Hoya Pubicalyx 'Pink Ghost'

A cultivar of Hoya pubicalyx — a vigorous, fast-growing epiphytic vine native to the Philippines — distinguished by heavy silvery-white speckling and flecking across its long, lance-shaped deep green leaves, giving the ghostly appearance the name references. Like all pubicalyx, it is one of the more forgiving and adaptable Hoyas, producing clusters of star-shaped, dusty-pink to mauve flowers when mature. A strong climber or trailer well suited to a trellis or hanging basket. Never remove the peduncles after flowering — new blooms develop from the same spurs.

• Light: Bright indirect light brings out the strongest silver speckling and encourages blooming; a few hours of gentle direct sun is tolerated. Avoid harsh midday sun.

• Soil: Very well-draining epiphytic mix of orchid bark and perlite; Hoya resents dense, clogged soil. Excellent drainage essential.

• Temperature/Humidity: Warm temperatures between 60-85°F, never below 50°F; tolerates average household humidity well, though higher humidity supports the best growth.

• Watering: Allow the soil to dry between waterings, then water thoroughly — more susceptible to overwatering than underwatering. The thick leaves store water well.

• Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks during active growth; a higher-phosphorus formula supports blooming. Reduce in winter.