lily
The Peace Lily is a beautiful plant that originates from Asia. It is a popular houseplant because it is relatively easy to care for and it blooms regularly.
The Peace Lily typically grows to be about 2-3 feet tall. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, and they are arranged in a spiral pattern.
The flowers of the Peace Lily are white and they bloom in the summer. The Peace Lily requires moderate amounts of both water and sunlight.
It should be watered about once a week, and it should be placed in a spot that receives indirect sunlight.
11. Swedish Ivy
Swedish ivy is a fast-growing, trailing vine that is native to South Africa. It is commonly grown as a houseplant or in containers outdoors.
Swedish ivy has waxy, dark green leaves that are arranged in whorls around the stem. The leaves are often variegated with shades of cream or yellow.
Swedish ivy blooms in summer, producing small, white, or purple flowers. Swedish ivy is a drought-tolerant plant that prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light levels.
It should be watered when the top inch of the soil is dry. Swedish ivy is not frost-hardy and should be brought indoors or protected from cold weather.
12. Hoya Carnosa
The Hoya Carnosa plant is a species of evergreen climbing or trailing vine that is native to East Asia. The plant can grow to a length of up to 10 feet, and its leaves are thick and waxy.
The Hoya Carnosa blooms in the summer, and its flowers are white with a red center. The plant requires moderate amounts of water and sunlight, and it can be grown in a pot or in the ground.
13. Echeveria Succulent
Echeveria is a genus of succulent plants in the family of Crassulaceae. The genus is native to semi-desert regions of Central America, Mexico, and northwestern South America.
They range in size from a few centimeters to over a meter in diameter. The leaves are often fleshy and vary in color from green to grey, red or brown.
Echeverias are popular as ornamental plants, due to their attractive appearance and ease of care. They are drought-tolerant and can be grown in a variety of conditions, including in pots, garden beds, and rockeries.
Echeverias require little maintenance and are relatively pest- and disease-free. However, they can be susceptible to mealybugs and other sap-sucking insects, as well as fungal diseases if grown in humid conditions.
14. Dwarf Umbrella Tree
The Dwarf Umbrella Tree is a tropical plant that originates from Southeast Asia. It is a small tree that typically only grows to be about 10 feet tall.
The leaves of the Dwarf Umbrella Tree are waxy and deeply veined. The tree blooms in the late spring and early summer, and its flowers are white with purple centers.
The Dwarf Umbrella Tree requires a moderate amount of water and prefers to grow in partial sun.
15. Heartleaf Ice Plant
The Heartleaf ice plant is a succulent native to South Africa. It is a low-growing plant that typically only reaches a few inches in height, but can spread up to 2 feet wide.
The leaves are fleshy and heart-shaped and have a waxy coating that helps the plant retain water.
The flowers are pink or purple and bloom from late spring to early summer. Heartleaf ice plant requires well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
It is drought-tolerant and only needs to be watered every week or two during the growing season.
16. The Wax Plant
The Wax Plant is a beautiful, fragrant flowering plant that originates from tropical Asia.
It is semi-succulent that can grow to be quite large, sometimes reaching up to 10 feet in height!
The Wax Plant has thick, waxy leaves that are often variegated or have a marbled appearance.
These leaves help the plant to retain water, which is why the Wax Plant is often used as a houseplant in drier climates.
The Wax Plant produces small, white flowers that bloom in the summer months. It is a low-maintenance plant that does not require a lot of water or sun to thrive.
17. Desert Rose
The Desert Rose is a beautiful and unique plant that originates from the deserts of Africa.
It is a succulent plant, meaning that it has thick, fleshy leaves that store water. The Desert Rose can grow to be quite tall, sometimes reaching up to six feet in height.
Its leaves are a deep green color and are covered in a waxy substance that helps to protect the plant from the harsh desert sun.
The Desert Rose blooms in the spring and summer months and produces beautiful pink or white flowers.
The Desert Rose requires very little water and can tolerate long periods of drought. It also prefers full sun but can grow in partial shade.
18. Anthurium
Anthurium is a genus of about 1000 species of flowering plants native to the Americas, from Mexico to northern Argentina and Uruguay.
Anthuriums are also known as flamingo flowers or laceleafs. The most common type of anthurium is the red anthurium, which is native to Colombia.
Anthuriums are herbaceous plants with large, waxy leaves. They typically grow to between 1 and 3 feet tall, although some species can reach up to 6 feet tall.
Anthuriums typically bloom in the spring or summer, although some species can bloom year-round. They require moderate amounts of water and sunlight to thrive.
19. Pothos
Pothos is a type of evergreen vine that is native to the Solomon Islands. It is also known as “Devil’s Ivy” because it is very difficult to kill even when kept in the dark.
Pothos can grow to be up to 10 feet tall, and its leaves are large and heart-shaped. The leaves are also covered in a waxy substance that helps the plant retain moisture.
Pothos blooms in the spring and summer, and it prefers shady, humid conditions. It is relatively easy to care for, and it does not require a lot of water or sunlight.
20. Alocasia Polly
Alocasia Polly, also known as the African mask plant, is a popular houseplant that originates from Southeast Asia.
It is a tropical plant that can grow up to 3 feet tall and is characterized by its large, waxy leaves.
Alocasia Polly does best in bright, indirect light and should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. This plant is not known to bloom indoors.
21. Darmera Peltata
Darmera peltata, also known as the umbrella plant, is a perennial herb native to western North America.
It grows up to 1.5 m tall and has large, waxy leaves that are up to 30 cm in diameter.
The plant blooms in early summer, and its flowers are white or pink in color. Darmera peltata requires moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
It is tolerant of drought and can even grow in shallow water.
22. Fatsia Japonica
Fatsia japonica is a member of the Araliaceae family and is native to Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. It is an evergreen shrub that can grow to be 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide.
The leaves of Fatsia japonica are large, waxy, and have a lobed shape. The plant blooms in the fall and produces small, white flowers.
The Fatsia japonica requires moist soil and partial to full shade. It is also tolerant of salt and wind.
23. Acanthus Mollis
Acanthus mollis, commonly known as bear’s breeches, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to the Mediterranean region. It grows to a height of 1-2 meters and has large, waxy leaves.
The flowers are white or pale pink and bloom in the summer. The plant requires full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant but will benefit from occasional watering during prolonged periods of dry weather.
24. Snake Plant
The snake plant is a popular houseplant that originates from Africa. It is a succulent plant, meaning it has thick, fleshy leaves that store water.
The snake plant is a tall plant, typically growing to about two to three feet in height.
It has dark green, waxy leaves that are arranged in a spiral pattern. The snake plant blooms infrequently, but when it does, it produces small, white flowers.
The snake plant requires very little water and can tolerate low light conditions.
25. Wax Begonia
Wax begonias are popular plants that are easy to grow and care for. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions and typically grow to be about 12 inches tall.
Wax begonias have waxy leaves that are usually green, but can also be red, pink, or white.
They typically bloom in the summer and fall, and require moderate amounts of water and sunlight to thrive.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are a variety of plants that have large, waxy leaves. These plants come from all over the world and range in size, bloom time, and water needs.
If you are looking for a plant to add to your home, one of these might be a good option for you. Do your research to find one that will fit well in your space and meet your care requirements.