Hoya carnosa 'Tricolor'

Hoya carnosa ‘Tricolor’ is a colorful variegated form of the classic wax plant, often sold under the cultivar name ‘Krimson Queen.’ Its thick, waxy leaves feature green centers bordered by irregular bands of cream, white, and pale yellow. New growth frequently emerges bright pink or reddish before gradually maturing to its permanent variegated coloring. Long, flexible vines make it ideal for hanging baskets, shelves, or climbing supports. Mature plants can produce rounded clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers in pale pink and white. The blooms release the strongest fragrance during the evening and may produce small drops of sweet nectar. This slow-growing Hoya is durable, drought-tolerant, and well suited for indoor growing.

☀️ Light

Provide bright, indirect light. A few hours of gentle morning sun can encourage stronger variegation, pink new growth, and flowering. Avoid intense afternoon sunlight, which may scorch the pale portions of the leaves.

💧 Water

Allow the soil to dry at least halfway through the pot before watering thoroughly. Reduce watering during cooler months or when growth slows. Avoid keeping the soil consistently wet.

🪴 Soil

Use a loose, fast-draining mixture containing potting soil, orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir or peat moss. The roots require excellent airflow and should never remain waterlogged.

💦 Humidity

Average household humidity is sufficient, although moderate humidity between 40% and 60% encourages healthier growth. Maintain good air circulation around the foliage.

🌡️ Temperature

Keep between 60°F and 85°F. Protect the plant from temperatures below 50°F, cold drafts, and sudden temperature changes.

🌱 Fertilizer

Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. A fertilizer formulated for blooming plants may be used occasionally once the plant is mature.

📏 Growth Habit

A trailing or climbing evergreen vine that can eventually develop stems several feet long. Growth may be slower than solid-green Hoya carnosa because the variegated leaves contain less chlorophyll.

🐾 Toxicity

Nontoxic