Hoya pubicalyx

Common name: Wax Plant | Porcelain Flower

Native to:  Philippines

Description: Hoyas, also known as wax plants, have a *huge* fan base and many people quickly become obsessed with increasing their Hoya collections.  They are semi-succulent vining plants, great for either cascading from a hanging basket or climbing up a trellis. They have pleasingly thick, waxy leaves and under the right conditions will produce exquisite scented blooms in star‐shaped clusters, also wax-like in appearance (these appear on older stems from previous years.) Hoyas are beautiful plants, and their flowers are just a lovely bonus.  Terrific houseplants.

It's good to remember that Hoyas are epyphitic in their natural habitat, ie. generally growing on other plants for physical support, therefore their growing medium should be considered if re-potting is ever required. (See below)

Description: This Hoya pubicalyx is a relatively fast growing vine. Its thick, glossy, succulent and lanceolate leaves are often speckled with of silver variegation, if given enough bright light. When it's ready to flower, expect dusty fuschia coloured blooms with lighter pink central stars.

*** Plant height on delivery: Approx. 60cm with pot ***

Difficulty: Easy - tolerates neglect well.

Light: Enjoys bright, indirect light, although a few hours of direct daily sunshine is fine for this Hoya.   

Water:  Drought tolerant so allow to dry out between waterings. Hoyas should never be allowed to sit in water or persistently damp soil. Remember, these are epiphytic semi-succulents and store water in their leaves - having constantly wet roots can be deadly. However if your potting mix is as recommended below then the water should drain quickly and freely each time, limiting the risk of this happening. Rainwater or filtered water is best.

Temperature: These plants enjoy typical indoor temperatures (18-24°C / 64-75 F)

Humidity: Hoyas thrive in humidity!  Higher humidity results in a happier, faster growing hoya. They can handle most household humidity levels but grow rapidly when it is above 60%. Misting is fine but not recommended when the plant is in flower. Great bathroom or kitchen plants if the light is adequate.

Fertiliser: Not heavy feeders. Once the plant has acclimatised to its position, a weak solution of general liquid houseplant fertiliser can be applied every mopnth or so throughout summer. Not required over winter.

Potting mix: A very airy, chunky, well draining mix is needed. Orchid bark chips are an ideal pot additive for these epyphytic plants, as aeration round the roots is essential. Hoyas do very well in a tight pot, so being pot bound isn't a problem. Never re-pot a Hoya when it is in bloom.

Notes: Don't cut or deadhead the flowers. New flowers will grow from the same nodes at the end of stems - called 'peduncles.'  Peduncles will not re-grow if removed, therefore no flowers will appear either!

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