The Hoya Carnosa “Crimson Queen,” is a distinctive houseplant celebrated for its trailing vines and variegated leaves. Originating from East Asia, this plant has found its way into households worldwide. Whether you’re a plant enthusiast or a beginner, this article breaks down the essentials of caring for the “Crimson Queen.” From light preferences to watering routines and tips on propagation, we’ll cover all the steps to keep your Hoya Carnosa thriving.
Light Requirements: Hoya Carnosa “Crimson Queen”
When it comes to caring for Crimson Queen, finding the sweet spot for lighting is key to its overall well-being. This resilient plant thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural habitat. While it can adapt to lower light conditions, providing it with moderate to bright, filtered sunlight encourages robust growth and vibrant foliage. Whether you place it near a window with filtered sunlight or supplement with artificial light sources, striking the right balance ensures your “Crimson Queen” thrives and graces your indoor space with its unique beauty.
They are best suited to grow in an east or west facing window, but I have mine growing in a south facing window, slightly to the side, and it is thriving. These plants tolerate high light conditions much better than low light conditions in my experience. I also think Hoyas thrive better under grow lights than nearly any other. The Hoyas I grow under grow lights are roughly six inches away from the light, but feel free to experiment if you are considering using grow lights.
Water: Hoya Carnosa “Crimson Queen”
When it comes to watering your Hoya Carnosa “Crimson Queen,” a reserved approach is the key to its well-being. This resilient plant doesn’t demand constant attention, making it suitable for various care routines. For smaller pots, I allow the soil to almost completely dry out before watering. While for larger pots, I let at least the top half of the soil to dry between waterings.
While it can tolerate a bit of neglect, providing a regular watering routine will encourage healthy growth for your hoya. Adjust your watering frequency based on factors like room temperature and available light, tailoring your care routine to the unique conditions of your space. With a mindful and moderate watering approach, your Crimson Queen will thrive, showcasing its beauty with lush and vibrant foliage.
Soil & Potting: Hoya Carnosa “Crimson Queen”
Soil
Most plants come from the store in a soil mix that isn’t ideal for their growth. If your Crimson Queen looks like it is in straight peat moss, or peat moss with very little perlite, I would recommend repotting it. However, before repotting it, if you just brought it home, I would give it a week or so to acclimate to your home. Too much change can shock your plants so, it is best to wait.
This plant will do best in a chunky airy aroid mix. Aroid mixes can be hard to find at a fair price, so I like to make my own. I have a post detailing my recipe for my Chunky Aroid Mix that you can check out if you want to make your own!
Potting
The most important factor to consider when choosing a pot, is whether or not it has a drainage hole. Drainage holes are necessary for all potted plants so that excess water can flow out of the pot. If you have a pot you like, but it doesn’t have a drainage hole, consider using it as a cover pot! I do this with plenty of my plants. Leave them in a plastic nursery pot, and drop them into the pot of your choice. The cover pot will also act as a tray for them, catching any moisture that runs out of the pot. Just be sure to dump any excess water sitting in the bottom of the pot!
How to Propagate Hoya Carnosa “Crimson Queen”
Propagation is a great way to expand your collection, or to create new plants to give to friends and family. There is also something very special about taking a small cutting, and watching it grow into its own plant. It is for these reasons that propagation is one of my favorite aspects of plant care, so lets get into it!
Expanding your Hoya Carnosa “Crimson Queen” family is an exciting prospect, and propagation offers a straightforward method to achieve it. Hoyas can root from anywhere on their stems making them some of the easiest plants to propagate. Simply select a healthy stem, and cut it, leaving enough stem on the cutting to put into water without submerging the leaves. I like to let my cuttings callous over for a few hours to prevent stem rot, before placing them in water. Then, simply allow the cutting to develop roots in water. Once rooted, transfer it to well-draining soil, and give it a good watering.
In wrapping up our guide on caring for Hoya Carnosa “Crimson Queen,” you’ve gained practical insights to keep this resilient plant thriving. Stick to a moderate watering routine, find the right balance of light, and consider propagation if you’re looking to expand your collection. With these straightforward steps, your “Crimson Queen” will add a touch of green simplicity to your indoor space. Keep it up, and happy growing!