50% OFF! Hot items selling fast—Grab them before they're gone!
Unconditional Satisfaction GuaranteeNo Shipping Fees Above 302 Months to Decide. Returns Simplified.Hoya carnosa Grey Ghost is a rare and captivating cultivar of the classic Hoya carnosa, prized for its ethereal, silvery-grey foliage that shimmers like mist under bright light. This striking variety originates from Southeast Asia, where Hoyas grow as epiphytes in the warm, humid canopy, and has become a collectors favourite for its cool-toned, metallic appearance and reliable, easy-going nature.
The thick, waxy leaves of Grey Ghost are pale silver-green to icy grey, often with delicate marbling and subtle veining that lend a ghostly, almost translucent quality. Each leaf reflects light differently, creating a mesmerising silvery glow. Mature plants produce clusters of the classic Hoya carnosa blooms soft pink, star-shaped flowers with crimson centres and a rich, honeyed fragrance.
Graceful, unusual, and surprisingly undemanding, Hoya carnosa Grey Ghost makes a statement in any modern plant collection. Its muted tones complement minimalist interiors beautifully while adding texture and depth to tropical displays.
Prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its signature silver colouring. Morning or filtered sunlight enhances the silvery tones, while low light may cause the leaves to turn greener. Avoid harsh midday sun, which can scorch the pale foliage.
Allow the top 34 cm of the soil to dry out before watering again. The succulent-like leaves retain moisture, so overwatering is the most common mistake. Water thoroughly, then let the pot drain completely. Reduce watering in winter when growth naturally slows.
Temperature: Thrives between 1828C. Protect from draughts and avoid temperatures below 15C.
Humidity: Enjoys moderate to high humidity (6080%), though it tolerates average indoor levels. Increase humidity with a pebble tray, humidifier, or by clustering plants together.
Use a light, free-draining mix suitable for epiphytic plants a blend of orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir works perfectly. Good aeration is essential to prevent root rot. Repot every 23 years, preferably in spring, when roots begin to outgrow the pot.
Feed every 46 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced, diluted fertiliser or a Hoya-specific blend. A fertiliser with added phosphorus can encourage flowering. Stop feeding during autumn and winter when growth slows.
Prune occasionally to maintain the plants shape and encourage branching. Avoid removing the peduncles (flower spurs) after blooming these are perennial and will produce new flowers each season. Wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth to maintain their silvery sheen.
A moderate grower, reaching 12 metres when allowed to trail or climb. The vines are slender but strong, supporting the weight of thick, heavy leaves. Under good light and care, Hoya carnosa Grey Ghost produces multiple cascading stems and abundant clusters of fragrant blooms.
Yellowing leaves: Overwatering or compacted soil.
Leaf wrinkling: Underwatering or low humidity.
Greening leaves: Not enough light.
Pests: Occasionally mealybugs or aphids treat promptly with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
A refined and highly desirable cultivar, Hoya carnosa Grey Ghost is celebrated for its muted, silvery-grey palette and effortless charm. Its colouring is the result of naturally occurring variegation, where chlorophyll is reduced, producing the soft grey tones that distinguish it from standard Hoya carnosa varieties.
This plant combines sculptural beauty with practicality its drought-tolerant, long-lived, and air-purifying. Like all Hoyas, it releases oxygen at night, making it a superb choice for bedrooms and living spaces. The Grey Ghost adds a serene, modern touch to plant collections while remaining easy to care for, even for beginners.
Quick Care Summary
Light: Bright, indirect (avoid harsh sun)
Water: Let top 34 cm of soil dry before watering
Temperature: 1828C; avoid below 15C
Humidity: Moderate to high (6080%)
Soil: Airy, well-draining mix bark, perlite, coco coir
Feed: Every 46 weeks in spring/summer
Growth: Trailing or climbing vine, 12 m; silvery-grey leaves with light veining
Toxicity Note: Contains mild latex sap that may irritate skin and is toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of pets and children.
Styling Tip:
Display Hoya carnosa Grey Ghost in a matte white, charcoal, or stone-toned planter to complement its cool silver hues. It looks especially striking when paired with richly coloured foliage such as Philodendron Florida Bronze or Ficus elastica Robusta for a sophisticated contrast of tones and textures.
