Hoya pubicalyx guide
Hoya pubicalyx, also called pubicalyx, 'Splash', 'Royal Hawaiian Purple'
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- When the soil is almost dry
- Humidity
- Average room air is fine. Thin-leaved types like more.
- Temperature
- 16 to 27°C (60 to 80°F). Keep above 10°C (50°F).
- Soil
- Chunky mix of potting soil, orchid bark, and perlite
- Feeding
- Half-strength fertilizer monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mature size
- Vines trail or climb 1 to 3 m (3 to 10 ft)
- Propagation
- Stem cuttings with a node, rooted in water or moss
- Where to buy
- Plant shops
This page covers what makes hoya pubicalyx different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the hoya care guide.
What it is
Hoya pubicalyx has long, pointed, dark green leaves splashed with silver. It grows fast for a hoya and climbs well. Its flower clusters range from pale pink to deep purple-red, depending on the form. ‘Splash’ has heavy silver. ‘Royal Hawaiian Purple’ has dark purple flowers.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| Pubicalyx | Long, pointed, silver splash | Longer than wax plant, more silver |
| Wax plant | Shorter, oval, little silver | Shorter, rounder leaves |
| Hoya australis | Round, glossy, bright green | Rounder, shinier, no silver |
Care differences
Pubicalyx grows faster than most hoyas. Give it a trellis or hoop to climb. Silver splash shows best in bright indirect light.
Grow it from a cutting
Cut a vine with two or three nodes. Root it in water or moist sphagnum. It roots fast for a hoya, in two to three weeks.
Buying it
Pubicalyx is sold at plant shops and online, and now and then at garden centers. Look for firm leaves with clear silver. Named forms like ‘Splash’ cost a bit more.