Family: Apocynaceae
Common Name: Wax Vine
Botanical Name: Hoya pubera
While the adorable Hoya pubera features small, glossy leaves, it delivers a big style. Leaves in varying shades of green are dotted along the vines of this Wax Vine. With proper care and time, the Hoya pubera can trail and stand out when placed up high, allowing the foliage to be fully displayed. Find a bright spot with filtered light and let the soil primarily dry out between watering to help this Hoya thrive.
Light
Hoya pubera plants like heaps of bright, indirect sunlight and will be right at home if they can make contact for at least 6 hours each day (indirect contact, that is!). Hoya pubera plants can tolerate medium light, but it will become weak and leggy and produce fewer leaves in lower light. To avoid being sad and somewhat guilty, ensure its wax vines are close to an east or north-facing window or set back from a south or west-facing window. The more natural dappled light it takes in, the greater the odds it will shower you with flowers during the summer!
Water
Let your Hoya pubera indoor plant dry out between watering it. Soak the soil thoroughly until the water drains out of the drainage holes. You'll need to water more when they're receiving more light, so adjust accordingly. Avoid over-watering. When the colder months arrive, cut back on watering; in wintertime, only water when their soil is completely dry.
Soil
Almost all types of hoyas (especially Hoya pubera) need soil with excellent drainage. Your plant should never be planted in dense soil mixtures with moisture-retaining crystals. You can use a universal potting soil for this plant, but reduce the watering frequency when using this type of soil as it will retain water longer, causing potential damage to the roots! Nutrient-rich, loose soils are perfect mixtures for wax vines! If your soil is not draining well, or you are transplanting your Hoya, mix 1/2 cactus soil with 1/2 potting soil to increase soil drainage.
Temperature
Your Hoya pubera plant loves a warm environment. This plant will thrive most in temperatures between 65-85℉ - and should be kept away from drafty windows and doorways during the colder months.
Humidity
Although Hoya pubera plants can handle most household humidity levels, this plant will grow more rapidly when the humidity is above 60 percent. Do what you can to increase the humidity for this tropical, hanging indoor plant. Add pebble trays filled with water under your indoor plant, group plants together, or use a cool mist humidifier. Learn how to increase the humidity in the air around your indoor plants!
Fertilizer
For Hoya pubera, a higher nitrogen fertilizer encourages foliar growth. When it is about to bloom, switch to a fertilizer with higher phosphorus content. Fertilize with a complete liquid fertilizer (diluted to 1/4 the recommended strength) or fish emulsion twice a month during the summer. You can also apply a top dressing of worm castings or compost in the spring, which acts as a slow-release fertilizer. Only fertilize during the growing season (spring through summer).
Growth Rate
In general, Hoya plants are known to be moderate to slow growers. On average, a Hoya pubera plant can reach a mature height of 3 to 6 feet (approximately 0.9 to 1.8 meters). This is if your plant is grown in a suitable environment and handled properly! Your plant's growth rate depends on light, temperature, humidity, and available nutrients.
Pet Friend or Foe
Hoya pubera is considered non-toxic to pets! Friend!
Pro Tips
- Don't overwater your Hoya pubera, which can lead to root rot.
- Prune your plant to help expand branching and the plant's overall look.
- Hoya pubera can be propagated through stem cuttings. You can cut with at least one or two nodes and let the cut end to the callus for a few hours before placing it in a well-draining rooting medium.