Hoya Pubicalyx

Water the Hoya pubicalyx when the soil has dried out slightly. The plant can survive extended periods of dryness, but this can reduce flowering and will eventually slow down growth. If plants are kept in hanging baskets, make sure to water liberally and regularly to keep the plant from drying out too quickly. Do not overwater, as too much water can cause root rot. The best way to check if the soil is ready to be watered is to stick your finger in the potting mix up to your first knuckle and feel for how dry it is.

Hoya pubicalyx is best suited to bright but indirect light. Too much direct sunlight or heat will scorch the leaves. If kept indoors, move the plant near a sun-facing window, but make sure to add a sheer curtain or blinds to filter the light. Hanging the plant or placing it on a high shelf can also help to protect the foliage from strong sunlight.

Hoya pubicalyx is ideal for indoors as long as the temperature is kept between 65°F to 80°F (18°C – 27°C). Extreme temperatures and cold drafts will affect the health of the plant. Humid conditions will increase the likelihood of pests and disease.

Hoya pubicalyx will thrive in environments of normal humidity, or slightly above. Poor humidity will cause browning of foliage and dryness, so keep in mind that while this plant is not typically labelled a tropical plant, it benefits from the increased humidity of one. Use a room humidifier, a dampened mat beneath the pot, or misting with water frequently to increase humidity if needed.

Hoya pubicalyx thrives in well-draining soil, using a commercial potting mix, or a loamy mix of one part garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite. You can also create a mix of equal parts organic compost and soil-less potting mix. Additionally, add slow-release fertilizer or compost to the soil for extra nutrition.

Feed your Hoya pubicalyx once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced all-purpose fertilizer. Alternatively, you could use an organic alternative such as liquid fish emulsion or a slow-release fertilizer. Intake should be reduced to once every six weeks during the winter, as the plant will require little nutrition in this period.

Mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids are the most common pests among Hoya pubicalyx plants. The first signs of their presence may be distorted or wilted leaves, or yellow or brown discoloration. To get rid of these pests, use an insecticidal soap or other type of pesticide. As with other Hoya plants, they may also be vulnerable to some fungal diseases, like powdery mildew. In this case, it is important to address the environmental factors which caused the infection, such as poor air circulation or overwatering, and to use a fungicide to treat the affected area.

Hoya pubicalyx should be repotted every two to three years, though it should only need to be repotted in the spring or summer seasons when actively growing. When it is ready to be repotted, you will notice the foliage losing her luster, as well as signs of root-bounding. Replace the old potting soil with fresh potting soil.

If you would like to shape your Hoya pubicalyx, you can prune back the woody stems. Take care to avoid removing too much of the foliage, as this can stunt development and flowering. As the plant will be continuing to grow, pinch back leaves and flowers as necessary to promote bushiness.

Mulching is not necessary for Hoya pubicalyx, however adding a layer of coco coir or bark chips on the surface can help keep the soil temperature and moisture in check. Mulching can also provide additional nutrition to the soil as it breaks down.

Propagating Hoya pubicalyx is simple. Taking a 6 inch stem cutting, remove the leaves from the bottom third of the stem, and pop it into a pot of soil and water. Wait for a few weeks before expecting roots to form. Alternatively, you could propagate by seed, dipping the seeds in diluted liquid seaweed and sowing into damp compost. Once they have germinated, you will need to pot the seedlings and care for them until they are mature enough to be potted into individual containers.

The vines of Hoya pubicalyx don't need much support, as they will trail down from the pot or hanging basket. So long as the stems are sturdy enough to hold the plant, you don't need to add additional support. If desired, you may put a plant stake or trellis in the pot to help guide the growth.

In the late winter, Hoya pubicalyx will go into a period of dormancy or rest. You can simulate this environment with cooler temperatures, lower light, and reducing the amount of watering. During this time, the foliage may start to yellow, but don't worry—this is to be expected.

Hoya pubicalyx is non-toxic to both cats and dogs when ingested.