Hoya carnosa 'Krimson Princess' 6474

🌿 The Hoya carnosa 'Krimson Princess' is a variegated beauty from the Apocynaceae family, native to Eastern Asia and Australia. In its natural habitat, this tropical epiphyte climbs trees in humid forests, using aerial roots to anchor itself. Perfect for intermediate gardeners, this cultivar stands out with its stunning cream and pink variegation on waxy leaves. Fun fact: Hoyas are sometimes called "wax plants" because their thick leaves and star-shaped flowers look almost artificial, like they're made of wax.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This vining plant has a climbing or trailing growth habit, making it ideal for hanging baskets or training up a trellis. The leaves are oval-shaped with pointed tips, displaying a gorgeous mix of creamy white, soft pink, and green variegation. Each leaf has a thick, waxy texture that feels almost rubbery to the touch, giving the plant its characteristic glossy appearance.
FLOWER DETAILS
When mature, the Krimson Princess produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in pale pink to white, often with darker pink centres. The blooms have a sweet, honey-like fragrance that intensifies at night, adding sensory appeal to any room. Flowering typically occurs in spring and summer, though it may take a few years for younger plants to bloom. To encourage flowering, provide bright indirect light, avoid moving the plant once buds form, and reduce watering slightly during the winter rest period.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light for 6-8 hours daily. Some morning sun is tolerated, but avoid harsh afternoon rays that can scorch variegated leaves.
💧 Water: Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Water thoroughly in spring and summer, reduce in fall and winter. Bottom watering works well to prevent stem rot.
🌡️ Humidity: Thrives in 40-60% humidity, though it tolerates average home levels.
🪴 Soil: Well-draining, chunky mix with orchid bark, perlite, and peat or coco coir.
🏺 Potting: Prefers to be slightly root-bound. Use a small pot with drainage holes, ceramic or terracotta works best. Repot every 2-3 years in spring.
🌱 Growth rate: Slow to moderate. Expect 15-30 cm of growth in the first year. Mature vines can reach 1.5-3 metres over several years.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly during spring and summer with diluted liquid fertilizer. Skip fertilizing in fall and winter.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. Mildly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, causing vomiting and gastrointestinal upset due to compounds in the sap.
WHERE TO PUT IT
The Krimson Princess looks stunning in a hanging planter near an east or west-facing window, where trailing vines can cascade down. It also works beautifully on a high shelf, plant stand, or trained up a small trellis in a living room or bedroom. Avoid placing it in low-light bathrooms, dark corners, or near heating vents and air conditioners that create drafts or dry air.