Hoya Krimson Queen - The Ultimate Care Guide

If you are searching for a low-care attractive indoor flowering plant, then I will suggest the Hoya Krimson Queen plant and in this article, I will share the ultimate care guide of it.

A friend of mine had invited me to her home for a party, it was then I first saw this beautiful indoor plant. It stole my heart with its elegant foliage. Later I got to know that this beautiful plant blooms. Then I decided to buy one to decorate my home. But, being a new gardener, I have no idea how to care for this plant. So, I started reading this plant’s care guides and also started discussing it with my friends and some fellow gardeners.

After a lot of research and experience over the years, I became an expert and now with my experience in maintaining this plant, I am going to share my care routine for my Hoya krimson Queen plant. So, let’s get started but first let us know more about this plant or why is this plant so popular!

What inside this?

About the Hoya Krimson Queen plant!

The Hoya Krimson Queen plant is a variegated subspecies of the Hoya Carnosa which belongs to the Hoya genus of the Dogbane or Apocynaceae family. This is a native of Southeast Asia. It is commonly found in India, Thailand, Indonesia, Polynesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and in some places in Australia. These plants are nice looking plants, have beautiful waxy foliage, and produce gorgeous fragrant flowering. Let me describe all these points in detail!

1. Hoya Krimson Queen plant’s outlook!

Let me describe the foliage, flowering, and fragrance in more detail as they make the whole outlook of the plant!

Foliage

The foliage of the plant is dark green with a creamy white border that adds beauty to the plant. The new leaves have a baby pink color. These leaves are thick and have a soft texture. They are shiny and are heart-shaped.

Flowering

The flowers of these plants are in baby pink color with red centers. They form clusters and each cluster has around 30 flowers.

Fragrance

The fragrance of the gorgeous blooms of the plant is chocolate-vanilla flavored.

2. The growing season of Hoya Krimson Queen!

These tropical plants thrive in little high temperatures. They observed growing well between the early spring and late summers. They produce beautiful flowers and leaves, also their growth is faster during that time. So, it is considered the growing season of the plant.

3. Dormancy period of Hoya Krimson Queen!

Being tropical plants, hoyas stop their growth for a while in the mid-winters, they cannot tolerate the low temperatures. So, the winter season is considered the dormancy period of the Hoya Carnosa Krimson Queen plant.

4. Size of the Hoya Krimson Queen!

Height: These plants can reach up to 20 feet in height when grown wild. At home, they achieve up to 5 feet.

Width: The plant can spread up to 2-3 feet of space around it.

5. Growth of Hoya Krimson Queen!

As they have dark green-colored foliage, they can absorb a lot of light and are observed as fast-growing plants.

6. Toxicity of Hoya Krimson Queen!

The Hoya Carnosa Krimson Queen plants have no toxic effects on humans and pets. But still, they are not to be consumed. The sap that the plant emits while pruning can cause skin itching in allergic people. So, wear your gardening gloves while pruning it.

Are you curious to know how to propagate the Hoya Krimson queen plant? Let’s check it out below!

How to propagate the Hoya Krimson queen plant?

Propagation of the Hoya plants is not a difficult task. Even beginners can easily propagate these plants. Although there are some more methods for propagating the plant, I choose to propagate the plant with stem cuts. Because this is an easy, faster, and successful process of propagating. You can choose one of the different propagating mediums to propagate the stem cuts. But, before that, you need to know the things you need for propagating the Hoya Krimson Queen plant. Let me tell you everything in detail.

Things required in the process of propagating the stem cuts of the Hoya Krimson Queen plant:

The medium (suitable soil, water, perlite, or the sphagnum moss.
Small container.
Sharp scissors to cut the stem of the plant.
Rooting hormone (optional).
A mature healthy old stem of the plant, which is near the root system of the plant. This fastens the root growth. It must be 5-10 inches in height.

Gently cut the stem with sharp scissors. Avoid mushing the plant and the stem. Because a mushed stem allows fungal growth on it.

Now let us know how to propagate it in different mediums!

1. Propagating the stem cuts in soil medium

Soil medium is mostly used in propagation since it is easily available and also easy to maintain. This process needs less attention, but it may consume more time than the others.

Take a container and fill it with a nutrient-rich soil mix.
Dampen the soil and maintain the moisture in it until you transplant the newly propagated plant into another pot.
Remove the bottom (2 inches) leaves of the stem.
Now apply the rooting hormone at the bottom of the stem cutting. This will help the roots grow faster. However, the stem can produce healthy roots, even if you have not applied the rooting hormone. So, you can skip this step if you don’t have it.
Then place the stem in the soil mix at one to two inches depth.
Place the pot in a bright place and be attentive to its needs.
If the soil is moist enough, the roots might start growing soon after 2-3 weeks.
Wait for the new growth and then transplant it to a suitable pot.

