Hoya Pubicalyx Care - A Complete Guide for Plant Caring

The low-maintenance Hoya Pubicalyx plant requires little attention. It should be grown in a potting mix or soil with good drainage and aeration. During the growing season, give the Pubicalyx plenty of water. The Hoya pubicalyx is more susceptible to root rot and other fungi diseases, so avoid overwatering or soggy soil.

What is the Hoya Pubicalyx?

The porcelain flower belongs to the Apocynaceae family. It is a native of the Philippines and has dusty pink star-shaped flowers along with green foliage. The name is difficult to pronounce, yes. You pronounce it as HOY-a pew-bih-KAL-iks, according to NC State University.

You'll adore the flowers' sweet scent, which is more apparent at night. The fantastic thing is that this Hoya plant protects its young with Anthocyanin is a natural pigment that shields tender or young leaves from too much light.

You can hang it in a basket or put it in a terrestrial pot to add beauty to any living area. It is a plant that grows quickly, so be aware of that fact. Check out the details on this tropical plant here for a brief introduction.

Hoya Pubicalyx Plant Care Guide

The requirements for plant care are the same for all Hoya Pubicalyx varieties. The essential care instructions are discussed below:

Soil

For the Hoya Pubicalyx plant, use a light, airy, and well-drained soil mixture.

For a stronger root system, use fertile, rich soil with a high percentage of organic matter.

Place the Hoya Pubicalyx in potting soil or loamy, quick-draining soil.

For Pubicalyx, the ideal soil pH ranges from 6.5 to 7.5, or, slightly acidic to neutral.

You can create your own potting soil by mixing equal parts peat-free compost, coarse perlite, and orchid bark.

Alternately, you could use cactus compost, but to improve drainage, you'll need to add more perlite.

Watering

Watering a Hoya Pubicalyx plant is the same as watering any other Hoya plant species.

A drought-tolerant indoor plant is Hoya Pubicalyx. In the growing season, you must water the plant frequently.

When the top 2 inches of soil are dry, check the soil's moisture level and water the plant.

Regularly check the top of the soil; if it appears dry, water your Hoya Pubicalyx once more.

I advise watering this plant with soft water (rainwater or filtered water).

The typical watering frequency for this plant is three times per week during the summer and once per week during the winter.

However, depending on how much light they are getting, you might need to change the watering schedule.

The amount of water needed depends on the temperature and light. The plant will need more water because of the high temperature and light exposure.

It is best to water the Hoya Pubicalyx plant lightly if you have planted it in heavy soil, like a peaty mix.

If the soil is lighter, however, water the plant thoroughly until the drainage holes begin to flow.

The only time you should let the Hoya Pubicalyx plant sit in standing water is to completely saturate the soil.

After soaking the soil, pour out any extra water in the tray.

Despite occasionally forgetting to water your plant, pubicalyx is a resilient and rewarding plant that is simple to grow.

Your Hoya Pubicalyx is being overwatered if it starts dropping leaves.

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot because this plant absolutely hates soggy soil.

Light

Indirect, bright light is ideal for Hoya pubicalyx. They thrive in an area with lots of light, like next to a window that gets plenty of sun.

This plant can be grown in both natural sunlight and artificial indoor plant lights.

If you plan to cultivate Pubicalyx outside, shade the plant with a sheet to keep it out of the sun.

The plant's foliage and flowers will be scorched if kept in direct sunlight during peak hours.

The plant needs at least 6 hours of sunlight each day to grow and bloom healthily.

Most gardeners advise giving plants an hour or two of direct sunlight in the morning to encourage the growth of lovely foliage.

As a result of the plant's vibrant foliage and increased bloom production with increased light.

Temperature

Keep the plant in indoor places with temperature ranging from 60 to 75 ^o (between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius).

As a tropical plant, the Hoya Pubicalyx does not handle frost well, therefore do not place the plant in temperatures below 10 ^odue to the growth ceasing.

In winter also, the minimum temperature should not be less than 50 ^o10 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).

Zones 10b to 11b of the USDA's hardiness chart are suggested for outdoor planting.

Humidity

Hoya Pubicalyx enjoys humidity because it is a tropical plant. This plant does best with an air humidity level of around 70% or at least 60%.

Keep the plant near a humidifier in an excessively dry climate.

Using water from a spray bottle, mist the plant's leaves.

Moisture will be created around the Hoya Pubicalyx when this water evaporates.

When the Hoya Pubicalyx is blooming or buding, avoid misting it.

However, keep in mind that the plant requires less water when the humidity is high. So, to avoid overwatering, inspect the plant before providing water.

Keep the plant away from heaters, air conditioners, and vents.

Fertilizer

Pubicalyx, like other Hoya species, is not a heavy feeder, but during the active growing season the plant will benefit from some additional nutrition.

I would advise using liquid fertilizer to fertilize the plant. To promote flowering, use a potassium-rich fertilizer and spray it on the leaves as well.

Compost tea or a weak fish emulsion can also be given once a month.

You can incorporate any balanced organic fertilizer or diluted synthetic fertilizer. During the blooming season, fertilize the plant to promote more flowers.

Winter is when the plant goes into a semi-dormant state, so avoid fertilizing it.

Professional gardeners advise fertilizing indoor plants at least twice annually.

Make sure the soil is always moist before applying any fertilizer. A dry potting mix or soil should never be fertilized.

Growth

Hoya pubicalyx is a quick-growing plant, and if all of its nutritional requirements are met, its vines can reach a length of 20 feet (6 meters). New plants can take up to two years to begin blooming, and once they do, they do so in the spring and summer.

The tiny, star-shaped flowers are arranged in clusters and have a small size. There are numerous cultivars that result in various color variations, as we have already discussed. At night, the flowers give off a sweet scent.

Potting

Hoya Pubicalyx is a vigorously growing vining plant with deep green leaves that cascade gracefully over the sides of its container.

However, because these plants prefer to be root-bound, frequent repotting is not necessary.

Hoya Pubicalyx is an epiphytic plant that requires good drainage. To aid the plant's upward movement, you can use some vertical support.

Terracotta containers with drainage holes are generally recommended by gardeners for growing Hoya pubicalyx.

To help the plant stay root-bound, you should steer clear of large containers.

Toxicity

A non-toxic plant, Hoya Pubicalyx is okay to keep around kids and pets.

This plant does, however, secrete a white sap that can irritate the skin, just like all Hoyas do. It is best to wear gloves when pruning your plant because of this.

Blooms

The dusty pink star-shaped flowers have a maroon center and a light-pink star in the center. The size of each flower is roughly 0.4 cm.

Clusters of countless little pink flowers look like bouquets.

The bouquet grows on the tips of the peduncles and is attached to the main stem by a tiny stem-like structure.

For Hoya Pubicalyx cultivars, the flowering period lasts from late spring to late summer. The flowers have a potent scent, particularly at night.

On tiny stalks that are only an inch long, the waxy flowers are borne.

The plant may take 1-2 years to begin blooming, depending on the cultivar.

Each plant has a different flower color, ranging from pink, red, and purple shades to shades of purple.

After the blooming period is over, don't remove the stalks. The plant will put off blooming, and the old stalks will encourage the growth of new flowers.

The energy that would otherwise be used to grow new stalks will be conserved by the plant.

Because they are delicate and touching them could cause flowering to be delayed, stay away from the plant's new stems.

The amount of sunlight a plant receives has a big impact on how much it blooms.

Pruning

Hoya Pubicalyx is a low-maintenance houseplant that requires little to no pruning.

In the summer or early spring is the best time to prune Pubicalyx plants.

Following the plant's blooming season, I would advise pruning it.

To improve the plant's overall appearance, you can trim a few of the lower leaves.

Cut back some of the plant's parts if it is getting too big and propagate them in a different pot for future growth.

Be sure to prune away any damaged stems and dead or yellowing leaves. The white sap from the plant can cause allergies, so you should always wear gloves.

Propagation

Stem cuttings or leaf cuttings make it simple to spread the Hoya Pubicalyx.

The active growing season, which runs from June to August, is the ideal time for propagation., summer and spring.

Early spring is the best time to take cuttings because it gives the plant more time to root and increase its chances of survival.

• Always use a pair of sterilized pruning shears or scissors; isopropyl alcohol can be used to sterilize garden tools.
• From the growing end of the stalk with nodes, take a 5 to 7-inch cutting.
• Leaves on the lower end should be removed.
• Let the wound's tissue heal by placing it in the shade for a while.
• Now plant the cutting with the nodes at least 4 inches deep in the soil.
• About three times per week, generously water the soil. Up until new growth is visible, keep the soil only slightly moist.
• Put the plant in a warm, humid area with some indirect sunlight.
• It usually takes three to four weeks for the root development to begin.
• The newly propagated plant can be repotted once the cuttings have rooted.
• To prevent the newly grown foliage from burning, pick a sunny area with some shade.

Hoya pubicalyx can be propagated using a plastic bag or zip-lock method. The cutting can be planted in sphagnum moss or potting soil.

For the Pubicalyx plant, this technique creates a closed greenhouse environment.

Growing from Seeds

Seeds of the Hoya Pubicalyx plant can also be grown; keep them in a dry, dark place.

In a soil mixture containing peat moss, sow the fresh seeds. For the seeds to begin germination, provide high humidity and plenty of light.

During the daytime, the temperature should be around 25 degrees Celsius (77 ^oF).

Hoya Pubicalyx seeds should be sown early in the fall or at the end of spring for best results indoors or in a greenhouse.

Regular watering will keep the soil moist. To shield the new plant from the wind or cold, you should cover the pot or container with a plastic bag.

Depending on the environment, germination can take anywhere between two and five weeks.

How to Detect Nutrient Deficiency?

There are some signs and symptoms that can alert you of a specific nutrient deficiency in your Hoya Pubicalyx plant:

• Nitrogen deficiency. Your plant needs more nitrogen if the growth appears to be stunted or slowed, or if the lower or older leaves turn yellow or drop off.
• Phosphorus Deficiency. The rusty hue that appears on the edges of the leaves of your Hoya Pubicalyx is caused by a phosphorus deficiency. There will be no more new growth.
• Potassium Deficiency. A lack of potassium will cause the edges of leaves to turn tan, and the younger leaves will cluster closer together on the stems.

Common Pest and Diseases for Hoya Pubicalyx

For container gardens on your porch, patio, or windowsill, Hoya Pubicalyx is a simple, rewarding, and durable addition.

However, you need to be on the lookout for some pests that could infect your Hoya pubicalyx plant and harm the lovely foliage or flowers.

The sweet-smelling flowers can attract different bugs and pests:

Mealybugs

Mealybugs are among the frequent pests that can infest almost all Hoya species.

To prevent mealybugs from damaging the lovely Hoya Pubicalyx, use a houseplant insecticide and mix it into the potting soil before planting the plant.

Neem oil should be regularly misted on the plant. Isopropyl alcohol can also be used to treat mealy bugs.

To clean the infected plant parts, use a Q-tip dipped in isopropyl alcohol.

Aphids

Another typical indoor plant pest that infests Hoya plants are aphids. On the underside of leaves, on flower buds, or at the stem's base, you can find these tiny insects.

A light stream of water from a hose can be used to spray off aphids from the plant.

To eradicate the aphid infestations, you can also use insecticidal soap or spray.

By combining some water and liquid soap, you can make your own aphid spray.

Apply the spray to the plant's harmed areas. In the end, the soap will kill the aphids by dissolving their protective outer layer.

Whiteflies

Whiteflies are tiny sap-sucking insects that attack indoor plants, particularly in warm weather.

The leaves may dry out, turn yellow, or even fall off the plant as a result of them.

The best course of action is to stop the growth of whiteflies in your indoor garden.

Yellow sticky traps can be used to track and manage the population of whiteflies. Whiteflies can also be reduced with the help of insecticidal soaps or oils.

Root-rot Nematode

The root-knot nematode is the pest that will cause the most damage to your Hoya pubicalyx plant.

If the health of your plant is deteriorating and it is exhibiting symptoms like wilting, yellowing, or stunting, the root-knot nematode is likely the cause.

Warm climates are favorable to the growth of these insects. The nematodes will eventually cause the plant to die if you don't treat it.

If your plant is severely infested, you can take a cutting from the top and propagate it to create a new, healthy plant.

Nematodes will impede a plant's ability to grow by harming its root system.

To stop the infection from spreading to other plants, separate the nematode-infested plants and, if they are seriously infected, destroy them.

Before planting or seeding, the necessary nematode control measures should be taken.

The biological control of nematodes will be aided by the addition of organic matter, such as composted leaves or manure.

Blight

Your Hoya Pubicalyx plant may become infected with blight, which can damage different parts of the plant. On the stems and leaves, it appears as gray patches. When this fungus is more advanced, it can cause the plant to feel mushy or droop.

Utilizing sterile garden shears, remove as much of the blighted plant tissue as you can. To prevent contamination and spread, sterilize shears with a 70% isopropyl solution. Keep the plant in quarantine and away from other people. After that, apply a copper fungicide to the plant to prevent the spread of the infection.

In the presence of high humidity, blight can develop. By misting your plant frequently, you can help prevent the recurrence of blight by avoiding overwatering and letting the water sit on the leaves for an excessive amount of time.

