Hoya Carnosa ‘Krimson Queen’ Care Guide (2024)
Hoya carnosa Krimson Queen is a true queen in its appearance. It has beautiful tricolor variegation on its thick, waxy leaves. A popular species in the Hoya genus not only for its beauty but for its tolerance to drought. It would be a great blessing to have Hoya Krimson Queen as a houseplant.
| Scientific Name | Hoya carnosa ‘Krimson Queen’ |
| Common Name | Wax plant, Porcelain flower, Hoya Carnosa |
| Light | Bright, indirect light. |
| Watering | Water regularly during the growth period |
| Temperature | Temperatures between 60-90ºF (16-32ºC) |
| Hardiness Zone | Zones 9 – 12 |
| Humidity | 60% humidity or more |
| Soil Type | Well-draining and porous soil mix that is light and fluffy |
| Soil pH | 6 to 6.5 |
| Fertilizing | Nitrogen-rich, water-soluble fertilizer is most recommended |
| Repotting | Every 2 to 3 years |
| Pruning | Spring & summer are the best times to prune |
| Propagation | Stem cuttings |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to humans and pets |
| Mature Size | 60 to 80 inches if indoors but can reach up to 20 feet in the wild |
| Bloom Time | Three or four years of growth, spring, and summer |
What’s Unique About Hoya Krimson Queen?
Apart from its variegated leaves, the Hoya Krimson Queen plant has clusters of porcelain-like flowers too. The combination of these two beautiful elements makes this plant extra lovely. Being native to Southeast Asia (Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Polynesia), this plant species has tropical growing requirements.
Hoya Krimson Queen plants are also epiphytic, meaning they grow on tree trunks or branches for mechanical support rather than in soil. Hence when cultivated, they’re best grown as trailing plants in hanging baskets. They have semi-succulent characteristics as well. This allows them to survive long periods of less and infrequent watering.
Hoya Krimson Queen Care
Hoya Krimson Queen plant care involves basic things. Like any other plant, the provision of proper light conditions, temperature, and the watering regime are critical for its survival. Remember that it originates from tropical countries. So, you must achieve the environmental conditions where it came from.
Here are some practical tips involving Hoya Queen care.
Light
As a plant that naturally hangs on tree trunks for support, we can determine the exact Hoya Krimson Queen light requirements. We mentioned earlier that this plant is an epiphyte. They live practically under canopies of trees where they receive bright but filtered light.
For the best light condition indoors, place your plant on the south or west side of your home. Just use a sheer curtain to serve as a barrier. Allow it to receive full sun for about an hour or two. That would help the hoya plant initiate blooming. You may use an artificial light source to achieve the correct Krimson Queen Hoya light needs.
Watering
The watering needs of Hoya Krimson Queen are almost similar to that of other succulent species. In short, it won’t require much water. This is because it has the ability to store enough water in its leaves that it can utilize during dry periods.
Remember to water Hoya Queen only when the soil gets dry. This could be once or twice a week depending on the prevailing season. If you’re in doubt, it’s better to leave the plant underwatered.
You should be careful when it comes to Hoya Krimson Queen watering if you want to avoid problems like root rot.
Temperature
This hoya species doesn’t have a wide range of temperature tolerance. Too high to too low temperatures could lead to stress, leaving the poor plant damaged. It’s best to keep the Hoya Krimson Queen temperature range between 60°F (16°C ) and 90°F (32°C). This type of climate is found in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12.
If you’re planning to plant your Hoya outdoors, make sure to bring it in when the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C). Do the same during the winter season. This range is not the ideal temperature for Krimson Queen Hoya. It could lead to irreparable damage to your plant.
Humidity
Despite having a succulent-like characteristic, Hoya Krimson Queen humidity requirements are still high. Ideally, you should maintain at least a 60% humidity level for this plant to flourish and remain healthy. For indoor setups, it’s best to place your hoya in a moist area such as the kitchen or the bathroom.
There are some techniques to reach the ideal humidity for Krimson Queen. One basic thing to do is conduct regular misting. But make sure to do this during the day only to give enough time for the moisture to evaporate. Humidifiers will also help and is a time saver.