Propagating the stem cuts in soil medium

2. Propagating the stem cuts in a water medium

It is also the same as the above process but here the medium changes. Here the water fastens the root’s growth and we can easily observe the root growth. Let me explain to you clearly.

Take a jar filled with water. It is better to use a glass jar to see the root growth. Leave the tap water for a day before you start the process. Because the direct tap water has harsh chemicals like fluoride and chloride that may not be suitable for propagating the plant. You can also use distilled water, mineral water, or filtered water for proceeding with this process.
Apply liquid hormone at the bottom of the stem cutting to boost the root growth, you can ignore this step if you don’t have it in your home.
Deadhead the bottom 4-5 inches of the stem.
Now, dip the stem in the water jar, and make sure that there are no leaves that are in contact with the water in the jar.
Let the stem get enough light.
Change the water every 2-3 days to avoid fungal or bacterial growth in the water.
You can observe small roots growing at the bottom of the stem within 2 weeks.
Let the roots grow at least 2 cm, to transfer the newly propagated plant to a suitable pot filled with a suitable soil mix.

3. Propagating the stem cuts in perlite

Perlite is a material that absorbs water and maintains moisture in the container of stem cutting. This helps in fastening root growth. Thus many gardeners use this medium to propagate their Hoya Krimson Queen. We will now learn how to propagate the plant in perlite.

Take a container, preferably a plastic food box. This should have at least 10 inches in length, 5 inches in width, and 3 inches in height.
Now fill the bottom one inch of the container with perlite and water it.
Place the stem on the perlite. Remember that the stem should be smaller than the container. Avoid mushing it.
Close the lid of the container or you can also wrap the container with a plastic cover. Make sure that the container is closed tightly. This helps in maintaining moisture and thus encourages root growth.
Within a week or two, you can observe the root growth, then gently plant the newly propagated plant in the soil.

4. Propagating the stem cut in the sphagnum moss

Sphagnum moss is also a material that holds moisture for a long time. To boost the root growth in the stem, people use it as a propagating medium. Now, I will tell you how to propagate the stem cut off the Hoya Krimson Queen plant in this medium.

Fill the selected container with the sphagnum.
Water the sphagnum and do not let it dry until the new growth starts in the stem.
Place the stem in the sphagnum and make sure that the stem is standing properly.
Place the pot in a well-lit place.
The roots start to grow within 1-2 weeks.
Now you can change the newly propagated plant into a pot with soil mix.

Now you know the methods of propagation but when is the best time to propagate the Hoya Krimson queen plant? Let’s find out!

Best time to propagate the Hoya Krimson Queen plant!

The Hoya Krimson Queen plants should be propagated in the growing season, you can observe that plant growth within a short span. The success rate of propagating the plant is also high during this period. Never try to propagate the plant during the dormancy period, as your trials will become futile.

How to care for the Hoya Krimson Queen plant?

You can easily maintain this plant at your home if you provide proper care for it. Being a low-care plant it does not need much care to thrive. But if you fail to supply enough care for your Hoya Krimson Queen it may face some problems that may eventually lead to the plant’s death and you may not save it in some cases. So follow the below steps that will make your care routine for the plant easy!

1. Sunlight requirement of the Hoya Krimson queen plant!

The Hoya Krimson Queen plants are natives of the southeast parts of Asia which have moderate to tropical climates. So, these plants love to have sunlight, but not directly. Because the foliage of them is sensitive to direct sunlight which can burn it. Thus they need to be kept in a place that gets bright but indirect sunlight. Remember if the plant does not get enough light it may grow well. At least 5-6 hours of sunlight are needed by the plant to thrive. Some problems are caused due to improper absorption of sunlight.

Overexposure to the sun will cause sunburns on the shiny foliage of the plant. The leaves of it become dry and curly. They may even fall off. In this case, the plant can face dehydration.

If the plant does not get enough sunlight it stops flowering and you can observe a drop in its growth.

So, it is better to place the plant near a south-facing window that sources bright indirect sunlight, but remember to close the window during the afternoons of the summer to stop the direct light. It is better if you cover them with light-colored drapes to avoid the attack of the intense sun rays that travel through the glass of the window. Remember not to keep the plant in the window sills. You can place them outdoors under a shade, but you need to be attentive to them until it settles down there.

