The Hoya pubicalyx ‘Super Splash’ is a favored houseplant, admired for its striking visual appeal and unique foliage. This tropical vine, originating from the Philippines, produces beautiful star-shaped flowers. It thrives indoors with proper attention, making it a rewarding addition for plant owners.
Distinctive Features of Super Splash
The ‘Super Splash’ cultivar features prominent silver variegation across its deep green, waxy, lance-shaped leaves. This speckling varies in intensity, and new growth may emerge with reddish tones before maturing.
Beyond its foliage, the Hoya pubicalyx ‘Super Splash’ produces clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers. These waxy blooms range from pink to deep maroon, often felted with fine silver hairs. They produce nectar and appear on short stems called peduncles, which should not be removed as the plant reblooms from the same spot.
Super Splash Care Requirements
Light
Hoya pubicalyx ‘Super Splash’ thrives in bright, indirect light conditions. Placing it near a sunny window, but out of direct sun, is ideal. While it can tolerate some morning sun, harsh midday light can scorch its waxy leaves, causing discoloration. Insufficient light can lead to slower growth and may hinder flowering.
Water
As a semi-succulent plant, Hoya pubicalyx stores water in its leaves and prefers to dry out between waterings. The “soak and dry” method is effective; water thoroughly until it drains from the pot, then allow the top two inches of soil to dry before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot and yellowing or dropping leaves, while underwatering can cause leaves to shrivel. Watering frequency should be reduced during cooler months.
Soil
A well-draining, airy, and chunky potting mix is essential for Hoya pubicalyx ‘Super Splash’. This mimics its natural epiphytic growth habit, preventing waterlogging and ensuring good air circulation around the roots. A suitable blend includes components like orchid bark, perlite, and a quality potting mix.
Humidity and Temperature
Hoya pubicalyx ‘Super Splash’ thrives in 60% to 70% humidity. While it adapts to average household humidity, additional moisture from misting (avoiding flowers) or a pebble tray can be beneficial. The plant prefers warm temperatures, between 60°F and 85°F (16°C to 29°C), and should be protected from low temperatures or sudden fluctuations.
Fertilizer
Hoya pubicalyx ‘Super Splash’ is not a heavy feeder but benefits from regular fertilization during its active growing season (spring and summer). Apply a balanced, water-soluble liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, monthly or every few weeks. Reduce or cease fertilizing during cooler, semi-dormant winter months. Ensure the soil is moist before fertilizing to prevent root burn.
Propagating Super Splash
Propagating Hoya pubicalyx ‘Super Splash’ is done through stem cuttings, ideally during spring and summer. Select a healthy stem with at least two to three nodes and cut cleanly below a node using sterilized shears. Cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long.
Remove leaves from the lowest node(s) to expose them, as roots emerge from these points. Cuttings can be rooted in water or a moist, well-draining substrate like sphagnum moss. If rooting in water, change it weekly. Place cuttings in a warm spot with bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity to encourage root development within a few weeks. Once roots are a few inches long, pot the young plants into a suitable soil mix.
Common Issues and Tips
Yellowing leaves often indicate watering problems (too much or too little) or nutrient deficiencies. Overwatering causes multiple leaves to yellow and feel mushy, while underwatering makes individual leaves dry or shriveled. Proper watering and a balanced feeding schedule address these issues.
Lack of blooms relates to plant maturity or insufficient light; ample bright, indirect light encourages flowering. Hoya pubicalyx prefers to be somewhat root-bound to promote blooming, so avoid frequent repotting.
Common pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids can affect Hoya pubicalyx. Regular inspection and isolation of affected plants prevent spread.
Pruning is done for shaping or health, such as removing damaged stems or yellow leaves. While it tolerates light trimming, it is often unnecessary as new growth and flowers emerge from vine ends. Repotting is only needed every two to three years, or when the plant becomes significantly root-bound, to refresh soil and provide space for growth.