Skip to main content
Hoya pubicalyx (Wax Plant)
1 / 5
© Albert Kang, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC) · iNaturalist

Hoya pubicalyx

Wax Plant

At a Glance

TypeVine
FoliageEvergreen
Height48-120 inches (120-300 cm) climbing
Width12-24 inches (30-60 cm)
Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

10 - 12
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancetender

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 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 species.

How to Identify

Identified by dark green lance-shaped leaves with silver splash flecks and deep pink to dark red-purple waxy flower clusters. Distinguished from H. carnosa by the lance-shaped (not oval) leaves and the darker flower color. Silver splash intensity varies by selection.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4' - 10'
Width/Spread1' - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Deep pink to purple flower umbels in spring to summer. Night-fragrant. Blooms from 2–3 years of age. Peduncles persist and rebloom — do not remove.

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 Hoya

Foliage Description

Dark green with silver SPLASH markings (speckled silver flecks), elongated lance-shaped, thick and waxy

Growing 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

2-3 years to flower

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

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.

Maintenance Level

very low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic