The Hoya pubicalyx ‘Royal Hawaiian Purple Splash’ is a popular houseplant admired for its striking foliage. This vining wax plant exhibits leathery, dark green leaves with silver flecks or “splash” patterns. Its trailing habit makes it versatile for hanging baskets or climbing. Mature plants produce fragrant, star-shaped blooms.
Caring for Hoya Pubicalyx Royal Hawaiian Purple Splash
Light Needs
Hoya pubicalyx ‘Royal Hawaiian Purple Splash’ thrives in bright, indirect light. Place near an east-facing window or a few feet from a south or west-facing window for ideal illumination. Too much direct sunlight can scorch and discolor leaves. Insufficient light may result in leggy growth, reduced variegation, and decreased flowering.
Watering Techniques
Employ the “soak and dry” method. Allow the top two inches of soil to dry completely before watering thoroughly until water drains from the pot’s bottom. Overwatering commonly leads to root rot; avoid letting the plant sit in standing water. While somewhat drought-tolerant, consistent underwatering can shrivel and dry leaves. Adjust watering frequency seasonally: more during active growth (spring/summer), less in winter.
Humidity and Temperature Preferences
As a tropical plant, Hoya pubicalyx ‘Royal Hawaiian Purple Splash’ prefers moderate to high humidity (60-70%). Low humidity can cause small or elongated leaves. Increase humidity using a humidifier, pebble tray, or grouping plants. Maintain temperatures between 60-75°F (15-25°C); it does not tolerate temperatures below 50°F (10°C) and needs protection from cold drafts.
Ideal Soil Mix
A well-draining, airy potting mix is important for Hoya pubicalyx. This substrate prevents waterlogging and ensures proper root aeration, crucial for these epiphytic plants. A suitable blend includes one part orchid bark, one part perlite, and two parts peat-based potting mix or coco coir. This chunky mixture allows for quick drainage while retaining some moisture and providing support.
Fertilization Schedule
Hoya pubicalyx is not a heavy feeder and can be susceptible to over-fertilization. During its active growing season (spring through summer), apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month. Some growers recommend a fertilizer with higher phosphorus to encourage blooming. During cooler winter months, cease fertilization entirely. Always ensure the soil is moist before applying fertilizer to prevent root burn.
Propagating Your Hoya
Propagating Hoya pubicalyx ‘Royal Hawaiian Purple Splash’ uses stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with at least two to three nodes (points where leaves attach). Using a sharp, sterilized cutting tool, cut just below a node for a 4-6 inch cutting. Remove lower leaves to prevent decay and focus energy on root development. Allowing the cut end to callus for a few hours before planting is beneficial.
Cuttings root in water or a well-draining substrate (e.g., perlite/soil mix, moist sphagnum moss). For water rooting, submerge nodes while keeping leaves above the waterline, changing water every few days. For soil/moss, bury at least one node, keeping the medium consistently moist. A warm spot with bright, indirect light and high humidity encourages root formation. Roots form within 3-4 weeks, though some may take longer.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Yellowing leaves on Hoya pubicalyx often signal watering issues. Overwatering leads to soft, mushy yellow leaves, while underwatering causes individual leaves to yellow and feel dry. Nutrient deficiencies, like a lack of nitrogen, can also result in yellowing, often starting with older, lower leaves. Adjusting watering habits and proper fertilization can resolve this.
Shriveling leaves indicate underwatering or insufficient humidity. If the soil is dry, thorough watering rehydrates the plant. Providing higher humidity (pebble trays, humidifiers) prevents future shriveling. Lack of new growth may stem from insufficient light, nutrient deficiency, or being root-bound. Moving to a brighter location, adjusting fertilization, or repotting can stimulate growth.
Common houseplant pests like mealybugs (white, cottony masses), spider mites, aphids (tiny insects clustering on new growth), and whiteflies can affect Hoyas. Inspect plants regularly; treat infestations with insecticidal soap or alcohol-dipped cotton swabs. If not blooming, it may be immature, receiving insufficient light, or lacking proper humidity/nutrients. Adequate bright, indirect light and appropriate fertilization encourage flowering.
Understanding Its Unique Blooms and Growth
The Hoya pubicalyx ‘Royal Hawaiian Purple Splash’ has a distinctive growth habit and captivating blooms. This vigorous viner can reach 10-12 feet indoors, trained to climb or trail from hanging baskets. Its vining nature means it often produces long, leafless stems initially, which later fill in with foliage once they find something to climb or mature.
Flowers are a significant attraction, appearing in umbel clusters, each with about 30 star-shaped blooms 2 cm. The ‘Royal Hawaiian Purple Splash’ cultivar has dark purple to dark red corolla and corona, with colors varying even within the same cluster (sometimes almost black or mixed with pink). These flat, pubescent flowers release a strong, sweet fragrance, particularly in the evening. Hoyas need to reach maturity (one to two years) before blooming, re-blooming from the same peduncles each season.
The “splash” variegation on the leaves is a defining characteristic. The leathery, dark green leaves are adorned with silvery-grey flecking patterns. Young leaves, especially when exposed to brighter light, may exhibit a deep purple hue, intensifying visual appeal. The intensity of this splash can be influenced by light levels, with more bright, indirect light enhancing variegation.