2. Watering the hoya Krimson queen plant!

Water is one of the major requirements for the plant to survive. Water carries nutrients and other essential matter from the soil to the plant through the roots. These Hoya plants which are sensitive to root rot, need water to thrive. You need to follow some tricks to provide enough water for your plant. Let us know about them.

Check the soil moisture before you water your plant. You can use a moisture meter or you just poke the soil to check its wetness. If the soil is dry about an inch deeper then it is time for watering the plant. Otherwise, leave it unwatered until the soil becomes dry.

Water the plant slowly and let the soil and the roots of the plant have enough water. If you see the extra water draining out through the drainage system then stop watering it.

Let the soil dry between two waterings. Remember the water needs of the plant change with the climate. As the Hoya plants have succulent nature and sensitive roots together, it will be a tricky task until you understand the plant’s needs. Some problems that are caused due to improper watering habits.

Over-watering the plant causes fungal growth, bacterial growth, and root rot. They show yellowing of foliage mold growth on the layer of soil and other such signs. You should immediately respond to it. You need to prune the infected part to save the plant. Underwatering can cause dehydration in the plant which causes brown, wrinkled leaves that fall off with time. It rarely kills the plant.

3. Suitable soil mix for the Hoya Krimsom queen plant!

The soil mix becomes home for the plant until you change it. So, using the soil that is suitable for the plant is the only choice for you, if you wish to have your plant for a long time. The soil mix that is used to fill the pots of the Hoya plants should be well-draining, as these plants have a sensitive root system and the Hoya Krimson Queen plant is not an exception to this.

Compact soils that hold the water for a long time should not be used to plant hoyas. If the soil is not well-draining, the excess water which is stored in it may be absorbed by the roots, this overwatering results in mushy roots where the fungus grows. This finally leads to root rot, which is a dangerous plant disease.

Also, these fast-growing plants need nutrient-rich soils when they are planted in pots, as they may not get enough nutrition in such cases. So, to provide enough nutrition for the plant, use the best quality soil mixes. It is a bonus to your plant if there is any organic matter present in the soil.

I don’t feel it is hard to prepare a well-draining soil mix at home, so I prepare it on my own and suggest you do the same. It is easy and in addition to that, it is cost-free. Let me tell you my recipe for the well-draining nutrient-rich organic soil mix.

Take ⅓ peat moss, ⅓ perlite, and ⅓ orchid bark to the normal household soil. You can add some coarse sand to the above mixture and small pieces of gravel to make it more well-draining.

4. Potting the hoya krimson Queen plant!

These beautiful Hoya plants are prone to root rots. The sensitive roots of this plant love to live in dry conditions. So, it is recommended to plant your Hoya Krimson Queen in a pot that does not allow the excess water to stay in it. Before selecting a pot for your plant, you need to consider three things they are:

a) Material of the pot

The material of the pot you use to plant your Queen has its significance in the plant’s growth. Use pots that have porous walls that allow the aeration into the soil. This dries the soil that is in contact with it so that it avoids root rot and fungal growth in the soil mix. In addition to that, it supplies enough oxygen to the roots, which helps in the plant’s growth.

Unglazed clay pots, terra cotta pots, and unglazed ceramic pots are considered the best pots for planting your Hoya krimson queen plant. You can also use cement pots as it too has porous walls. Plastic pots and other such pots can’t drain the water present in the soil through their walls. So, I don’t feel that they are suitable for planting the Hoyas.

b) Size of the pot

Consider the size of the pot when you buy it for potting the Hoya Krimson Queen plant. Because the small-sized pots don’t allow root growth and thus control the plant’s growth. Whereas the large-sized pots that are filled with a large amount of soil hold more water for a long time and may cause root rots. So, select a pot that is 2 inches larger than the root ball of the plant.

c) The drainage system of the plant

Last but not the least, the drainage system is the main thing to consider while selecting the pot. The pot with a poor drainage system holds a lot of water in it which may cause damage to the root system of the plant. It leads to root rots, fungal infections, and other such problems that trouble the plant.

