Hoya publicalyx is a climbing vine native to the Philippines. Also called Pink Silver, the name comes from the color of the protective pigment, anthocyanin. Mature leaves take on a silver-pink hue when exposed to sunlight.
Hoya Pubicalyx Appearance
Hoya pubicalyx grows 8 to 10 feet (2.4 to 3 m) in length. In its native Philippines, it reaches 20 feet (6 m) long. The leaves are long, narrow, and glossy. The more sunlight the plant is exposed to, the more pink appears on the leaves.
The blooms form in clusters of pale-red flowers with pink centers. Flowers appear from late spring to late summer and release their fragrance in the evenings. The pubicalyx Hoya can take two years to mature and bloom.
Hoya Pubicalyx Light Requirements
Hoya publicalyx requires six hours of indirect sunlight or two hours of direct, morning sun per day. Supplement low lighting with a full-spectrum, LED grow light for 16 hours per day during the growing season. In fall and winter, 12 to 14 hours per day is enough.
Watering and Soil
Proper Hoya pubicalyx care requires watering three times per week during the growth season. During fall and winter allow the top two inches of soil to dry before watering. Use a soil meter to test moisture level. Ensure the plant’s pot has drainage holes to avoid soggy soil, which leads to root rot.
All Hoya pubicalyx varieties prefer a light, airy soil mixture. A well-draining soil like a cactus or succulent mix works well. Potting soil amended with peat, perlite, or sand will also provide proper drainage. Keep the soil pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
Temperature and Humidity
In the spring and summer growing seasons, keep Hoya pubicalyx at temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 to 24 degrees Celsius). During fall and winter cooler temperatures are fine but never below 50 degrees Fahrenheit or there is a risk of dormancy or damage to foliage.
Keep the pubicalyx Hoya at a humidity level of 70 percent. Increase the humidity level in dry climates with either a humidifier or by placing a tray filled with pebbles and water under the plant’s pot.
Pruning and Propagation
Do not prune Hoya pubicalyx during the spring or summer. Excessive handling or moving the plant during this time is also not recommended. To prune Hoya pubicalyx varieties, use sharp, disinfected shears to avoid damage or disease. Remove dead or damaged leaves but never deadhead old flowers as it will affect future blooms.
Propagate this Hoya plant by either cutting or seed. For the cutting method, snip a healthy vine with at least three nodes. Remove the bottom leaves if still attached to the nodes and immerse only the nodes in a glass of water. Change the water once a week until the new roots are one to two inches long. Plant in a well-draining soil mixture.
If propagating by seed, harvest the seeds from the plant’s dry pods. Plant the seeds in a pot filled with moistened peat moss and keep moist but not wet. Keep the pot at 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius). It will take up to five weeks for roots to grow long enough to transplant into soil.
Hoya Pubicalyx Pests and Disease
Pests
Common pests of Hoya pubicalyx include mealybugs, aphids, and whiteflies. If an infestation occurs, treat your plant with neem oil or horticultural oil. Oils work best when they coat the pests completely.
Leaf drop and root rot are diseases to watch for. Both are a result of overwatering the plant. To correct leaf drop, remove damaged leaves and reduce watering. Kill the fungus causing root rot by pouring a mixture of one part 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and two parts water into the plant pot.
Hoya pubicalyx is a stunning Hoya variety that gets pinker with sun exposure. It’s an easy-to-care for Hoya variety you’ll enjoy having in your home. With proper sunlight conditions and watering this climbing vine makes an excellent houseplant.
In a rush? Here are 10 Hoya varieties for beginners to discover:
Hoya Pubicalyx FAQ
The pubicalyx Hoya has a small root system and is best grown in a small-sized pot. Growing this Hoya variety in a large pot can result in overwatering.
Other varieties of this Hoya plant are Royal Hawaiian Purple, Red Buttons and Black Dragon.
Hoya pubicalyx is not officially considered an invasive species but, because it is a climbing vine, it has the potential to take over a space or climb up other plants.
No. The Hoya pubicalyx are not considered toxic to pets or humans.
This Hoya is a fast-growing plant. Despite its growth rate, the small root system means it doesn’t need to be repotted often. Only increase the pot size once the plant becomes root bound.
