Crimson Hoya: Care and Propagation Guide
The beautiful Crimson hoya (Hoya Krimson Queen) is a houseplant that is delightful to grow. It is a variation of the Hoya carnosa, which belongs to the Apocynaceae family. This species has a variety of cultivars varying in color and foliage form.
A native to Australia and Asia, the species has been in existence for over 200 years. It is a climber with faintly succulent leaves that grow in clusters and a shiny star-shaped inflorescence that is quite fragrant and ranges from near-white in color to dark pink.
The waxy foliage of the tropical plants has also earned them the befitting title of the wax plant or porcelain flower.
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How To Care For The Crimson Hoya
Crimson hoya is quite easy to care for and thrives well with just a few requirements. However, creating the ideal growing environment is the best way to get this showy plant to flower its uniquely symmetrical flowers.
Light
Indirect sunlight is your Crimson hoya’s best friend. Keeping the plant out of the direct path of the sunlight is the best way to get them to thrive. While they may be able to tolerate a bit of direct sunlight during winters, they will scorch in the summer sun.
They prefer bright corners over low-light or shaded surroundings. Place them on the east or south-facing window sills for optimal results.
Watering
Crimson hoya plants are great for those who have trouble remembering to water plants. Their drought-tolerant nature means they do fine with weekly watering sessions.
During the summer months, they will require more frequent watering—at least two or three times every week. However, you can easily overwater them. The trick to avoiding this mistake is to check the soil for moisture. If the top two inches of the soil layer feel damp, avoid watering, or you will risk root rot.
Soil
Since Crimson hoya plants have a tropical origin story, they require a different soil mix compared to the rest of your houseplants. Drainage is important for the plants to thrive. Therefore, you will get the best results with air soil that drains well.
Good quality potting soil mixed with ingredients such as peat moss, pumice stone, clay balls, etc., will create looseness in the soil and aid drainage. Look for potting mixes aimed at succulents.
Fertilizing
A well-fertilized soil will help the Crimson hoya thrive. They do well with organic fertilizer.
However, if you must use a synthetic fertilizer, dilute it well. Make use of a water-soluble, nitrogen-rich fertilizer every month or biweekly during the summer and spring months.
Once the growing months are gone, put a stop to feeding the plants, since the nutrient requirement drops in the non-growing phase and feeding it may result in adverse effects.
Climate
These tropical plants love a 70 to 80 percent of humidity level. However, low humidity is not much of an issue for them. They handle mild temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. However, they cannot handle the cold, frost, and higher temperatures.
Pests and Diseases
The most common causes of diseases and pests among these houseplants are overwatering and high humidity.
Overwatering will lead to stem and root rot. Debris in the pot can cause fungal issues. Since they like their humidity, it makes them more susceptible to pests. However, keeping them healthy and well-cared for is a great way to reduce their susceptibility.
Pruning
Prune the plant before the growing season, i.e., spring begins. Pruning helps clear out damaged and old leaves and keeps the vines in check. Since the plant grows rapidly, its vines will spread and start clinging to any object they come in contact with.
Snip over the leaf node. Be careful not to snip the spur stems if you want flowers.
Potting and Repotting
When potting Crimson hoya, choose a pot that has drain holes at the bottom. They thrive in well-draining soils, and the key to a happy hoya plant is an aerated soil and well-draining pot.
Terracotta pots make for great containers because of their porous texture, which can absorb residual moisture. However, other pots work just as well, provided they have drainage holes.
The plants need to be repotted once every season. You can also go two seasons before you re-pot. Do this during their growing phase. Just ensure the plant is not in the blooming phase.
When you re-pot, change the growing medium and fertilize it. Move it to a pot that is one size bigger and not too big.
Propagating Crimson Hoya
Stem cuttings will help you propagate the beautiful houseplant. The ideal time to do this is during summer or spring.
Select a young cutting without any blooms and just a couple of leaves for your propagation. Snip the stem diagonally under a node with a pair of shears or a sharp knife.
Next, get your rooting medium ready. You can use room temperature distilled water. If you are opting for soil, prepare the soil with peat moss and moisten it slightly.
Place the cutting in the rooting medium. Ensure that the leaves do not touch the medium to prevent rotting. Keep the cutting in a bright room and wait for its roots to emerge. This may take weeks or months, so patience is key.