La Hoya carnosa tricolor It is one of the most beautiful indoor plants that we can have at home or in our workspace. Also known as Crimson Princess, its scientific name is Hoya carnosa cv rubra variegated, and we should not confuse it with other species of the Hoya genus.
If you want to add it to your plant collection, now is the time to learn more about it and discover the specific care it needs to stay strong and healthy.
Origin and habitat of the Hoya carnosa tricolor
This plant is a cultivated variety of the Hoya carnosa species, which is a plant of tropical origin that is part of the Apocynaceae family.
Being an ornamental crop derived from a tropical species, it adapts well as an indoor plant, but we need to recreate for it conditions that imitate their natural habitat as best as possible.
Most notable physical features of the tricolor fleshy hoya
How can we know if we are in the presence of this variety or another one like Hoya linearis? Through careful observation, because there are differences between the two.
Leaves
The leaves of the Crimson Princess are oval or slightly elliptical in shape, with smooth edges and pointed ends. Its surface is smooth and they are thick and succulent, which makes it a great decoration for your garden. allows them to store water.
They are leaves with a slightly waxy appearance, in fact, many plants of the Hoya genus are known by the nickname of “wax plant”. This waxy substance that is also present in the flowers is, in fact, an adaptation mechanism, because it serves to prevent water loss and allows plant survival under drought conditions.
The variegation is the most notable characteristic of its leaves, and what allows us to easily differentiate this variety from other similar ones. Its mix of colors includes:
- Dark green in the central part of the leaf.
- Creamy white or pale yellow at the edges, and even covering much of the leaf surface.
- Pinkish tone that is typical of young leaves and that disappears as they mature.
Variegation can vary within the same plant, so we will find some leaves with several colours and others completely green or with a clear predominance of lighter tones. This is precisely what makes this plant so attractive.
Tallos
The stems of Hoya carnosa tricolor are long, thin and flexible, allowing it to grow as a climber or a hanging plant. In fact, if you do not prune the stems, they will They can reach several meters in length.
Flores
The flowers, white or pale pink with a more intensely colored center, appear in compact umbels of between 10 and 30 units. They are small flowers that usually do not exceed one centimeter in diameter, but which They stand out for their characteristic star shape and waxy appearance.
The flowers can live for several weeks, and one of the peculiarities of this plant is that it can bloom several times a year if it is in the right conditions. In addition, the flowers give off a sweet and pleasant aroma that intensifies at night and becomes even more intense as they mature.
What care does Hoya carnosa tricolor need?
This is a relatively easy plant to care for, if you already have other tropical species in your care it won't be difficult to keep it going. Take note of what it needs to be spectacular and healthy:
Plant location
To thrive, it needs plenty of bright light each day, but not direct sunlight.
Light is essential to maintain the variegation of the leaves, which is one of the great attractions of this plant. If it does not receive enough light, the cream and pink colors will disappear and the leaves will become predominantly green, while growth will slow down.
It is recommended to place the pot near an east or west facing window. This allows the plant to receive enough light but not be directly exposed to sunlight, which could burn the leaves. If you have no choice but to place it in a south facing window, make sure the light is filtered through a curtain.
Irrigation and humidity conditions
Hoya carnosa cv. rubra variegated is a succulent, so it is very resistant to drought and does not require very frequent watering. It is best to let the substrate dry out almost completely between waterings.
In spring and summer it is usually enough to water every week or every ten days (without providing an excessive amount of water), while in autumn and winter You can limit yourself to watering once or twice a month at most.
This plant prefers humid environments, so make sure it has ambient humidity by:
- Humidifier
- Placing the pot on a tray with water and stones to prevent the roots from having direct contact with the water.
- Grouping several plants together to create a more humid microclimate.
Planting medium
The ideal substrate for this plant is one that has a good drainage capacity and allows excess water after watering to be evacuated. You can use a substrate for cacti or succulents, or well mix universal type substrate with some perlite or sand.
Also, make sure that the pot you use has holes that allow water drainage and remove any water that may remain in the saucer so that it is not reabsorbed.
Pruning
Pruning will help you control the size of the plant and remove damaged leaves and stems. If you want to encourage denser growth, try pruning the longest stems during spring.
What you should never do is cut the peduncles, the small stems on which the flowers grow, as they tend to bloom repeatedly.
For a prettier look to your plant, wipe its leaves from time to time with a slightly damp cloth. This not only makes the leaves look prettier, It also allows the plant to breathe better and prevents pest infestation.
It's that easy to have a spectacular and healthy tricolor Hoya carnosa. Can you tell us about your experience with this variety?