Hoya carnosa is part of the Apocynaceae family and its native range is S. China to Laos, Japan (S. Kyushu) to Taiwan. It was initially patented as ‘Tricolour’ in 1968 by B.L Cobia but is more commonly sold under the trade name ‘Krimson Queen’. You may also see this plant sold as Hoya carnosa 'Albomarginata'.
Leaves are fleshy and ovate with an entire leaf margin. Leaf arrangement is opposite with leaves occuring in pairs and variegation is creamy-white.
For more information on Epiphytes, read our blog here.
Mounted on cork bark, Marine plywood or Cedar wood.
Bark sizes approx:
Small - Length 16cm Width 14cm
Medium - Length 30cm Width 10cm
Large - Length 40cm Width 18cm
Marine plywood size:
Small - 19cm x 19cm
Large - 31cm x 31cm
Genus name is new Latin, named after Thomas Hoy ( c. 1750– c. 1821), English gardener. Specific epithet comes from the Latin carnōsus meaning fleshy or meaty, this is in reference to its succulent leaves.
Light: Bright indirect light, meaning the plant sees the sun for 0-4 hours per day - this could be through trees or a translucent curtain, it’s important for the plant to see the sky in order to thrive. Hoya carnosa would appreciate 1-2 hours of direct light.
Water: Allow the majority of the mix to dry out as the mix is traditionally quite chunky, water will usually flow through quite easily. Be sure to thoroughly moisten the substrate. Pour water slowly over the top of the substrate and allow the water to pass through the drainage holes.
Potting mix: A chunky well draining mix composed of coco coir, perlite or vermiculite, orchid bark, sphagnum moss and worm castings; you could also add some horticultural charcoal to this epiphytic mix.
Fertilising: Feed your plant every few waterings during the growing season or when you observe active growth. You can dilute fertiliser to half the recommended amount but never add more.
Temperature: 10-25°C.
Humidity: Hoya would prefer higher humidity, between 60-80% but do well to adapt to average home humidity. You can increase humidity by placing the plant on a watered pebble tray or using a humidifier.
For further information about Hoya, check out our blog.
Hoya aren’t considered toxic, however, they may make your pet or child vomit if ingested, keep out of reach just to be safe.