Soil
It’s best to create a chunky and lightweight soil mix for your hoya. Remember this plant is an epiphyte and wouldn’t normally grow on heavy soil. You can combine amendments such as coco coir, moss, vermiculite, and perlite along with orchid bark to create a well-draining soil for Krimson Queen. That way, you can prevent root rot from happening.
The ideal ph level for Krimson Queen would be 6 to 6.5 (slightly acidic). This allows the nutrients to be available for the plant to utilize. In addition, always ensure that your Hoya Krimson Queen soil is sterile before planting.
Fertilizer
The best Hoya Krimson Queen fertilizer is one that contains a lesser amount of potassium as compared to nitrogen and phosphorus. So, you’ve got to check the fertilizer ratio first making sure that the NPK distribution is not balanced. We always recommend diluting the fertilizer to water in order to lower its concentration.
Apply fertilizer for Hoya Queen only once a month during the growing season. Generally, there is no need to fertilize during the autumn and winter seasons. You can also incorporate organic fertilizers in the soil such as compost and worm castings for a long-term supply of nutrients.
Potting & Repotting
There are various types of pots for potting your hoya plant. You can use terra cotta, plastic, and ceramics. Just make sure they have a sufficient number of drainage holes. Since hoyas love to get pot-bound, repotting Hoya carnosa Krimson Queen should not be a frequent activity. Sometimes, it would take 3 years before you see the need to repot.
The best time for Hoya Krimson Queen repotting is during the early spring or summer. During repotting, choose a pot size that’s 1 to 2 inches larger than the old one. Change the soil mix. Trim the roots. And water the repotted plant right away.
Pruning
Hoya Krimson Queen pruning is necessary to keep the plant in shape, control its size, and regenerate its growth. Start by removing the old and aged leaves at the lower portion. Trim down a few stems or branches that seem out of the way. Make sure to cut back diseased portions, too.
Before cutting Hoya carnosa Krimson Queen, sterilize the shears first. Remember that you’re creating open wounds on your plant. If you use contaminated tools, your plant will be in danger of acquiring diseases through those cuts. Pathogens will surely find a way to bring serious trouble to your hoya.
Propagation
Use of stem cuttings is the easiest way to propagate Krimson Queen Hoya. Choose a healthy and mature stem and cut it off to about 4 to 5 inches long, leaving at least two leaves on. Make sure that it also contains a few nodes.
Once the cutting is ready, dip it in a rooting hormone to speed up rooting. Plant it in a potting mix. Water it well. Then, place the pot in a shaded area. Propagation is successful if the stem didn’t die after a few weeks. New leaves will also emerge.
The best time to conduct Hoya Krimson Queen propagation is during spring or summer.
Also, make sure to check out our in-depth Hoya macrophylla plant care guide.
Common Problems of Hoya Krimson Queen
It’s a common phenomenon to encounter problems with Krimson Queen Hoya as it grows. Even though it’s not a picky plant, it has its own vulnerabilities.
The majority of the Hoya Krimson Queen problems are manifested in its leaves. Examples are lessening variegation, browning, and formation of lesions.
Let’s dig deeper as to what causes these problems.
Pests
You’ve probably encountered most of the organisms that we will discuss as Hoya Krimson Queen pests. The common species are tiny bugs such as mealybugs and scale. Spider mites are also present. These three infest a wide range of outdoor and indoor plants.
Thankfully, they’re also easy to manage especially if you spot them early on. Most gardeners use a diluted solution that contains neem oil, dishwashing liquid, and water.
Others just wipe them off with a cotton dipped in alcohol. The use of pesticides is generally not required unless you are dealing with a mass number of Hoya Queen plants.
Diseases
The most common Hoya Krimson Queen diseases are stem and root rot. This is, of course, perpetrated by overwatering and soil-borne pathogens causing fungal infections such as botrytis blight. There are common signs to observe. These include the mushy appearance of the roots, foul odor, blackening of stems, and browning of the leaves.
If not treated, your Krimson Queen hoya is in danger of losing its life. Thus, we recommend that you be on the lookout. Inspect the plant’s roots the first time you suspect that it’s suffering from root rot. It also pays to take preventive measures such as using sterilized potting mix when potting.
