Hoya pubicalyx

A variable climbing Hoya from Luzon

Luzon in the Philippines is the native home of Hoya pubicalyx, a wet-tropical climbing species.

Silver flecking varies naturally across its foliage and is also emphasised in cultivated selections.

Room for the exploratory vines of Hoya pubicalyx

Provide a trellis and allow new exploratory vines time to produce leaves before deciding whether they need shortening. Cut above a node when pruning is necessary; node cuttings or layering reproduce the plant.

Hoya pubicalyx responds well to a bright, filtered position. Gentle sun is possible once the leaves have acclimatised. Warm to intermediate temperatures suit it, with average household humidity or moderately humid conditions and consistent airflow.

Allow the pot to dry well between waterings. Once the epiphytic substrate is close to dry, soak the whole root ball and drain it completely. A stable epiphytic mix suits the vigorous roots. Keep the container proportionate to the current root system.

Feed lightly while the vine is extending, and retain healthy peduncles after flowering.

Silver markings, scorch and root stress in Hoya pubicalyx

Silver density naturally varies on healthy leaves. New linear silver scars with black specks or distorted growth suggest thrips instead, while fine widespread stippling points towards mites. Examine the underside and emerging leaves before treating.

Firm bronze or red colour can develop under stronger light, but flat bleached or brown tissue is scorch. Reduce strong direct light and allow new growth to acclimatise gradually.

Yellowing or wilt above wet mix requires root and drainage inspection. A soft stem should be cut back to healthy tissue. Mealybugs and scale often occupy nodes and flower spurs, so include these areas when isolating and treating an infested vine.

Hoya pubicalyx is non-toxic to people and pets

• This plant is non-toxic to people, cats and dogs.
• Chewing a large amount can still cause an upset stomach.
• If a large amount is eaten and symptoms continue, contact a veterinarian or medical professional.

When was Hoya pubicalyx first published, and what does it mean?

Hoya honours the English gardener Thomas Hoy. The epithet pubicalyx combines Latin pubes, meaning soft hair, with calyx, referring to the hairy flower cup.

Robert Brown established the genus Hoya in 1810 in Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae, page 459.

Elmer Drew Merrill first described Hoya pubicalyx in 1918 in Philippine Journal of Science, Section C, volume 13, page 331.