The pot must contain at least one large drainage hole at the bottom or 5 small ones. This will expel the extra water quickly and keep the soil dry, which makes the roots comfortable. So, make sure that the selected pot has a good drainage system.

d) Process of potting

Follow the below steps to pot your Hoya Krimson Queen plants perfectly,

Select a suitable pot for planting your Hoya Krimson Queen. Sterilize it before you start the process. You can use a new pot or any old pot, but it must have the above qualities.
Fill the bottom layer (which is about an inch) of the pot with gravel or small pieces of bricks. This will drain the excess water fastly and this prevents the soil from blocking the drainage holes.
Then fill the second layer with the suitable soil mix.
Now, remove the wrapper or container of the plant and place it in the pot.
Support the plant by adding the remaining soil mix on the sides and the top of it.
Water it lightly and place it in a well-lit place that gets bright indirect sunlight.
Be attentive to it, until you observe its new growth of it.

5. Repotting the hoya krimson Queen plant!

Repot your Hoya krimson queen every 2-3 years and help the plant in thriving. These plants are fast-growing plants, which need to be repotted to avoid fungal growth in the soil. Although the roots of the Hoya plants love to be pot-bound or root bound to produce more blooms, you should not leave them for much time, as the water stuck between them will not drain for a long time and may cause root rot.

Moreover, repotting helps the plant get enough nutrients and minerals for its healthy growth. Potted plants will not thrive as the plants that are planted in the ground. Because the plant sucks the nutrients from the small amount of soil in the pot and after some time the soil gets futile thus it may not supply enough nutrition for the plant. This results in a growth drop in the plant. The soil is better to change the soil while repotting.

While you repot your plant, take a pot that is 2 inches larger than the old pot to allow the roots further growth, and sterilize the pot before you fill it with the soil. Use fresh and well-drained soil mix to fill the pot.

Watering the plant before repotting not only helps the plant to come out from the old pot but also prevents the roots from drying out during the process. After watering the plant, gently drag the plant out of the pot and shake the plant to get rid of the old mud that is stuck to the root system. Follow the potting method, then onwards. Place the plant back in its old place. This will help in reducing the shock due to transplantation in the plant. Keep an eye on it until it starts growing well.

6. Pruning the hoya krimson queen!

The Hoya plants are vining plants that may not need pruning if they are grown outdoors under a shade. But, if you place it indoors, it will look good until the growing season. But, after the growing season of the plant, you can observe leggy stems of the plant that ruin the space around the plant and may look awkward. So, you might be planning to prune your plant. It is okay to prune the plant to get the desired shape, but remember not to over-prune the plant as it may undergo shock, which results in the fall of its growth rate. Also, do not trim the new leaf nodes as it becomes the new flooring spot.

Do not pluck the peduncles, they can repeat producing blooms. Growing season or just before the growing season is considered the best time for pruning the plant. Because the plant grows faster during this time, it needs energy. Pruning will help in conserving its energy. Moreover, pruning in the growing season reduces the stress in the plant which is caused due to trimming. Avoid pruning this plant in the winter. During this period the plant undergoes dormancy, if you prune it, then it goes under shock and stops its growth.

7. Fertilizing the hoya krimson queen plant!

Fertilize the Hoya Krimson Queen plant once or twice during the growing season of the plant to encourage its growth. The Hoya plants don’t need much fertilization, but fertilization improves the nutrients in the soil and thus the plant’s health. It increases the energy of the plant and boosts its productivity in the growing season. Make sure that you are not overfeeding the plant as it can burn the roots of the plant.

Organic fertilizers best suit these plants. You can also use mild fertilizers to feed the plant. NPK fertilizers help the plant in producing more foliage and blooms, this also delays the period of flowering in the plant.

As over-fertilization burns the roots, lack of fertilization can also affect the plant’s growth. This results in a weak plant, which stops its growth and blooming. Fertilizing the plant every 3 weeks in the growing season to maintain good health of the plant.

8. Ideal temperature range of the hoya krimson queen plant!

The Hoya Krimson Queen plants are native to tropical regions. So, they love tropical climatic conditions. But, being a vining plant it crawls up the trees and grows under the cool shade of the plant in the wild. So, they cannot tolerate higher temperatures. It is observed that the plant grows well at room temperatures thus, hoya plants are considered one of the best indoor plants. So, grow the plant in the room temperature range. That is 58 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

The plant can tolerate temperature fluctuations slightly, but the extreme temperature can severely damage the plant. If the temperature rises above 85 degrees, it causes dehydration in the plant. The plant becomes dry and loses its leaves and finally dies (if ignored) in this case. The lower temperatures make the plant undergo dormancy. It stops flowering, and growing and may face many problems in this case.

So, do not leave the plant outdoors during the hot summer and the cold winter. Avoid placing it on the windowsills in extreme temperatures. Water the plant with concerning the temperatures. Use plant heaters or air conditioners to maintain the plant the favorable temperatures.

