How to Grow and Care for Hoya Carnosa Krimson Princess

The Hoya carnosa ‘Krimson Princess’ is a popular variegated houseplant with distinctive foliage. Its vining growth habit makes it suitable for hanging baskets or being trained onto a trellis. The waxy, lance-shaped leaves have a unique tricolor pattern of green, creamy-white, and pink. As a member of the Hoya genus, it is known for being resilient and relatively low-maintenance, adapting well to typical indoor environments.

Krimson Princess vs Krimson Queen Identification

A common point of confusion is distinguishing the ‘Krimson Princess’ from the ‘Krimson Queen’, with the primary difference being the placement of leaf variegation. The ‘Krimson Princess’ has variegation in the center of the leaf, with creamy white or pink coloration on the inside and green margins. In contrast, the ‘Krimson Queen’ displays variegation along the leaf edges with a solid green center. A helpful mnemonic is that a princess wears her variegation like a gown in the center, while a queen wears it on the edges like a crown. The ‘Krimson Princess’ is also noted for its reddish stems and new leaves that often emerge with a strong pink blush, a feature not seen on the ‘Krimson Queen’.

Hoya Krimson Princess Care

Light

This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. An east-facing window is a good placement, providing gentle morning sun and indirect light for the rest of the day. Direct, harsh afternoon sun should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves. Sufficient light is necessary to maintain the plant’s vibrant variegation and prevent new growth from reverting to solid green. In lower light, the plant may also become “leggy,” with long stretches of vine between the leaves, so using a grow light can be an effective solution to ensure the plant receives the energy it needs.

Soil

The soil for a ‘Krimson Princess’ must be well-draining and airy. As epiphytes, these plants are accustomed to having their roots exposed to air, so a chunky potting mix that allows for good aeration is best. Standard potting soil is often too dense and retains too much moisture. Amend a quality potting mix with components like orchid bark, perlite, or pumice to create a suitable medium. An orchid mix on its own can also serve as a good substrate, as this type of mix prevents the soil from becoming waterlogged and reduces the risk of root rot.

Water

Its semi-succulent leaves store water, making the plant tolerant of some dryness. Use a “soak and dry” watering method by watering thoroughly and then allowing the soil to dry out completely before watering again. You can check if the top two inches of soil are dry as an indicator. Overwatering is a frequent mistake that leads to root rot and yellowing leaves, so it is better to underwater than to keep the soil constantly moist. The frequency of watering will depend on factors like pot size and ambient temperature, but is about every one to two weeks during the growing season and should be reduced during winter.

Temperature and Humidity

Native to tropical regions, the ‘Krimson Princess’ appreciates warm and humid conditions. It grows best in household temperatures from 60°F to 85°F (15°C to 29°C) and should be protected from cold drafts and frost. While the plant adapts to average household humidity, it will flourish with higher levels. To increase humidity, you can mist the leaves, place the pot on a pebble tray with water, or use a small humidifier nearby. Make sure the pot does not sit directly in the water on the pebble tray.

Fertilizer

Fertilize your ‘Krimson Princess’ during the active growing seasons of spring and summer. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength is a suitable choice to avoid burning the roots. Feed the plant about every four weeks during its growing period. Fertilizing is not necessary during the fall and winter when the plant is dormant, and mature plants benefit most from feeding to encourage robust growth and blooming.

Promoting Variegation and Flowers

To enhance the signature variegation, ensure the plant receives ample bright, indirect light as described in the care section. This stimulates the pigments responsible for the pink and white colors. Encouraging a ‘Krimson Princess’ to flower requires patience, as the plant needs to be mature and slightly root-bound. Keeping the plant in a pot where its roots are snug can trigger blooming. Consistent care, including proper light, watering, and seasonal fertilizing, contributes to the production of its fragrant, star-shaped flowers.

Propagating Hoya Krimson Princess

Propagating a Hoya ‘Krimson Princess’ is straightforward using stem cuttings. Select a healthy vine and cut a section that includes at least one or two nodes, which are the small bumps on the stem where roots form. Ensure each cutting has a few leaves attached. You can root the cutting by placing it in a jar of water, where roots should form within a few weeks. Alternatively, place the cutting in moist sphagnum moss, perlite, or directly into a pot with a well-draining soil mix, keeping it moist until the roots establish.

Common Problems

A common issue is the reversion of leaves to solid green, which indicates the plant is not receiving enough light. Move it to a brighter location and consider pruning off fully green stems to encourage new variegated growth. Leggy growth, with long, bare stems, is also a sign the plant is stretching for more light. Yellowing leaves are most often a symptom of overwatering, so check the soil’s moisture and allow it to dry completely before watering again. Pests such as mealybugs and aphids can occasionally affect Hoyas and can be managed by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by using an insecticidal soap.