Hoya pubicalyx

Taxonomy

Hoya pubicalyx is a species of flowering plant in the genus Hoya that is native to the Philippines. This woody epiphyte or scrambling shrub can grow up to several meters long in its tropical habitat. It has narrow, succulent, lanceolate foliage that is glabrous throughout, excepting the inflorescence. The leaves have more or less silver flecks, depending on the variety, and are often confused with Hoya carnosa. Hoya pubicalyx grows in a vining habit epiphytically and is kept as a houseplant in temperate climates, with variegated forms available in nurseries. The plant produces fragrant, star-shaped flowers that vary in color from pink-red with white corona to almost black with red coronas. Often, the plant produces pink-red, spotted, and black flowers in the same umbel. Hoya pubicalyx is quite decorative even when not blooming. The Philippine five-centavo coin of the New Generation Currency Series features the flowers of this plant. With over 500 species and even more cultivars, there's a Hoya out there for everyone! They're native to Southeast Asia and their common name, waxplant, refers to their thick, waxy leaves which help them retain water in the heat. They're excellent climbers and will take off if you give them a trellis to grow on.

How to care for Hoya pubicalyx

Difficulty

Caring for Hoya pubicalyx is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Hoya pubicalyx does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

Hoya pubicalyx loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Hoya pubicalyx requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Hoya pubicalyx is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

The Hoya pubicalyx lacks a typical dormancy pattern. If there is a marked reduction in growth, ensure that the plant is receiving enough sunlight and water to thrive.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Humidity

The Hoya pubicalyx does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Hoya pubicalyx should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Hoya pubicalyx’s native range is Southeast Asia and Australia.


More info:
Wikipedia