How to care for Hoya Krimson Princess?
The Hoya Krimson Princess, also known as the Wax Plant, is a beautiful vine with stunning pink and green variegated leaves. Here’s a rundown on how to care for this lovely plant:
Light:
- Bright, indirect sunlight is ideal. A spot near an east or west-facing window is perfect.
- Avoid direct sunlight, especially during hot afternoons, as it can scorch the leaves.
- Lower light conditions can reduce variegation, so if growth seems slow, consider a brighter location.
Water:
- Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Due to its succulent-like leaves, it prefers to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Overwatering is a major threat, so ensure the pot has good drainage.
- Reduce watering in winter when growth slows down.
Temperature and Humidity:
- Prefers average room temperatures between 60°F and 85°F (15°C – 29°C).
- While average household humidity levels (30-40%) are sufficient, it thrives in higher humidity (50-60%). Group plants together, use a pebble tray, or mist occasionally (avoiding the leaves) to increase humidity.
Potting and Soil:
- Prefers to be slightly root-bound, so repotting only when necessary, typically when roots outgrow the pot.
- Use a well-draining potting mix formulated for cacti and succulents.
Additional care tips:
- Fertilize sparingly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted balanced houseplant fertilizer.
- Hoyas love to climb, so provide a moss pole or trellis for support.
- Wipe leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to remove dust.
How to propagate Hoya Krimson Princess?
Propagating my Hoya Krimson Princess is one of my favorite plant activities. I usually take cuttings in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. I choose a healthy stem with a few leaves and make a clean cut just below a node. Then, I remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes, which will eventually form roots. After that, I let the cutting callous over for a day or two to prevent rot when I plant it. Once it’s ready, I either place the cutting in water or plant it directly into moist, well-draining soil. I keep it in a warm, bright spot but out of direct sunlight until it roots.
How to root Hoya Krimson Princess?
Rooting my Hoya Krimson Princess cuttings has been quite successful with a few key steps. When I root in water, I place the cuttings in a jar with just enough water to cover the nodes, ensuring the leaves stay above water to prevent rot. I change the water every few days to keep it fresh and watch for root growth, which usually starts appearing in a couple of weeks. If I root directly in soil, I plant the cuttings in a small pot with a mix of potting soil and perlite, keeping it evenly moist but not waterlogged. I cover the pot with a plastic bag or use a propagation dome to create a humid environment, which helps speed up the rooting process. With patience and proper care, the cuttings develop strong roots and are ready to be potted up in a few weeks.
Hoya Krimson Princess vs Australis Lisa
Comparing Hoya Krimson Princess with Australis Lisa, I’ve found that the Krimson Princess has a more vibrant splash of pink on its leaves, which really stands out against the green. Australis Lisa, on the other hand, has a subtler pink hue that blends nicely with its variegation, giving it a more understated charm.
Hoya Krimson Princess vs Queen
Between Hoya Krimson Princess and Krimson Queen, I prefer the Krimson Princess for its deeper pink colors and compact growth habit. Hoya Krimson Queen, while also beautiful with its pink edges, tends to grow more vigorously and needs a bit more space to flourish.
Hoya Krimson Princess vs Tricolor
When it comes to Hoya Krimson Princess versus Tricolor, I appreciate how the Krimson Princess focuses its color in distinct patches on the leaves, creating a more dramatic look. Tricolor, with its blend of pink, cream, and green, has a softer appearance overall, which can be appealing in different settings depending on the aesthetic you’re going for.
