How to Grow and Care for Hoya Pink Silver Ghost

The Hoya ‘Pink Silver Ghost’ is a sought-after houseplant, celebrated for its unique foliage. A cultivar of Hoya pubicalyx, its defining features are the silvery splashes on its leaves and the delicate pink tones of its new growth. These visual traits make it a distinctive member of the Hoya family.

Understanding the “Pink Silver Ghost” Appearance

The “Silver Ghost” aspect refers to the heavy, milky-silver flecking on the lance-shaped leaves. This variegation can sometimes cover most of the leaf surface, giving it a pale, ethereal look. The “Pink” in its name points to the color of new growth, as fresh leaves and vining stems often emerge with a soft pink or reddish hue. Compared to a standard Hoya pubicalyx with solid green leaves, this cultivar’s combination of silver and pink is unique.

Essential Care Guide

Light

This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Providing sufficient light is what maintains the heavy silver variegation and encourages the signature pink flush on new growth. An ideal location is near an east-facing window, which provides gentle morning sun without the risk of scorching its leaves.

Soil

As epiphytic plants, Hoyas naturally grow on other plants, meaning their roots require excellent aeration to prevent rot. A chunky, well-draining soil mix is therefore needed for a healthy ‘Pink Silver Ghost’. Commercial orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir are excellent components for a homemade mix. This substrate allows water to pass through freely, ensuring the roots do not sit in waterlogged soil.

Watering

The “soak and dry” method is the recommended watering practice for this Hoya. This involves thoroughly watering the plant until water drains from the pot, then allowing the soil to dry out almost completely before watering again. You can check for dryness by feeling the pot’s weight or by checking the top two inches of soil with your finger. Yellowing leaves are a frequent sign of overwatering.

Temperature and Humidity

‘Pink Silver Ghost’ prefers warm and humid conditions, similar to its native tropical environment. The ideal temperature range is between 64-77°F (18-25°C). While it can tolerate average household humidity, it will perform better with higher humidity. Grouping it with other plants or placing it near a small humidifier can help create a more suitable microclimate.

Fertilizer

During the active growing season of spring and summer, regular feeding supports vigorous growth. A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, should be applied about once a month. Reduce feeding during the fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows down.

Propagation Methods

Creating new ‘Pink Silver Ghost’ plants is reliably done through stem cuttings. First, select a healthy vine from the mother plant. To ensure success, the cutting must include at least one node—the small bumps on the stem where leaves and aerial roots grow. The node is where new roots will form. Use clean, sharp scissors to make the cut just below a node, taking a section of vine with a leaf or two attached.

You can root the cutting in a jar of water, a container of moist sphagnum moss, or directly into a pot with a well-draining soil mix. Providing warmth and consistent moisture will encourage faster rooting.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

One of the most common issues is the loss of signature colors, known as reverting. If leaves emerge as solid green or new growth lacks a pink tint, this indicates insufficient light. To correct this, move the plant to a location with more bright, indirect sunlight.

Yellowing leaves often point to an issue with overwatering. If you notice leaves turning yellow, check the soil’s moisture level and allow it to dry more thoroughly between waterings, ensuring the pot has adequate drainage.

Hoyas can attract pests like mealybugs. These small, white, cottony insects hide where leaves meet the stem. Manage them by dabbing them with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.

How to Encourage Blooms

For a ‘Pink Silver Ghost’ to produce its fragrant, star-shaped flowers, it first needs to reach maturity, which can take a few years. Keeping the plant slightly root-bound in its pot is a known technique to encourage Hoyas to flower. Adequate light is a primary factor for encouraging blooms. A plant receiving enough bright, indirect light for strong variegation is also more likely to develop flower buds. The flowers grow in clusters from a spur called a peduncle; do not remove this spur after the flowers fade, as the plant will produce new blooms from the same spot.