Hoya pubicalyx - exemplare mari, piramida

Hoya pubicalyx, also known as the "wax flower," is a tropical climbing or trailing plant from the Apocynaceae family, valued for its attractive foliage and fragrant, star-shaped flowers. Native to the Philippines, this species is a popular houseplant due to its exotic appearance, moderate care needs, and spectacular blooming.

Appearance of Leaves and Flowers

• Leaves: The leaves are lance-shaped, dark green, glossy, with a waxy texture, measuring 7-15 cm long and 3-5 cm wide. Some varieties show silver spots or subtle variegation. The leaves are thick, fleshy, arranged opposite on long, flexible stems.
• Flowers: The flowers appear in dense umbels, star-shaped, 1-2 cm in diameter, grouped in clusters of 20-40 blooms. They have a pink-purple center and petals of a dark purple to almost black shade, with a velvety look. The flowers emit a sweet, strong fragrance, especially in the evening, and produce sticky nectar. They bloom abundantly in spring and summer (May-August), then sporadically several times a year if growing conditions are optimal. The flower color is also influenced by the light intensity in the growing environment.
• Fragrance: The floral scent, with sweet and spicy notes, is the main attraction, sometimes more pronounced at night.

Growth Characteristics

• Height/Length: As a climbing or trailing plant, it can reach 2-3 meters in length indoors if given support (e.g., trellis) or grown in hanging baskets. Growth is slow to moderate.
• Vigor: It has steady but not aggressive growth, forming long, flexible stems that coil or hang.
• Type: It is an epiphytic plant, adapted to tropical conditions, with aerial roots that help it attach to surfaces in its natural habitat.

Growing Conditions

• Exposure: Prefers partial sun exposure – a minimum of a few hours of sunlight daily encourages abundant flowering, ideally near an east- or west-facing window. It tolerates low light but flowers less.
• Soil: Requires a well-drained, airy substrate, such as a mix of peat with perlite, orchid bark, and sphagnum moss.
• Watering: Water moderately when the top 3-5 cm of soil are dry, usually once a week during the growing season (spring-summer) and less often in winter. It is sensitive to overwatering, which can cause root rot.
• Temperature: Grows well at 18-27°C, ideal for indoor conditions. Avoid temperatures below 15°C and cold drafts.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity (40-60%). A humidifier or a tray with pebbles and water helps in dry homes but it also tolerates standard humidity.