Tips for Hoya Pubicalyx Care

• Transplant the cutting into a potting medium when propagating in water once 1 or 2 inches of roots have formed. Otherwise, the roots will adjust to being in the water, and the plant will have water-roots that are weaker than soil-roots.
• Try not to flood your Hoya with water on your subsequent watering if you let it dry out for an extended period of time or forget to water it. Give the plant more frequent small amounts of water.

Varieties of Hoya Pubicalyx

Hoya Pubicalyx has a number of cultivars or varieties, which can be distinguished by the color of their flowers and leaves. Some of them are:

Pink Silver: Green leaves with silver splotches are present on this cultivar. In sunlight, the leaves take on a pinkish-silver hue, hence the name Pink-Silver. These plant's light red flowers have tiny pink centers.

Black Dragon: This variety's leaves are lime green and spotless. The flowers have a red center with a black exterior. Even with grow lights, this plant blooms nicely.

Red Buttons: This variety has dark purple flowers with a reddish center. Additionally, the green leaves of this plant have red and purple blotches.

Royal Hawaiian Purple: This plant has green leaves with silvery or grayish patterns. It has clusters of pinkish-red or black stars-shaped flowers.

Some other popular cultivars include Bright One, Dapple Gray, Jungle Garden, Silver Sheen, etc.

Troubleshooting Your Hoya Pubicalyx

How Can I Encourage My Hoya to Bloom?

Sunlight is the best way to guarantee that your Hoya Pubicalyx blooms to its full potential. Your plant should, in theory, get at least 6 hours per day of bright, indirect sunlight. If it still doesn't bloom, move your plant to an area where it can get a few hours of early morning direct sunlight.

Use a grow light to accelerate your plant's growth if the available natural light is insufficient.

Furthermore, after a flower has bloomed and died off, do not trim the penducle (flower stalk). The same old penducles are used by new flowers to grow. By doing this, your plant will avoid having to expend energy on growing a new stalk for the upcoming blooming season.

How Can I Remove Water Spots from My Plant's Foliage?

Over time, water stains might develop on the surface of the leaves. These are mineral salt deposits that form as a result of watering plants with hard water.

Here are a few easy steps you can follow to remove water spots from your plant's foliage:

1. Mix a few tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar with water.
2. Wipe the leaves with this mixture using a soft, clean cloth.
3. Use this solution only to clean the upper parts of the leaves because that is where deposits are most common.
4. Applying the solution there would cause pores and stomata to open, so avoid doing so.

If you want water spots from appearing, use filtered water or rainwater to water your plant.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hoya Pubicalyx

Is Hoya Pubicalyx Toxic?

There is a milk-like fluid that resembles milk inside Hoya Pubicalyx plants, and it is poisonous.

White sap exposure or ingestion can result in allergies or other health problems.
The plant should therefore be kept out of the reach of children and animals.

How to Train Hoya Plants to Grow Along a Path?

These vine plants can be trained to grow along any path; they can climb hanging planters, trees, or any wall in your house.
With the right training, these vines can reach lengths of up to 20 feet.

In the center of the pot, place bamboo or any other vertical support and secure the plant to it with twine or strings.

The hoya plant is best trained when it is young.

Why is My Hoya Pubicalyx Plant Not Blooming?

The lack of light is the most frequent cause of no blooms in Hoya pubicalyx.

Make sure the plant gets plenty of sunlight at all times.

Sometimes moving the plant or transplanting it can also stop the plant from blooming.

The plant will be upset if you move it, and this will make the buds drop off before they open.

What is the Best Type of Growing Soil for Hoya Pubicalyx?

A balanced mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite that dries out between waterings but does not compact easily is the ideal soil for Hoya Pubicalyx Splash Plants.

To assist the plant during the transplanting transition, you can add a slow-release granular fertilizer.

How Can I Remove Hard Water Spots from Hoya Pubicalyx Leaves?

To remove water stains from the leaves, mix 1 teaspoon of white or red vinegar with 1 pint of warm water.

Rub the leaves gently in a circular motion using a small piece of cloth dipped in the solution.

After rinsing with fresh water, dry the leaves with a different cloth.

How Many Hours of Lighting Are Required If I'm Growing the Hoya Pubicalyx under Artificial Lights?

A minimum of 12 to 14 hours of artificial indoor lighting per day are required for your plant.

And give the plant up to 16 hours of light per day if you want it to bloom.

These plants also require a brief period of darkness similar to what they would experience in their natural habitat.

Conclusion

This drought-tolerant air plant with succulent leaves is a great houseplant for beginners because it requires little maintenance.

Apart from well-draining soil and warm, humid conditions, tropical Hoya Pubicalyx plants require no special care.

The incredible waxy, star-shaped flowers on Hoya plants are by far their best feature.

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