Hoya Carnosa Krimson Queen

Hoya Carnosa Krimson Queen Soil

The Krimson Queen Hoya requires loose, well-aerated soil and prefers to have a growing medium catered to their growing needs instead of traditional potting soil. Begin with a high-quality commercial potting mix and incorporate sphagnum moss and orchid bark at a 1:1 ratio. 

Hoya Carnosa Krimson Queen Fertilizer

Hoya Carnosa will appreciate a feeding of low potassium, mild liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season of spring and summer. This plant should not be fertilized in fall through winter when growth slows down. A diluted liquid organic fertilizer is an excellent choice. Be careful not to overfertilize and follow all label instructions. 

Hoya Carnosa Krimson Queen Watering

One of the most important aspects of caring for your Hoya is not to allow this plant to become overwatered. It is very easy to mistakenly overwater this plant, which may lead to pests and fungal troubles. Topsoil should be completely dried to about two inches before rewatering. If the topsoil is damp, this plant should not be watered. Depending on growing conditions, especially if grown in bright sunlight, this Hoya may need to be watered as frequently as a few times weekly during the warm growing season. However, this Hoya may only need to be watered monthly in the colder months or if grown in partial shade. 

Hoya Carnosa Krimson Queen Light Requirements

To be healthy and flourish and encourage flowering, this Hoya should be grown in bright, indirect light. Hoya Krimson Queen likes to have a dappled, filtered light and may tolerate some intermittent shade. Placing in a southern or eastern facing window will likely produce the best results. Care should be spent not to allow over-exposure to sunlight, as this may cause damage to the foliage. In addition, the amount of exposure to sunlight will impact the growth rate. Northern-facing windows will likely inhibit growth and flowering. 

Hoya Carnosa Krimson Queen Temperature & Humidity

Your Hoya will flourish if kept between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to note that this plant may be held at higher temperatures. Still, colder temperatures should be avoided, as this may cause the death of the plant quickly. This species of Hoya likes to have a very high level of humidity, around 80-90%, to have the best growth. Therefore, a pebble tray or humidifier should be added to increase the household’s humidity. However, it is essential to note that this plant does not like to be misted, as this can quickly cause problems with the health of your Hoya, such as from mildew. 

Repotting Hoya Carnosa Krimson Queen

This Hoya should be repotted annually or every other year, depending on growing conditions. You should repot your plant whenever you see roots sticking out from the drainage holes or growth has stalled. Notably, these plants like a somewhat snug fitting container, but being overly root bound will halt growth. These plants also have sensitive roots that do not like handling too much. Select a pot 1-2 inches larger in diameter with drainage holes and repot in spring, ensuring that you refresh the soil. 

Hoya Carnosa Krimson Queen Maintenance & Pruning

The trailing vines of this Hoya may become quite long and will seek out objects to climb up and cling to. Vines may be snipped periodically above the leaf node to keep back or to train. 

Hoya Carnosa Krimson Queen Propagation

This plant is very easy to propagate. Roots may be seen growing from trailing vines, especially if they have contact with any other physical object. To take a cutting, take a clean, sharp pair of scissors or a blade in spring or summer, and clip a piece of vine that has several leaves above the node. This plant will excrete a milky sap, but it is not harmful to touch. The cutting should be placed directly into fresh soil, but do not water immediately. This will allow the cutting to scab up within the soil to prevent disease. Water sparingly, beginning a few days after planting, and within several days the cutting should start to develop roots. 

Hoya Carnosa Krimson Queen Toxicity

The sap of Hoya Carnosa Krimson Queen is considered toxic to humans and pets. Never ingest any part of this plant and wash hands after handling.

Toxicity to Humans

This plant is considered toxic to humans and should not be ingested. 

Toxicity to Cats & Dogs

While often non-fatal, the sap excreted from this Hoya is known to make animals sick. Therefore, do not allow your pet to consume any portion of this plant. 

Hoya Carnosa Krimson Queen Problems

Hoya Carnosa Krimson Queen Leaves Turning Yellow

The number one cause of yellow leaves on the Hoya Krimson Queen is due to overwatering and soil that can’t drain well. Ensure you have provided your Krimson Queen with well-draining soil and only water after the top two inches of soil have dried out.

Hoya Carnosa Krimson Queen Leaves Turning Brown

Foliage of Hoya Carnosa Krimson Queen may turn brown due to overwatering or too much sunlight. Be sure not to overwater your plant and provide it with bright indirect sunlight.

Hoya Carnosa Krimson Queen Diseases

Root rot is the most common disease this Hoya will suffer from and is often due to overwatering. Additionally, this plant may be affected by powdery mildew and other fungal or bacterial infections, often related to overwatering. 

Hoya Carnosa Krimson Queen Pests

When it comes to pests, mealybugs and spider mites are the most common culprits of infestation. Diluted neem oil is often an effective treatment for these indoor pests. Isolate your plant and treat it with a pesticide, ensuring that you follow all label instructions. 

OTHER HOYA RESOURCES:

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• Hoya Pachyclada Plant Guide
• Hoya Krohniana Plant Guide