Hoya carnosa Krimson Princess (Wax Plant)

Hoya carnosa Krimson Princess is a striking cultivar of the well-known Hoya carnosa. This plant is prized for its variegated leaves and delightful blooms, adding a splash of color and intrigue to any indoor garden or collection.

Hoya carnosa Krimson Princess – Wax Plant: An In-depth Look

Hoya Krimson Princess boasts vibrant green leaves highlighted with creamy white to pink variegation in the leaf centers, contrasting with the green edges. The variegation is more pronounced in bright, indirect light, which can also induce a pink hue in the new growth.

Native: Originally from East Asia and Australia, Hoya carnosa species thrives in tropical and subtropical environments, clinging to trees and rocks in its natural habitat. It belongs to the dogbane family (Apocynaceae), along with plumeria, periwinkle, mandevilla, or oleander.

Plant Type and Habit: Hoya Krimson Princess is a succulent, stem-rooting climber that can grow upwards with support or trail gracefully from hanging baskets. It’s adaptable, thriving as an indoor potted plant or outdoor perennial in warm climates.

Size: Indoors, it can reach lengths of 3-4 feet (90-120 cm) or more, with proper support and care. Outdoors, it can grow even longer, up to 12-18 feet (3.6 to 5.4 meters), depending on its climbing structure.

Hoya Flower: The plant is renowned for its beautiful star-shaped flower blooming in clusters. These waxy, porcelain-like flowers are red-centred, pale pink and emit a sweet fragrance, especially in the evening. It typically blooms from spring to fall, with proper care and mature plants more likely to flower (2 or 3 years old). Flowering can be sporadic, and it may take several years for a new plant to bloom.

Fruit: It produces seed pods that split open to release seeds with tufts of hair, allowing wind dispersion. The fruit is rarely seen in cultivation.

Foliage: The foliage is the most striking feature of this cultivar, with stiff, fleshy, vibrant green leaves with striking pink and white variegation in the center, contrasted by dark green margins.

Hardiness: When grown outdoors, this plant is hardy in USDA zones 10-11. Indoors, it thrives in standard home temperatures and humidity levels.

Uses: Hoya carnosa is primarily used as an ornamental plant, ideal for hanging baskets, trellises, or as a lush, trailing feature on shelves and mantels.

Toxicity: Hoya carnosa is non-toxic to pets and humans, making it a safe addition to households with animals and children.

Invasiveness: It is not considered invasive, as it’s mostly grown in controlled indoor or greenhouse environments.

Benefits: Beyond its ornamental appeal, Hoya carnosa is believed to have air-purifying qualities, helping to improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants from the environment.

How to Grow and Care for Hoya carnosa

Growing and caring for Hoya carnosa, commonly known as the wax plant, is rewarding due to its beautiful waxy foliage and fragrant flowers.

Light: Hoya carnosa thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so it’s best to place it near a window with filtered light. If the light is too low, the plant may not produce flowers.

Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix. An orchid mix or a combination of potting soil, perlite, and peat is ideal. Hoya plants prefer to be slightly root-bound, so don’t rush to repot them.

Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the pot has good drainage. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is not actively growing.

Temperature and Humidity: Keep your Hoya carnosa in average room temperatures—between 60°F and 85°F (15°C – 29°C). These plants appreciate high humidity. If your home is dry, consider using a humidifier or placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.

Fertilization: Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid overfeeding, which can damage the plant.

Pruning: Prune to maintain shape or to remove unwanted tendrils. Be cautious not to remove the spurs from where flowers grow, as they will rebloom from the same place each year. The best time to prune is in early spring before its most rapid growth begins.

Flowering: To encourage blooming, allow the plant to become root-bound and provide adequate light. After blooming, avoid pruning the flower stalks, as Hoya will rebloom on old spurs.

Repotting: Repot your Hoya carnosa every 2-3 years in spring, using a container slightly larger than the current one with fresh well-draining soil mix. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from sitting and causing root rot.

Hoya carnosa: Propagation – A Step-By-Step Guide

Propagating Hoya carnosa is quite simple and can be done using stem cuttings. Here’s how to do it:

Select a Stem: Choose a healthy stem with at least two leaves and one node (the place where leaves emerge from the stem).

Cut: Using a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears, cut just below a node.

Rooting Medium: You can root Hoya cuttings in either water or soil.

• Water Rooting: Place the cutting in a jar of room temperature water, ensuring that at least one node is submerged. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh. Roots should begin to form within a few weeks.
• Soil Rooting: Dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder (optional) and plant it in a moist potting mix suitable for succulents or orchids. The node should be buried in the soil.

Environment: Place the cutting in a warm area with bright, indirect light.

Care: If rooted in soil, keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. If in water, replace the water regularly.

Transplanting: Once the roots are a few inches long (if water rooting), or after a few weeks when the cutting has established roots in soil, transplant it to a pot with well-draining soil.

Aftercare: Care for the new Hoya plant as you would a mature one, but with slightly increased humidity and protection from direct sunlight until it is well established.

Hoya carnosa: Pests, Diseases, Common Problems

Hoya carnosa is generally resilient, but like all plants, it may encounter pests and diseases.

Pests

Mealybugs: Look for white, cottony masses on stems and undersides of leaves. Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs or apply insecticidal soap.

Scale insects: Hard, dome-shaped pests that attach firmly to stems and leaves, feeding on sap. Their presence can lead to yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and a decline in plant health.

Spider mites: Cause yellowing leaves and fine webs. Increase humidity and treat with miticide or insecticidal soap.

Diseases

Root rot: Caused by overwatering and poor drainage. Ensure well-draining soil and allow the topsoil to dry out between waterings.

Gray mold or Botrytis: A gray mold that can affect leaves and stems, particularly in cool, damp conditions. Improve air circulation and reduce humidity.

Powdery mildew: White, powdery fungal growth on leaves. Improve air flow and treat with fungicides.

Common Problems

Leaf Yellowing: Can be due to overwatering, underfeeding, or insufficient light. Adjust care accordingly.

Leaf Drop: May occur if the plant is too dry, too cold, or experiencing a drastic change in environment.

No Blooms: Insufficient light or pruning off the peduncles (flower stalks) can prevent flowering. Hoyas should be mature enough and have ample light to bloom.

Wrinkled Leaves: Indicates dehydration. Water the plant thoroughly and consider increasing humidity around the plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hoya Krimson Princess Rare?

The Hoya carnosa ‘Krimson Princess’ is not considered rare. It’s a popular cultivar widely available in nurseries and plant shops, known for its attractive variegated foliage.

How Much Light Does a Hoya Krimson Princess Need?

Hoya ‘Krimson Princess’ thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, while too little light can reduce the variegation. A spot near an east or west-facing window is ideal.

Difference Between Hoya Krimson Queen and Princess

The main difference between Hoya ‘Krimson Queen’ and ‘Krimson Princess’ lies in their variegation.

• Hoya ‘Krimson Queen’ has white or pink variegation on the leaf margins with a green center.
• Hoya ‘Krimson Princess’ has the variegation mostly in the center of the leaf, with green edges.