Hoya pubicalyx ‘Stella Pulvis’ is a vining plant native to the Philippines, known for its dark, almost black foliage with striking silver flecks or “splash.” This attractive houseplant is sought after for its unique appearance and potential for unusual, dark-hued flowers.
Caring for Stella Pulvis Hoya
Hoya pubicalyx ‘Stella Pulvis’ thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural habitat under a tree canopy. An east or north-facing window provides ideal conditions, offering sufficient light without harsh, direct sun that can scorch leaves. While it tolerates some morning sun, avoid prolonged exposure to intense midday sunlight to prevent discoloration or damage.
As an epiphyte, ‘Stella Pulvis’ stores water in its waxy leaves and prefers its soil to dry out between waterings. To prevent root rot, allow the top inch or two of the potting mix to dry completely before rewatering. Watering frequency varies seasonally, with more water needed during warmer growing months and less in winter.
A well-draining and airy potting mix is ideal, often including orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir to provide good aeration and prevent waterlogging. Temperatures between 60°F and 85°F (16°C to 29°C) are preferred, with humidity levels between 40% and 60%.
Light feeding during the growing season encourages healthy growth and flowering. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength applied monthly is sufficient. As a vining plant, providing a trellis or other support allows its long stems to climb and thrive.
Propagating Stella Pulvis Hoya
Propagating ‘Stella Pulvis’ is done through stem cuttings during the growing season. Select a healthy stem section with at least one to three nodes. A 4-6 inch cutting is ideal; remove leaves from the bottom portion to expose the nodes.
Cuttings can be rooted in water, moist sphagnum moss, or a well-draining perlite or soil mix. Replace water weekly to keep it fresh. If using a substrate, keep it consistently moist but not soggy. Place cuttings in a warm spot with bright, indirect light and high humidity to promote root development.
Stella Pulvis Hoya Flowers and Unique Traits
‘Stella Pulvis’ features deep, almost black, lance-shaped leaves with silver flecks or “splash” variegation. New leaves can emerge with a pinkish or purplish tint in brighter light, maturing to dark green with silver markings.
The plant produces clusters of star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, or nearly black, depending on the cultivar. These waxy blooms have a subtle, sweet fragrance, more noticeable in the evening. Flowers emerge from specialized structures called peduncles; do not remove these after blooming, as the plant will rebloom from the same peduncles repeatedly.
Common Issues with Stella Pulvis Hoya
A lack of growth or flowering in ‘Stella Pulvis’ indicates insufficient light. If the plant is not blooming, it may also be too young, as maturity is a factor in flower production.
Leaf yellowing can be a sign of overwatering. Conversely, browning or crispy leaves suggest underwatering or exposure to too much direct sunlight, leading to sunburn.
Common pests affecting Hoyas include mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Mealybugs appear as white, cottony masses, while spider mites create fine webbing and cause stippling on leaves. Scale insects are small, immobile bumps on stems and leaves. Regular inspection and prompt treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil can help manage these pests.