9. Ideal Humidity range of the hoya Krimson queen plant!

Being an indoor plant for several years, the Hoya Krimson Queen plant adapts to the humidity present in the houses. That is 55 to 65%. The humidity level below 50% will cause dehydration in the plant. If the plant is kept in highly humid locations, that can cause fungal growth in the plant.

To maintain ideal humidity in the surroundings of the plant, try misting the dried or culled leaves of the plant and water them whenever the plant needs them if you are living in dry conditions. If the plant is in highly humid conditions, then make sure that air passes through every part of the plant. You can keep the plant under a fan too in the process of avoiding high humidity. Provide enough care for your plant. Avoid placing it near the vent, plant heaters, or even artificial light can also cause the same.

Common problems that Hoya Krimson queen plant might face!

The Hoya Krimson queen plant can face a lot of pests and diseases if not cared for properly. Let me explain these pests and diseases that can affect your plant in detail so that you can prevent them from spreading as soon as possible!

1. Pests that can affect the Hoya Krimson queen plant!

Pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and scale are some of the common pests that can attack your plant for its survival. They suck up the plant’s juice by lying underneath the plant. So, check the plant thoroughly to search for insects if you suspect the attack. Applying mild pesticides, neem oil and spraying soapy water can help the plant. You can rub the infected parts with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to treat your plant.

2. Diseases that can affect the Hoya Krimson queen plant!

Yellowing foliage

This can be observed in two cases. If the yellow leaves are mushy then it is due to overwater, lack of sunlight, and even high humidity conditions. If the leaves are thin and yellow, then it is due to dehydration. There is a normal cause for this problem which is aging. Aged leaves turn yellow and fall off.

Droopy plant

It is due to lack of sunlight, overexposure to the sun, lack of water, overwatering, over-fertilization, and lack of fertilization or over-pruning. Because improper care can cause stress in the plant which leads to this disease. Following the above care guide will help the plant in its survival.

Leaf-drop

It is due to improper care habits. The plant becomes droopy due to improper watering. Both overwatering and underwatering can cause the leaf drop.

Fungal growth

Overwatering or the excess water stored in the pot can cause this.

Root rot

Overwatering, the improper drainage system of the pot, or compact soil mixes that hold water for a long time cause this.

Lessening variegation in the plant

This is due to improper light exposure. Lack of sunlight results in the lessening of variegation.

Not flowering

This is due to a lack of sunlight or lack of fertilization.

Browning of the foliage

This is due to overexposure to the sun. rarely high temperatures cause this.

How to prevent the Hoya Krimson queen plant from diseases?

Placing the plant in bright but indirect sunlight.
Watering the plant whenever the soil mix becomes dry.
Using a well-drained soil mix for filling the pot of the plant.
Potting the plant in clay, ceramic, and terracotta pots.
Repotting the plant once every 2-3 years.
Fertilizing the plant with suitable fertilizers once or twice in a year.
Pruning the dried parts of the plant.
Maintaining the plant in a suitable climate.

Follow the above rules. These tips will keep your plant healthy.

Conclusion

The Hoya Krimson queen plants are easy-growing plants that look awesome and enhance your home interior with their elegant look. Thus these perennial vining plants are often used to decorate homes, but you can grow them indoors as well as outdoors with proper care. The more light it gets, the more blooms are produced.

Some tips to make your Hoya Krimson queen plant grow healthy:

Never leave the plant under direct sun, because their attractive foliage may burn if the intense sun rays fall on them.
Not only the leaves but also the root system of this plant is also sensitive. So, avoid over-watering or over-fertilizing the plant.
Fill a pot that has porous walls with well-draining soil mix to plant the Hoya krimson Queen plant.
Repot the plant every 1 to 2 years to maintain its health.
Prune the dried leaves, stems, and flowers whenever it is required.
Although the plant does not get affected by pruning the leggy stems, over-pruning and trimming the new leaf nodes or old peduncles can be a mistake.
Maintain a favorable temperature and humidity level for keeping your plant happy.

Read and follow this article to be a good gardener for your Hoya Krimson queen.

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about this fabulous houseplant. If you have any more questions or want to know something specific about your Hoya Krimson queen plant, reach out to us at plantslane. I would be more than happy to help make your plant journey as easy as possible. Also, don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family! Until next time, plant people!

Author

Purnima
She is a Forestry and Agriculture graduate with over two years of experience in designing, planting, and maintaining an indoor plant and herb garden. She is an evergreen plant lover and plant parent.
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