Hoya pubicalyx ‘Royal Hawaiian Purple’ is a captivating and sought-after houseplant. Its unique foliage often features silvery flecks and splashes on a deep green base. Its star-shaped flowers, displaying shades of deep purple, burgundy, and sometimes black, often have a delicate fragrance. This combination of distinctive leaves and exotic blooms makes it a cherished addition, enhancing the visual interest of any plant collection.
Hoya Pubicalyx Royal Hawaiian Purple Care
Light Requirements
Hoya pubicalyx ‘Royal Hawaiian Purple’ thrives in bright, indirect light. Place the plant a few feet from an east-facing window or in a spot receiving filtered light from a south or west-facing window for ideal illumination. Direct, intense sunlight can scorch leaves, causing them to appear bleached or yellowed. Conversely, insufficient light results in leggy growth, a lack of mottled foliage, and reduced flowering. Balanced light ensures vibrant foliage and beautiful blooms.
Watering Practices
Proper watering involves allowing the potting mix to dry out almost completely between waterings. Assess soil moisture by lifting the pot or inserting a finger two inches deep. Thoroughly water until drainage occurs. Overwatering is a common issue, leading to yellowing leaves, soft stems, and root rot, while underwatering can cause leaves to shrivel or crisp. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes.
Humidity and Temperature
This Hoya thrives in warm temperatures, ideally 65-80°F (18-27°C), and should be protected below 50°F (10°C). High humidity (60-80%) is highly beneficial. Increase ambient humidity with a pebble tray (ensuring the pot does not sit directly in the water), a room humidifier, or by grouping plants. Low humidity can cause browning leaf tips or stunted growth.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining, airy potting mix is paramount for Hoya pubicalyx ‘Royal Hawaiian Purple’, preventing waterlogging and promoting root aeration. An ideal blend includes orchid bark, perlite, coco coir, and a small amount of worm castings or horticultural charcoal. Avoid heavy, dense soils that retain too much moisture. Terra cotta pots are preferred for their porosity and airflow, though plastic pots work with careful watering. Repotting is generally necessary only when the plant becomes significantly root-bound, typically every two to three years, as Hoyas tend to prefer snug conditions.
Fertilization
During its active growing season (spring and summer), Hoya pubicalyx ‘Royal Hawaiian Purple’ benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) or a bloom-boosting fertilizer with higher phosphorus encourages robust growth and abundant flowering. Apply every two to four weeks, diluted to half or quarter strength to prevent nutrient burn. Cease fertilization during its dormant period (fall and winter). Over-fertilization can lead to salt buildup and root damage.
Propagating Hoya Pubicalyx Royal Hawaiian Purple
Propagating Hoya pubicalyx ‘Royal Hawaiian Purple’ is best done via stem cuttings in spring or early summer. Select a healthy 4-6 inch stem section with at least two nodes. Use sharp, sterile shears to cut just below a node, removing leaves from the bottom one or two nodes. The cutting can be rooted in either water or a moist, well-draining potting mix.
For water rooting, submerge at least one node in clean water, changing it every few days. Roots typically emerge within weeks; transplant to soil when 1-2 inches long. For soil propagation, insert the cutting into a small pot with rooting medium, ensuring nodes are covered. High humidity, perhaps with a plastic bag, significantly improves success.
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellowing leaves often signal overwatering, indicating the plant’s roots are suffocating in excessively moist soil. Allowing the soil to dry more thoroughly between waterings usually resolves this. Browning leaf tips or crispy edges indicate low humidity or insufficient watering; increase humidity or water consistently. Lack of blooms may indicate insufficient light, as bright, indirect light is necessary for flowering.
Pest infestations, like mealybugs or spider mites, appear as tiny white cottony masses or fine webbing. Isolate affected plants immediately. Wipe away pests with rubbing alcohol or apply insecticidal soap/neem oil. Regular inspection helps catch infestations early.
Pruning and Support
Pruning Hoya pubicalyx ‘Royal Hawaiian Purple’ can help maintain its desired shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove any leggy or damaged stems. Prune using clean, sharp shears, cutting just above a node to encourage new growth. Do not remove peduncles (flower spurs), as they rebloom repeatedly.
Given its vining nature, support is beneficial as it matures. A trellis, stakes, or hanging basket can accommodate its growth. Support encourages climbing, leading to larger leaves and more prolific flowering. Without support, vines may tangle or break.