Plant Profile: Hoya pubicalyx
Hoya Pubicalyx is one of the 500+ species under the Hoya genus and native to the Philippines. It is among the common houseplants and an effortless rooter. It is often nicknamed the “silver speckled Hoya. Hoya Publicalyx is one of my favorite Hoya to grow and I absolutely adore the unique characteristics of this plant.
Looks
Size & Structure:
An average, mature Hoya pubicalyx is 8 to 10 feet (3 meters) in height. The common leaf is slender and long, measuring to around 5 to 12 cm (4 inches) long and about 6 cm (2.4 inches) wide.
Leaf & Stem:
A Hoya pubicalyx leaf is a deep lanceolate leaf notorious for their silvery, speckled variegation. Depending on the plants’ exposure to direct sunlight, the stems may adopt a dark, red tone.
Flowers:
This plant has an incredible spectrum for the colorations of their blooms. The flowers are glossy with peduncle tips and absolutely breathtaking, ranging from shades of pink, red, and purple. You’ll never want to leave the sticky sweet fragrance of this Hoya’s blossoms.
"Red buttons" H. Pubiclayx
Behavior
Hoya publicayx, typical of most hoya, is a vigorous vining plant. It is eager to climb a trellis or pour gracefully over the sides of its pot. It is one of the faster growing Hoya.
New tendrils mature from the stem; from here, thick, glossy leaves grow from the adventitious roots. It is important not to trim the woody tendrils because new leaves grow from the nodes.
Preferences
Hoya Pubicalyx’ care preferences do not stray from the norm of most Hoya. This plant is drought tolerant and requires a soil that drains to prevent wet roots. They thrive in moderate or diffused light and moderate humidity. You cannot easily go wrong taking care of this plant; it is so tolerant.
Varieties & Cultivars
There are many cultivars and hybrids of Hoya pubicalyx. They are very difficult to identify unless the plant is in bloom; only true experts can differentiate between species by looking at the foliage. Some of the most common cultivars are among the following:
H. pubicalyx “pink silver”
H. pubicalyx “black-dragon”
“Red-buttons” H. pubicalyx
H. publicalyx “Royal Hawaiian Purple”
H. pubicalyx "royal Hawaiian purple"
Hoya Pubicalyx is an extraordinary plant that is beautiful, fast-growing, and beginner-friendly. At Hoya-Blue we highly recommend starting your own journey with this plant if you haven’t already. If you have, head over to the Hoya-Blue nursery and share your experiences or questions!