A variant of Hoya carnosa, Hoya krimson queen was first patented in the 1950s as Hoya Tricolor. The plant is native to Thailand, India, and China, among other countries. It is prized for its striking, pink leaves mixed in with variegated green and white foliage.
Hoya Krimson Queen Appearance
Hoya krimson queen is a trailing vine growing to 5 to 6.7 feet (1.5 to 2 m). New leaves begin as bright pink but fade to light pink or white with maturity. The thick eaves are fleshy and grow to 1.5 to 2 inches (4 to 5 cm) long.
The star-shaped blooms of Hoya carnosa krimson queen grow, in clusters, from stalks called peduncles. The waxy flowers are pink with red centers and often do not appear until a plant is two or three years old.
Hoya Krimson Queen Light Requirements
Krimson queen Hoya prefers either indirect or bright, filtered light for optimal growth. An east-facing widow is best. Photosynthesis occurs from only the green leaves, so the more variegated your plant, the more indirect sunlight it will need. Supplement low lighting with a full-spectrum, LED grow light.
Watering and Soil
When the top two to three inches of the soil feels dry it is time to water your Hoya krimson queen. Test the soil by inserting your index finger and noting if the soil feels dry up to your first knuckle. Give water one to three times per week in spring and summer, and one to two times per week during fall and winter.
Ensure proper drainage by using a potting soil mixture of equal parts perlite, pumice, and peat. The combination creates an airy soil with larger chunks to retain water without remaining soggy.
Temperature and Humidity
Keep the temperature for Hoya krimson queen between 60 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 35 degrees Celsius). The plant will not tolerate temperature swings, so avoid drafty windows or doors. Temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) will inhibit growth and blooming.
Ideal humidity levels for Hoya carnosa krimson queen are between 70 to 80 percent. These levels also increase flower production. To increase the humidity in dry climates, fill a tray with gravel and water, and place it under the plant’s pot. Adding a humidifier to the room also works.
Pruning and Propagation
Prune dead leaves or vines to maintain the health of your krimson queen Hoya. Use sterilized, sharp scissors to avoid damage or disease. Do not prune when the plant is actively flowering and avoid pruning old peduncles as this is what produces blooms each year.
Propagate your Hoya krimson queen in the spring or summer for faster growth of the new cutting. Use sharp, sterilized scissors to trim a vine with at least three leaves. Remove the bottom two leaves to expose the nodes. For faster results, dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone. Fill a pot with a well-draining soil mixture or sphagnum moss. Dampen the medium and insert the stem, keeping the remaining leaf from touching the soil. Place the cutting in a high-humidity room with indirect sunlight.
Hoya Krimson Queen Pests and Disease
Pests
Common pests of Hoya carnosa krimson queen are mealybugs, spider mites, and scale. To rid your plant of these pests, treat the plant with horticultural oil as directed. The oil only kills the pests it can coat, so multiple applications are needed to eliminate the infestation.
Root rot occurs in all Hoya varieties when the plant is overwatered. To correct root rot, mix one part 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with two parts water. Pour the mixture into dry soil until the soil is moistened through. Allow several days to pass, then inspect the roots’ health by lifting the plant out of its pot until the roots are exposed. Healthy roots will be firm and white.
Hoya krimson queen is an eye-catching houseplant that is easy to grow with the right conditions. It grows well in a hanging basket, or in a pot with a trellis for support. The plant also does well growing outdoors in warmer climates.
In a rush? Here are 10 Hoya varieties for beginners to discover:
Hoya Linearis
Hoya Krimson Queen FAQ
Yes, the plant’s tropical nature makes it the perfect choice for warmer climates, where it may be grown outside in zones 9 to 12.
The krimson queen Hoya is a fast-growing plant. As a result, it requires repotting every one to two years. Choose a pot one size up from the previous one to avoid overwatering.
Hoya plants, this variety included, are not considered toxic to pets or humans.
The difference between the two varieties is krimson queen’s variegation occurs on the leaf’s margins, whereas krimson princess features variegation on the leaf’s center.
There are many factors that affect the health of this Hoya plant. The most common ailment of krimson queen Hoya is root rot from overwatering. Insufficient sunlight and low humidity will also cause a plant to fail. Ensure proper sunlight, correct watering, and keep the plant away from cold drafts for optimal growth.
