Hoya Carnosa Tricolor, also known as Crimson Princess, has lush leaves, with pink and white variegation. They’re easy upkeep, durability, and elegant appearance make it a top choice for many plant enthusiasts. It is no wonder Hoya’s are going through a revival.
Hoyas aren’t technically succulents, but are succulent-like with their spongy, waxy leaves. The thick shiny leaves have green leaf borders and variegation in the center that cover beautiful, long slender stems.
This draping succulent vine produces stunning clusters of star-shaped waxy flowers. As a bonus, the Hoya’s dainty flowers have a lovely fragrance, especially at night. However, Hoyas bloom when they feel like it, especially indoors where they naturally take longer to bloom.
Water
Water weekly Spring/Summer Water Bi-weekly Fall/Winter. When soil is dry to the touch, it is time to water.
Light
Bright indirect light
Humidity
Prefers higher humidity 40%-60%
Temperature
Happy in temperatures from 65°- 80° F
Soil
Well-draining organic potting mix
Fertilizer
Use a diluted well balanced organic fertilizer once every 2 weeks. No fertilization in winter.
Size
Indoors trails to 6 feet, outdoors 20 feet
Special Features
Purifies the air
Colors
Green, Pink, Cream, White, Yellow Variegation
Scientific Name
Hoya Carnosa variegata ‘Tricolor’
Common Name
Pink Arrowhead Vine, Pink African Evergreen, Pink Syngonium, Arrowhead Ivy
Pronunciation
HOY·uh kar-NOE-suh
Pests
Aphids, mealy bugs, and other sap-sucking pests
Common Problems
Overwatering
Toxicity
Best to keep out of reach of children and pets.
This type of Hoya is very easy to care for as long as you keep it in a bright spot and are careful with watering. They also make excellent hanging plants where they can trail freely. Their air-purifying qualities and mild tolerance to drought make them a lovely addition to any houseplant collection.
This house plant requires water about every week and less often in the fall and winter. However, it’s always better to underwater them than to over water. If the leaves are yellow and a bit mushy, then you’re overwatering. Allow the soil of your Hoya Carnosa Tricolor to completely dry. Then, give it a thorough watering and allow the water to drain out completely.
Do not over-water as too much water will kill the plant. When your potting soil is dry to the touch, it is time to water. Hoya Carnosa Tricolor is VERY sensitive to too much water. Therefore, make sure yours is potted in a pot that has a drainage hole.
These majestic houseplants grow well under artificial light making them a perfect addition to your home or office. Hoya ‘Tricolor’ prefers bright indirect light and can even tolerate some full sun. Specifically, morning or late afternoon sun is ideal. Strong direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause sunburn. Therefore, avoid intense afternoon sun. Additionally, unfiltered light can cause the leaves to bleach yellow and fall off.
Hoya Carnosa Tricolor grows at a moderate to slow rate indoors. Of course during winter the growth slows down more. The lower the light, the slower the growth rate. A bright, sunny spot indoors is ideal.
The Hoya won’t flower unless it receives very bright indirect sunlight. It can cope in light shade but is unlikely to bloom. Additionally, make sure to keep your new plant away from any cold draft as well as air-conditioning or heating vents.
Hoyas prefer higher levels of humidity (preferably 40%-60%). Although, they are tolerant of more moderate indoor humidity levels. Misting a few times a week should help out with any humidity issues in your home. Carnosa Tricolor likes heat and humidity. So, keep this one away from drafty windows and AC units. Additionally, extremely arid climates may cause dryness at the tips of leaves.
Hoya Carnosa is happy in room temperatures from 65°- 80° F (18-27° C). They are not cold hardy. Therefore, avoid temperatures below 50º F (10° C) or extreme temperatures.
Carnosa Tricolor prefers a well-draining, yet moisture-retentive soil. Regular potting soil works just fine. Additionally, amend soil with coco coir and compost to improve moisture retention. And, to supplement soil nutrients.
You can fertilize your Hoya ‘Tricolor’ with a diluted well- balanced fertilizer once every two weeks during the active growing season. No fertilizer is needed in winter.
It is best to repot once your Hoya has reached capacity in their current container (once every two to three years). They do prefer being root-bound. However, if growth has stopped, repot in a pot one size larger. Soil can be replenished with fertilizer during the growing season.
Hoya Carnosa is one of the easiest plants to propagate from stem cuttings. First, take cuttings of about 3-4 inches. Just below a set of leaves. Additionally, cuttings taken from more recent growth will have the best chances of success.
Second, dip the cut end in rooting hormone if you so desire and press into a well-draining soil. Finally, keep moist until cutting has established and started pushing out new growth. You can also propagate in water which is my favorite way to propagate Hoyas. Learn more about water propagation here.
Hoya carnosa produce small, sweet-smelling flowers in clusters of 10 to 30. Its flowers are star-shaped, and typically pink or white in color. Flowers are covered in tiny hairs giving them a fuzzy appearance up close. Carnosa flowers appear from late spring to summer. Finally, give Hoya plants optimal conditions to improve their chances of flowering.
The Hoya won’t flower unless it receives very bright indirect sunlight. It can cope in light shade, but is unlikely to bloom. Hoya’s flowers are especially fragrant at night. However, Hoyas bloom when they feel like it. Especially indoors where they naturally take longer to bloom. Flowers may produce drops of sticky nectar. Indeed, this is completely normal but remember to protect your furniture.
Hoya carnosa Variegata is considered non-toxic to humans and pets. Although ingesting them can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and vomiting. Best to keep these plants out of reach of children and pets. Furthermore, keep in mind that their sap contains a latex. It can be a skin irritant for pets and humans.
Aphids, mealy bugs and other sap-sucking pests can also be of concern and can vector other fungal or bacterial diseases. Treat Hoyas with diluted neem oil or an insecticidal soap at the first sign of an infestation. Learn more about pest eradication here.
Root rot is another concern and is triggered by overwatering. With this plant it is always best to under water than overwater.
Hoya plants are pretty hardy plants, though they can fall susceptible to some fungal infections if they are not receiving proper care. Botrytis blight appears as large, gray-colored spotting at the center or margins of infected plants. Wilting and black or brown stem lesions are another symptom to look out for. Copper or sulfur fungicides can be helpful in treating.
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