Hoya carnosa (Krimson Queen Splash trade form)

Origin of Hoya carnosa (Krimson Queen Splash trade form)

This plant belongs to the marginally variegated Hoya carnosa group known as Krimson Queen and also carries silver splash. Its exact relationship to the original ‘Tricolor’ clone is uncertain. Hoya carnosa is native from southern China and Laos through southern Japan and Taiwan, where it grows as a woody climber on trees and rocks in subtropical forest.

Household conditions for epiphytic vine care

• Light and colour: Use strong indirect light and protect the foliage from concentrated noon heat. Pale tissue has less chlorophyll, so keep the green sections productive; the cream variegation and silver markings can scorch against hot glass.
• Water and roots: When the upper layer feels dry and the pot is light, water until the whole root ball is wet, then discard every drop of runoff. Use a structured root medium that retains air spaces after repeated watering.
• Care: Place soft clips around the stem, keeping every leaf stalk free. A tight tie can stop growth beyond the pressure point.
• Temperature and airflow: Moderate indoor humidity is suitable when gentle airflow reaches the cream-edged foliage. Pale tissue is less forgiving of hot dry air and cold saturated roots.

Common issues with Hoya carnosa (Krimson Queen Splash trade form)

• The growing tip produces leaves with almost no green tissue: A bud with very little green tissue has taken over the runner. Maintain any balanced growth. After two or three strongly unbalanced leaves, prune the runner to the last node with balanced green and pale tissue.
• The variegated area develops a tan patch near the window: Light intensity increased before the new leaf had hardened. Shield pale tissue from heated glass and keep fertiliser weak while root growth recovers. Leave dry, unchanged damage attached and remove the leaf only if the area softens or spreads quickly.
• An expanding cream-variegated blade bends where it meets the frame: Weight on an unhardened petiole allowed the leaf to fold against the frame. Move the runner to a rigid frame and tie the stem between nodes. Keep the petiole and new blade free from pressure. Keep the bent stem if it remains green and firm. Cut back to a sound node if the bend opens, darkens or softens.
• Cottony clusters collect where cream-edged leaves meet the stem: Mealybugs are sheltering in the tight nodes and feeding on soft growth. Isolate the vine and remove each visible insect with a cotton swab moistened with 70% isopropyl alcohol, avoiding prolonged contact with pale tissue. Rinse the plant and inspect the nodes again after six days. Use a patch-tested insecticidal soap if live insects remain.

Hoya carnosa ‘Krimson Queen Splash’ is non-toxic to people and pets

• This plant is non-toxic to people, cats and dogs.
• Chewing a large amount can still cause an upset stomach.
• If a large amount is eaten and symptoms continue, contact a veterinarian or medical professional.

When was Hoya carnosa first published, and what does it mean?

Hoya honours the English gardener Thomas Hoy. The Latin epithet carnosa means fleshy and refers to the thick leaves.

Robert Brown established the genus Hoya in 1810 in Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae, page 459.

Carl Linnaeus the Younger first described it as Asclepias carnosa in 1782 in Supplementum Plantarum, page 170. Robert Brown later placed it in Hoya as Hoya carnosa in 1810 in Asclepiadeae, page 16.