Hoya Publicalyx

Scientific Name: Hoya Publicalyx

Common Name: Wax Plant, Porcelain Flower

Hoya Publicalyx care is an easy Hoya to grow and care for. If you want a houseplant that will trail whether in a hanging basket or on a bookshelf, and one that’s a very low-maintenance houseplant, a Hoya Publicalyx plant may be the plant for you.

To give this Hoya plant the best care, it requires well-draining soil, allow the soil to dry out before watering, provide it bright indirect sunlight, ideal temperatures ranging from 65-85F, and humidity levels of around 60%.

Quick Care Overview

Common NameWax Plant, Porcelain Flower
Scientific NameHoya Publicalyx
FamilyApocynaceae
OriginPhilippines
Growth RateMedium
IdentificationLarge green leaves with silver speckling, and sometimes pink flowers
HeightUp to 10 feet in length
SoilWell-draining soil
WaterAllow top of soil to dry out before watering
Temperature65-85F
SunlightBright indirect light
Toxic to Cats & DogsNo
Toxic to HumansNo
PestsFungus gnats, mealybugs, aphids
DiseasesRoot rot

Below we will dive deep into this Hoya Publicalyx care guide.

Hoya Publicalyx Care

Hoya Publicalyx History

Philippine native Hoya Publicalyx, otherwise known as Porcelain flower plant, Silver Pink Vine, or Wax Plant, is a gorgeous climbing houseplant from the Apocynaceae family beautiful star-shaped pink flowers. 

Hoya Publicalyx Identification

Hoya Publicalyx is a quick-growing vining perennial plant that has large green leaves that will grow up to 2.5 inches wide and 4 inches long. Foliage often appears to have silver speckling. Flowers are pink and appear in star-shaped clusters. 

Hoya Publicalyx Growth Facts

Easy to grow and hardy, this fast-growing Hoya tends to grow larger than other varieties of Hoya and will appreciate a trellis or pole to grow up. 

How Big Does a Hoya Publicalyx Get?

This Hoya may trail up to 10 feet long. 

Hoya Publicalyx Care

Considered very low-maintenance and especially hard to kill, this is a perfect plant for those who do not believe themselves to have a green thumb. 

Hoya Publicalyx Soil

Having the right growing medium is essential to keep your Hoya in optimum health. A well-draining soil, rich in organic material that is water retentive but not prone to becoming waterlogged, is ideal. To create a perfect growing medium, combine peat or coco coir to perlite and orchid bark in equal parts. 

Hoya Publicalyx Fertilizer

During the warm growing spring and summer season, your Hoya will appreciate regular feeding from a balanced liquid fertilizer that is high in potassium. Ensure that you follow all label instructions and do not overfertilize. This plant should not be fertilized during fall and winter. Foliar applications of fertilizer have been indicated to encourage flowering. 

Hoya Publicalyx Watering

Like many other houseplants, it is important not to overwater this Hoya, as it may lead to root rot. This plant should be allowed to dry out around 1-2 inches before rewatering. When rewatering, it is good to give this Hoya a thorough soak. Depending on growing conditions, Hoya Publicalyx will likely need to be watered around twice a week during the growing season and around once a week during fall and winter cooler months. 

Hoya Publicalyx Light Requirements

To give the best Hoya Publicalyx care, grow it in a lot of bright indirect light. At least six to seven hours daily is recommended. In its natural environment, this plant is accustomed to growing around and under other plants, thereby receiving dappled sunlight. It is best to try to emulate these conditions in the home. Without sufficient light, these Hoyas will considerably slow down their growth. However, too much direct, intense sunlight will cause leaf scorching. 

Hoya Publicalyx Temperature & Humidity

Being a tropical plant, Hoya Publicalyx likes to remain warm, around 65 – 85 degrees Fahrenheit at all times. Therefore, do not place your Hoya near anything that will cause an intense fluctuation of temperatures, such as a heater, cold window, AC unit, or near drafts. In addition, this Hoya likes to be kept in an area with at least 60% humidity, which is above the average humidity level of a typical household. Therefore, it is recommended that you install a humidity tray, humidifier or mist the leaves of your Hoya frequently to keep humidity levels high. 

Repotting Hoya Publicalyx

As this Hoya likes to remain relatively rootbound, it may not need to be repotted for up to five years or even longer. If the soil is draining well and your Hoya appears healthy, you will not need to repot it. When the time for repotting does come, ensure that you only move up to a container that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the previous pot and ensure it has drainage holes.

Hoya Publicalyx Maintenance & Pruning

Pruning of Hoya Publicalyx is not necessary to maintain the health of the plant. However, in spring you may remove dead, discolored, or unwanted stems using sterilized pruning shears. 

How to Care for Hoya Publicalyx

Hoya Publicalyx Propagation

Propagation of Hoya Publicalyx is straightforward and may be done through either stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, or from seed. Propagation by seed is the easiest but requires a significantly longer period of time to get a healthy new plant. To take a stem cutting, use a sterilized blade to cut a 6-7 inch piece of stem from the end of the stalk at a node during active growth. Allow the cutting to callus and remove lower leaves from the stem, leaving a few leaves at the top of the end of the cutting. Plant your cutting in a container with fresh soil and ensure that nodes are buried up to a couple inches. Water thoroughly and place in indirect light. Alternatively, you may take a leaf and plant the stem about 1.5 inches in the soil, and within two months, new plants should sprout from the base of the leaf.

Hoya Publicalyx Toxicity

Non-toxic and pet-friendly, this Hoya Publicalyx is safe for use in your home with children, cats, and dogs.

Toxicity to Humans

This Hoya is not considered toxic and is safe to have around small children. However, the white sap that the plant excretes when injured may be irritating to the skin. 

Toxicity to Cats & Dogs

This plant is not considered toxic to pets. However, it still should not be ingested, as it may cause digestive upset.

Hoya Publicalyx Problems

Hoya Publicalyx Leaves Turning Yellow

When the foliage of this Hoya turns yellow, it is often an indicator of attack from pests or may be due to insufficient water or humidity. 

Hoya Publicalyx Leaves Turning Brown

The leaves of this Hoya may turn brown due to underwatering or a lack of humidity. 

Hoya Publicalyx Diseases

Hoya Publicalyx may become susceptible to fungal diseases related to overwatering and improper drainage. 

Hoya Publicalyx Pests

Hoya Publicalyx may be affected by fungus gnats, mealybugs, aphids, and other common houseplant pests. Upon identifying an infestation, isolate your plant, and treat it with a pesticide, ensuring that you follow all label instructions. 

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