Hoya carnosa 'Krimson Queen' (Wax Plant, Porcelain Flower)

The Hoya carnosa 'Krimson Queen', also known as the Wax Plant or Porcelain Flower, is a popular indoor plant prized for its succulent and colourful foliage. Its thick leaves, dark blue-green in the center, are edged with white or bright pink, giving it a unique appearance. New leaves often emerge in a vibrant pink, and some leaves can be entirely white, creating a striking contrast. This plant also produces beautiful waxy flowers, clustered in small round bouquets that can contain up to 30 flowers. These flowers, white to pink with a red center, emit an enchanting fragrance reminiscent of chocolate, vanilla, and honey.

Key Features

• Foliage: Thick succulent leaves, dark blue-green in the center, with irregular margins of creamy white to bright pink. New leaves often emerge in a vibrant pink, and some leaves can be entirely white, creating a striking contrast.
• Habit: Versatile, can be grown in hanging baskets where its long stems will cascade gracefully, or trained on a trellis or support to encourage vertical growth.
• Growth: Moderate, may take a few years to flower, but blooming is often repeated once established.
• Care: Considered easy, tolerant of some neglect, especially regarding watering.
• Flowering: Produces small waxy flowers, clustered in round umbels that can contain up to 30 flowers. The flowers are typically white to pale pink with a darker red or pink center. They emit a sweet and intense fragrance, often described as a mix of chocolate, vanilla, and honey, especially at night. It is important not to remove the peduncles (flower stalks) after flowering, as the plant will bloom again from these same stalks in subsequent years.

Care Tips

• Light: Bright indirect light, tolerates some direct sun in the morning or evening. Avoid intense afternoon sun.
• Watering: Allow at least the top half of the potting mix to dry out between waterings. Do not let the plant sit in water.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining soil that retains moisture. Regular potting mix is suitable, amended with coco coir and compost.
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity but adapts to moderate levels.
• Temperature: Tolerates high temperatures but does not withstand cold (below 10°C or 50°F).
• Fertilization: Fertilize regularly during the growing season with a low-nitrogen fertilizer rich in phosphorus and potassium.