Hoya pubicalyx
wax plant
Overview
Hoya pubicalyx is a silver-splashed wax vine from the Philippines, climbing 48–120 inches (120–300 cm). Dark green elongated lance-shaped leaves 3–5 inches (7–13 cm) long with silver splash markings (silver flecks distributed across the leaf surface) — splash intensity varies by selection. Deep pink to dark red-purple star-shaped waxy flowers in ball-shaped clusters (umbels), with a strong fragrance that intensifies at night (adapted for moth pollination). The species name 'pubicalyx' means 'hairy calyx.' Reaches blooming maturity in 2–3 years, faster than H. carnosa at 3–5 years. Flower peduncles must not be removed — Hoya spp. species rebloom from the same peduncle over multiple seasons. Named selections include 'Royal Hawaiian Purple' (darkest flower color) and 'Splash' (heaviest silver leaf marking). Non-toxic to cats and dogs. Drought-tolerant due to the waxy leaf coating that reduces transpiration. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Native to the Philippines. Mealybugs in leaf axils are the primary pest indoors.
Native Range
Hoya pubicalyx is native to the Philippines.Suggested Uses
Grown as a climbing vine on a trellis or in a hanging basket in containers of 2–3 gallons (8–12 liters) in bright indirect light. The silver-splashed foliage and dark flowers make it suited to plant collections alongside other Hoya spp. species.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4' - 10'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Deep pink to dark red-purple star-shaped waxy flowers in ball-shaped clusters, intensely fragrant at night — the darkest-flowered common HoyaFoliage Description
Dark green with silver SPLASH markings (speckled silver flecks), elongated lance-shaped, thick and waxyGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Bright indirect light. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Do not remove flower peduncles. Reaches blooming age faster than H. carnosa (2–3 years vs. 3–5). Night-fragrant flowers. Non-toxic to pets. Watch for mealybugs in leaf axils.Pruning
Prune to control vine length. Never remove flower peduncles — they rebloom over multiple seasons.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons