Silver Pink Vine Hoya pubicalyx
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- HOY-ah pew-bi-KAY-liks
- Description
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Wax plant is an epiphytic herbaceous perennial in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae). It is native to the Philippines and grows in tropical rainforests. The species epithet highlights the fact that the calyx (sepals) is pubescent.
Wax plant does best when grown in bright, indirect sunlight, such as near a sunny window. Six hours of filtered sunlight per day is optimal, however, avoid direct sunlight, as the leaves can become scorched. Direct sunlight can be provided in the morning but, limit it to no more than 2 hours. Being frost intolerant, ensure that temperatures remain above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooler temperatures can lead to damaged foliage. Humidity levels should remain between 60-70%. If natural conditions do not provide the needed humidity, a humidifier can be used. Avoid placing the plant near indoor vents and heaters, as they can dry out the foliage. This plant does not mind having its roots tightly confined, so repotting is rarely necessary. Provide vertical support to allow this plant to climb. Like other succulents, providing good drainage is imperative. Consider terracotta pots or planters that have sufficient drainage holes. Care should include watering with filtered or rainwater. During its growing season, water frequently, allowing the potting medium to dry out between waterings. During the fall and winter months, the plant needs less water and can dry out more frequently. Avoid deadheading old blooms, as the “spur” (peduncle) will produce flowers over several years. Maintenance includes trimming the plant should it become too large.
This species has attractive silver-flecked leaves and showy flowers. The plants are slow to mature and flower; maturity may take up to two years. Its blooms are more noticeable during the nighttime hours when they are also fragrant. In too much direct sunlight, the leaves will take on a reddish color. These pigments (anthocyanins) protect its young leaves like a natural sunscreen. Mature foliage can take on an attractive silver/pink hue when sufficient sunlight is present.
Like most hoyas, this species can spend summer months outdoors in the shade of a tree or patio. Be sure to bring it indoors when temperatures turn cool.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Mealybugs, aphids, and whiteflies are some insects that are attracted to this species. Too much water can lead to root rot and leaf drop.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Splash'
green leaves speckled with white and pink
- 'Splash'
- 'Splash'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Splash'
green leaves speckled with white and pink
- 'Splash'
- 'Splash'
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Hoya
- Species:
- pubicalyx
- Family:
- Apocynaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Indoor plant, or protected outdoor plant.
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Philippines
- Distribution:
- Philippines
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Colorful
- Easy to Grow
- Fragrance
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Annual
- Houseplant
- Succulent
- Vine
- Habit/Form:
- Climbing
- Creeping
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
- Very Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Head
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Star
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 3-6 inches
- Flower Description:
- The flowers appear in clusters of dusty pink flowers with pink centers. Their fragrance is emitted during the evening hours.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- Variegated
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The long, narrow, thick, glossy, deep green foliage can sometimes be decorated with sliver specks.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- The stems may be purple/gray.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Hanging Baskets
- Houseplants
- Patio
- Landscape Theme:
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Nighttime Garden
- Design Feature:
- Specimen
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
- Humidity