Hoya carnosa 'Tricolor'

An inner-variegated Hoya carnosa

This centre-variegated plant is a horticultural form of Hoya carnosa, with pale colouring running through the middle of each leaf. Inner-variegated clones were already present in United States nursery catalogues by the early 1950s, and several distinct selections appeared during the following decades. Their patterns are preserved through stem propagation and do not pass reliably through seed.

The underlying species is native across southern China, Laos, southern Japan and Taiwan. In nature it climbs trees and rocks in mountain forest. Thick leaves and twining stems suit the bright filtered light, rapid drainage and uneven moisture found on branches.

Care for fine-stemmed epiphytic vines

• Light: A bright, filtered position helps the vine stay compact and develop colourful pink young leaves. Acclimated mild sun is acceptable, but pale centres are more vulnerable to bleaching and tan scorch than the green margins.
• Water: Wait until the substrate is dry through most of the pot and the container feels noticeably lighter, then soak it thoroughly. Do not leave it completely dry for long periods, since the fleshy leaves can remain firm even while fine roots are being lost.
• Temperature: Stable indoor warmth supports active growth. Keep the plant away from frost and cold wet windowsills.
• Growth and flowers: Let the vines trail or guide them around a support. Mature vines can flower without being tightly root-bound, when the vine receives enough light and its roots remain healthy.
• Leaf care, root care and watering: Select a green-edged, cream-centred shoot and cut it so the chosen growth point remains attached to a healthy node. Insert the node into damp perlite and fine bark, or start it with the lower node in water; warm filtered light supports the developing roots.

Troubleshooting Hoya carnosa ‘Tricolor’

• Changing pink and cream colour: Pink young leaves and cream-centred mature leaves are normal. A vigorous all-green shoot is a reversion and can be removed at its origin if it starts replacing variegated growth. Entirely pale shoots are weak because they contain little chlorophyll.
• Wrinkled or soft leaves: Inspect the roots before watering. A dry, lightweight pot usually needs a full soak; damp mix with brown, hollow or soft roots indicates root loss. Cut away dead roots, use fresh airy substrate and avoid an oversized pot.
• Brown pale areas: Cream tissue is sensitive to hot sun, fertiliser salts and long dry periods. Reduce harsh exposure, rinse accumulated salts from the mix and restore steadier watering. Existing scars remain, but new leaves should emerge cleanly. Cold exposure can also turn pale sectors translucent or dark.
• Raised corky patches: Tan, raised scars can be oedema caused by uneven water uptake. Better warmth, airflow and watering consistency protect new leaves, although existing corking remains.

Hoya carnosa ‘Tricolor’ 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.

How the name Hoya carnosa came about

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.