Growing Problems
There are not many growing problems to encounter in growing Hoya Krimson Queen except for the consequences of overwatering. This is a serious trouble that can easily lead to a sick plant. If your hoya is overwatered, it also has the tendency to grow stunted. Excess water causes a stressful environment, especially for succulent plants that are not used to too much moisture.
The key to avoiding such problems is to maintain the ideal growing conditions discussed above. Proper lighting, just enough water, ideal temperature range, and humidity levels will all contribute to the good health of your hoya plant.
Toxicity of Hoya Krimson Queen
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), categorizes the Hoya carnosa ‘Krimson Queen’ as a non-toxic plant. This means that it does not contain a property toxic to a human or a pet. However, although no toxicity issues are involved, the sap of Hoya carnosa Krimson Queen can lead to minor discomfort. It’s best to take caution.
For Humans
Hoya Krimson Queen has no toxic problems reported for humans. This makes the plant even more desirable as there’s no potential danger associated with tending it. If you have children at home, feel free to have a hoya queen around.
But keep in mind that they do have a milky sap that could lead to irritation once in contact with the skin. Hence, it helps to take precautionary measures when handling the plant especially if you need to cut its parts. Always use gloves during repotting, pruning and propagation. Ingesting any portion of the hoya plant is also a big no-no.
For Pets
Even with pets, toxicity is not an issue. Hoya Krimson Queen is likewise safe for pets as it is for humans. Whether you have dogs or cats at home, your plant won’t be of trouble to them. Hoya does not contain any toxic compounds that could harm your furbabies.
Nevertheless, the plant is not edible. So, make sure that you don’t let them ingest its parts. The sap could be irritating too. It can lead to discomfort or vomiting. It’s better to keep your hoya hanged in a secured corner so your pets won’t mess with them. Just be cautious.
Hoya Krimson Queen Appearance
The Hoya Krimson Queen’s appearance is definitely unique and adorable. Both the foliage and the flowers bring beauty to the entire plant. Their perfect combination makes this hoya truly stunning and worthy of a second glance. It has a trailing habit, making it suited for hanging baskets inside your homes.
Foliage
The foliage of Hoya Krimson Queen is highly attractive for its unique variegation. It comes in a combination of green, creamy-white, and pink. Hence, it’s sometimes called the Hoya tricolor. Each leaf has a cordate shape. When you touch it, it has a waxy feel. These leaves are attached to a trailing vine.
Aside from its beauty, the leaves of Hoya Krimson Queen serve a crucial purpose. Those fleshy leaves help store enough water that the plant can utilize over long periods of the dry season. This is the reason why Hoyas can tolerate drought to some degree just like most succulent species do.
Flowering
If you think the leaves are already stunning, wait until you witness the Hoya Krimson Queen flowering. This plant becomes even more lovely once the clusters of star-shaped flowers appear. These flowers have a pinkish color accentuated with a red center. On top of that, these flowers are also scented.
There are certain requirements in order for your hoya to undergo blooming. First, it has to be mature. This happens after 3 to 4 years of growth. The environment must give the right conditions such as warm temperature, high humidity, and less rainfall. These conditions are mostly achieved during spring and summer.
Size and Growth
The maximum size of Hoya Krimson Queen could go between the range of 60 to 80 inches. This length is possible because of its trailing vines. But compared to other vine species, hoyas have a slower growth rate. You would even have to wait 2 to 3 years before you could repot your plant.
This characteristic, however, is more favorable for hoyas that are kept indoors. It would be easier to maintain your plant in a small space since it won’t grow that big in a short period of time. Even if it reaches maturity, there are ways to keep your hoya shaped and trimmed down.
Hoya Krimson Queen Fragrance
The secret of Hoya Krimson Queen fragrance lies in its flowers. Those clusters of pinkish flowers emit a fragrant scent that anyone would surely love. It has that unique smell of fresh chocolate. It becomes even more noticeable during the night. So you better keep it indoors in a closed area in order to enjoy the fragrance.
Since the hoyas would flower from summer through fall, you have a high chance of enjoying the scent for a longer period. If you have more pots of Hoya Krimson Queen, that would be more enjoyable. Just make sure you take care of your hoyas so they’d produce flowers in time.
