Hoya carnosa is part of the Apocynaceae family and its native range is S. China to Laos, Japan (S. Kyushu) to Taiwan. This cultivar is similar to ‘Krimson Princess’ but the leaves are a darker shade of pink, the exact origin of this plant is unclear. Leaf blades are fleshy and ovate with an entire leaf margin. Leaf arrangement is opposite with leaves occurring in pairs and variegation is creamy-white and pink with green leaf margins. Hoya can also be trellised.
Genus name is new Latin, named after Thomas Hoy ( c. 1750– c. 1821), English gardener. Specific epithet is from the Latin carnōsus meaning meaty or fleshy.
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, orchid bark and worm castings; you could also add some horticultural charcoal and sphagnum moss to make this a more typical 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: 15-29°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.
Hoya aren’t considered toxic, however, they may make your pet or child vomit if ingested, keep out of reach just to be safe.