The Hoya pubicalyx ‘Silver Splash’ is a popular houseplant. Its deep green, lance-shaped leaves feature shimmering silver variegation, giving them a “splashed” appearance. Its vining habit allows versatile display in hanging baskets or on climbing supports.
Silver Splash Hoya Care
Silver Splash Hoya thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch its leaves, and insufficient light may diminish the silver variegation. East or north-facing windows are ideal.
Watering requires allowing the soil to dry out significantly between waterings to prevent root rot. Typically water every 10-14 days, though frequency varies. Ensure excess water drains from the pot, preventing standing water.
An airy, well-draining soil mix is ideal for Silver Splash Hoya. Suitable blends include orchid bark, perlite, and quality potting mix, or a specialized aroid mix. Pots with drainage holes are important.
Silver Splash Hoyas prefer warm temperatures, between 60°F and 85°F (16°C to 29°C). They tolerate average household humidity, but moderate to high levels (around 50% or more) help maintain lush foliage. In dry homes, use a humidifier or humidity tray.
During spring and summer, fertilize monthly with a balanced, half-strength water-soluble fertilizer. Formulas like 15-15-15 or those higher in phosphorus (e.g., 7-9-5) encourage growth and blooming. Discontinue feeding in winter when growth slows.
Propagating Silver Splash Hoya
Propagate Silver Splash Hoya using stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem section with at least one or two nodes. Cuttings can be rooted in various mediums, including water, perlite, or sphagnum moss.
For water rooting, submerge at least one node of the cutting in clean water. Change the water every few days. Alternatively, plant the cutting directly into a moist rooting medium, providing warmth and humidity. Rooting hormone enhances success. Root development can take several weeks.
Common Problems with Silver Splash Hoya
Yellowing leaves signal watering issues. Overwatering can suffocate roots, leading to soft, mushy yellow leaves. Conversely, underwatering also causes yellowing, resulting in dry, crispy leaves. Adjusting watering frequency to allow soil to dry between applications prevents these problems.
Brown or crispy leaf edges indicate low humidity or insufficient watering. Increasing ambient humidity (misting/humidifiers) or ensuring consistent soil moisture can help. Over-fertilization can also lead to crispy leaves.
Lack of silver variegation indicates insufficient light. Providing bright, indirect light intensifies the silver patterns. In low light, the silver may appear dull.
Mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids can affect Silver Splash Hoyas. Mealybugs are white, cottony masses; spider mites cause fine webbing and leaf stippling; aphids cluster on new growth, distorting leaves and leaving sticky residue. Treat infestations by wiping pests with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs, using insecticidal soap, or applying neem oil.
Stunted growth or lack of flowering results from inadequate light, insufficient nutrients, or not being pot-bound. Hoyas prefer to be slightly root-bound before blooming. Proper light, regular feeding, and allowing the plant to fill its pot encourage healthier growth and flowering.