Suggested Uses for Hoya Krimson Queen
Hoya Krimson Queen would make a beautiful plant whether indoors or outdoors. There are many ways to be creative with this plant. You can have it potted and later shape it into various designs. That would make an Instagram-worthy hoya!
You can also plant it in hanging baskets and let those vines trail down. Hang it in to give life to a dull corner. Aside from adding beauty, your hoya will also help remove toxins in your room contributing to fresher air indoors. You can also use this plant to relieve your stress and boost positive energy around your home.
FAQ
What is Hoya Krimson Queen?
The Hoya Krimson Queen is another variety of the Hoya carnosa species. It’s known for its tricolor leaves – a combination of green, creamy-white, and green variegations.
How to identify Hoya Krimson Queen?
What sets the Hoya Krimson Queen is the location of its variegations. You can find them around the edges of each leaf. Another variety, the Hoya Krimson Princess, has its variegations at the center.
How to care for Hoya Krimson Queen?
Proper care of Hoya Krimson Queen involves the provision of filtered light, warm temperature, less water, and high humidity. Such a combination creates an ideal environment for the growth of hoya.
How to grow Hoya Krimson Queen indoors?
If planted indoors, place it in a location in an east-facing window as it gives the best light condition. Provide occasional misting when the humidity gets low.
How to grow Hoya Krimson Queen outdoors?
If tended outdoors, make sure to place your Hoya Krimson Queen in a partially shaded area. Never let it sit under the full sun as this could harm the plant.
How fast does Hoya Krimson Queen grow?
Hoya Krimson Queen is a slow grower compared to other vining species. It would take about 2 to 3 years before you’d have to repot this plant.
How tall does Hoya Krimson Queen grow?
This Hoya plant can grow between 60 to 80 inches long. If left in the wild, each plant can reach a height of 20 feet.
How to make Hoya Krimson Queen grow faster?
Make sure it receives a sufficient amount of light. Avoid overwatering your hoya to prevent root rot. Provide diluted fertilizer monthly during the growing stage.
How to stake Hoya Krimson Queen?
If you want to stake your hoya upwards, you can use a trellis, stake, or any other materials to support it. Some use wires to lead it to its desired shape.
How to pot Hoya Krimson Queen?
Once pot-bound, remove the hoya from its pot. Get rid of the old soil and inspect the roots. Trim down dead roots. Prepare a new potting mix and plant your hoya in a larger container.
How to revive Hoya Krimson Queen?
Address this issue depending on the underlying cause for its symptoms. You have to diagnose first why your hoya is getting sick. From there, you can devise solutions.
Why is my Hoya Krimson Queen dying?
Root rot is one of the major causes of why your Hoya is dying. Once you notice the symptoms, it’s best to repot your plant to save it from further damage.
Why is my Hoya Krimson Queen drooping?
This phenomenon could be due to stress potentially caused by watering problems, temperature stress, humidity problems, or inappropriate light condition. Adjust these factors to make them ideal.
How cold can Hoya Krimson Queen tolerate?
Hoya Krimson Queen is not fond of cold temperatures. It can tolerate only up to 50ºF (10ºF). When the temperature drops below this, your plant is in danger of suffering from cold stress.
How to get rid of pests on Hoya Krimson Queen?
Apply diluted solution containing neem oil, insecticidal soap, and water. Do this repeatedly for a week until you manage to get rid of all the pests.
Is Hoya Krimson Queen toxic to cats?
No. Your cats are safe with Hoya carnosa ‘Krimson Queen’ as this plant is non-toxic. However, the plant is still not edible. The sap could lead to minor irritations.
Is Hoya Krimson Queen toxic to dogs?
No. Hoya Krimson Queen is safe for your dogs as it is for your cats. It doesn’t contain any toxic property that may cause harm to your furbaby.
Is Hoya Krimson Queen toxic to children?
No. This plant is non-toxic and safe around children. It won’t create any serious harm to your kids except for minor discomfort once they get into contact with its sap.
Is Hoya Krimson Queen toxic to humans?
There are no toxic effects to humans reported for Hoya Krimson Queen. This means that this species is safe for humans to handle. But it’s not edible, though.
Does Hoya Krimson Queen have a scent?
Yes! The clump of flowers has an interesting scent that is comparable to that of chocolate-vanilla flavor. The odor is more noticeable during the night.
