The Hoya pubicalyx ‘Silver Splash’ is a popular houseplant, cherished for its unique foliage. This vining plant adds elegance to indoor spaces, whether displayed in hanging baskets or trained to climb. Its straightforward care requirements make it a desirable addition to many plant collections, adapting well to indoor environments.
Unique Characteristics
The Hoya pubicalyx ‘Silver Splash’ is distinguished by its deep green, lance-shaped leaves adorned with striking silver variegation. These silver markings can appear as splashes, flecks, or streaks, giving each leaf a unique, almost stardust-like appearance. Under brighter light, the silver variegation often intensifies, and stems may develop subtle purple hues.
Its vining growth habit makes it suitable for cascading from hanging pots or climbing. As it matures, the plant produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers. These fragrant blooms range in color from pink to deep reddish-purple. Flowering occurs during warmer months, and the plant tends to rebloom from the same flower spurs year after year, so these should not be removed.
Care Guide
Light
Hoya pubicalyx ‘Silver Splash’ thrives in bright, indirect light, which enhances its silver variegation and encourages blooming. While it can tolerate some morning sun, avoid direct midday sunlight as it can scorch leaves and dull variegation. An ideal location is near a window with filtered light, such as an east-facing window or a few feet back from a south or west-facing window. In lower light, growth may be stunted, and fewer flowers may be produced.
Watering
This Hoya prefers its soil to dry out significantly between waterings, thanks to its thick, succulent-like leaves that store water. Overwatering is a common issue leading to root rot, so it is safer to underwater. Check the top 2-3 inches of soil; if dry, water thoroughly until it drains from the pot bottom. Watering frequency varies with environmental factors like light, temperature, and humidity, requiring more frequent watering in brighter conditions and during the growing season.
Soil
A well-draining and airy soil mix is important for Hoya pubicalyx ‘Silver Splash’ to prevent waterlogging and promote healthy root development. An ideal mixture includes components like orchid bark, perlite, and a good quality potting soil or peat, or a blend of cactus soil and orchid bark. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic, around 6.5.
Temperature and Humidity
Hoya pubicalyx ‘Silver Splash’ prefers warm temperatures, between 60-85°F (15-29°C). It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures down to 50°F (10°C) but should be protected from cold drafts, which can harm the foliage. While it adapts to average household humidity, it appreciates moderate to high humidity, between 50-70%. To increase humidity, consider using a humidifier, grouping it with other plants, or placing it on a pebble tray filled with water. Avoid misting leaves directly, especially when blooming, to prevent fungal issues.
Fertilizing
During its active growing season, Hoya pubicalyx ‘Silver Splash’ benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied monthly at half strength is sufficient. Using a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content can encourage more abundant flowering. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant winter months.
Propagation
Propagating Hoya pubicalyx ‘Silver Splash’ is done using stem cuttings, with spring and early summer being ideal seasons. Select a healthy stem with at least three nodes. Using clean, sharp shears, cut a section about 4-6 inches long, just below a node. Remove any leaves from the lower half of the cutting to expose the nodes, as roots will develop from these points.
One method is water propagation: place the cutting in water, ensuring at least one node is submerged while leaves remain above the waterline. Place the container in bright, indirect light and change the water weekly. Roots typically emerge within weeks; once 1-2 inches long, transfer to soil. Alternatively, root cuttings directly in a well-draining potting mix, such as one part perlite and one part peat. Insert the cut end into moist soil, ensuring at least one node is buried, and maintain consistent moisture. Covering the pot with a clear plastic bag or placing it in a mini-greenhouse helps maintain high humidity for rooting.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
No Blooms
Insufficient light is a common reason for Hoya pubicalyx ‘Silver Splash’ not blooming. It needs several hours of bright, indirect light daily for flowering. Patience is also important, as Hoyas often need to reach maturity and become slightly root-bound before consistent flowering. Proper nutrition, especially adequate phosphorus, can also encourage blooms. Avoid removing old flower spurs, as new flowers will emerge from these locations.
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves on Hoya pubicalyx ‘Silver Splash’ signal watering or nutrient balance issues. Overwatering frequently causes soft, mushy yellow leaves, particularly on lower foliage, due to root suffocation. Conversely, underwatering also causes yellowing, but these leaves feel dry and crispy. Adjusting watering practices to allow soil to dry out between waterings resolves this. Nutrient deficiencies, such as a lack of nitrogen, iron, or magnesium, can also cause yellowing, often starting from older leaves, and are addressed with a balanced fertilizer.
Leaf Drop
Leaves falling from your Hoya pubicalyx ‘Silver Splash’ indicate several stressors. Overwatering, leading to root rot, is a frequent culprit, as soggy soil deprives roots of oxygen. Underwatering also causes leaves to drop due to dehydration. Sudden changes in temperature or exposure to cold drafts can shock the plant, causing leaf loss. Ensuring consistent care and stable environmental conditions helps prevent this issue.
Pests
Like many houseplants, Hoya pubicalyx ‘Silver Splash’ can be affected by common pests like mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, and scale insects. Regularly inspecting the undersides of leaves helps detect infestations early.
Mealybugs appear as small, cottony masses, while spider mites create fine webbing and tiny dots on leaves. Aphids are small, often green, black, or white bugs that cluster on new growth, and scale insects are small, raised bumps on stems and leaves. Organic treatment options include wiping leaves with a damp cloth, using insecticidal soap, or applying neem oil. For persistent infestations, appropriate chemical treatments can be used, following instructions carefully.