Tricolor / Krimson Queen
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Hoya Tricolor / Krimson Queen trivia
Not sure which hoya is which? It can be tricky to tell some of them apart, but thankfully this one is quite distinct. The Hoya 'Krimson Queen' or 'Tricolor' has leaves that are green in the middle and variegated edges.
It's often confused with its relative 'Krimson Princess' whose leaves are just the opposite to the Krimson Queen - green edges and a variegated center.
Hoya carnosa is a popular tropical vining plant native to Eastern Asia and Australia.
They're sometimes called 'Wax Plants' due to the shiny, waxy appearance of their leaves. These are typically a rich green color, but there are also some variegated versions that come in shades of yellow, white or pink.
Hoyas also produce small flower clusters of star-shaped blooms, typically whitish-pink in color. The look of the flowers is what gives H. carnosa the common name 'Porcelain Flower' as they look very uniform and intricate, as if they were designed by an artist!
Care
Hoya carnosa prefers bright, indirect light-- such as light that is filtered through a sheer curtain or diffused through a room. Be sure not to place yours somewhere that receives lots of intense, harsh sunlight. Although their leaves might feel leathery and thick, these plants can't tolerate prolonged direct light and can show signs of damage if they get too much.
Although they can potentially survive in relatively low light conditions, if you want yours to bloom then you'll need to provide it with ample light.
Try to keep your Hoya carnosa in a warm room with high humidity - they're a tropical plant so they're used to a rainforest environment. This can be hard to replicate in your home, but you can supplement the dry indoor air with regular misting and / or use of a pebble tray.
These plants actually thrive in pretty tight pots, so don't plant yours in a pot that's too big and always use one with drainage holes.
Less is more when it comes to watering - you can allow the soil to dry out in between waterings.
Other
There are over 2,000 different types of hoya plant - hoya actually refers to the genus which contains many different varieties. However, the Hoya carnosa is the most popular for use as a houseplant.
They've been displayed decoratively indoors for decades, looking especially appealing when used in hanging baskets.
They were named after the 18th-century English botanist Thomas Hoy.
It is believed by some that Wax Plants symbolize protection and wealth, and so they are often given as gifts bestow the receiver with these blessings.