Varieties of Hoya carnosa wax plants include a diverse range of hoyas. Hoya carnosa varieties are known for their waxy leaves and delicate, star-shaped, fragrant flowers. These stunning tropical plants have captured the hearts of many plant enthusiasts.
This comprehensive guide explores different types of wax flowers in the Hoya carnosa species. You will learn valuable insights into their care, cultivation, and decorative potential.
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Hoya carnosa—also known as wax plant, honey plant, wax flower, or porcelain flower—is a species of flowering plant native to Southeastern Asia and Australia. It’s identified by its thick, succulent-like leaves and clusters of fragrant blossoms. Because of its beauty and easy care, Hoya carnosa varieties have become popular among indoor gardening enthusiasts.
This article explores various types of Hoya carnosa plants. From the mesmerizing Krimson Queen and Krimson Princess to the vibrant Tricolor and Splash variations, you’ll gain insights into this Hoya species.
Hoya Carnosa Overview
This trailing beauty is part of the dogbane family (Apocynaceae) and has become a staple for indoor plant lovers. Known for its glossy, succulent leaves and clusters of sweetly scented, starry blooms, the wax plant brings a delicate charm that lasts.
With roots in Eastern Asia and Australia, this beloved species was named by botanist Robert Brown in tribute to his friend Thomas Hoy. It’s been turning heads ever since.
Quick Visual Guide: Identifying the Most Popular Hoya Carnosa Varieties
Most varieties grow happily in pots or hanging baskets, especially when they get that golden combo of bright, filtered light and high humidity. From their porcelain-pink flowers to that thick foliage, these vines feel just as at home in a jungle as they do in your living room.
Its vining nature adds a unique charm, with slender vines that can elegantly trail or climb, depending on their support. The varieties of Hoya carnosa boast an impressive array of flower colors—from pristine white flowers to hints of light pink, purple, and red growing in parachute-shaped clusters. The porcelain-like blooms exude a sweet fragrance, adding a sensory delight to any room.
White fuzz? Sticky stems? This houseplant pest guide shows exactly what to look for—and how to fix it without harsh chemicals.
Varieties of Hoya Carnosa
Hoya Carnosa forms include varied types of tropical flowers with diverse leaves and flowers. Variegated H. carnosa varieties have waxy green leaves with pale yellow and white patterns. Some compact varieties of carnosa plants have curled or crinkled leaves. H. carnosa flower varieties range from white to various pink shades
Hoya Carnosa Krimson Princess
Krimson Princess Krimson Princess is a showstopper with creamy white and blush-pink variegation nestled in the center of glossy green leaves. This hoya variety has a fuller, bushier shape than most and dazzles with clusters of deep pink, starry blooms. Give it a warm windowsill and watch those vines glow like a watercolor painting in the morning light.
Also called ‘Rubra,’ the Krimson Princess flowers are deep pink, star-shaped blooms with dark red centers.
Krimson Princess identifying feature: Pink and creamy white variegation in the center of leaves.
Top Tips: How to propagate Hoya Krimson Princess.
Hoya Carnosa Krimson Queen
The Krimson Queen flips the script with her creamy-pink variegation that runs along the leaf margins instead of the center. The coloring deepens with more light, adding playful flashes of pastel to every trailing vine. While her blooms are similar to the Princess, her look is more regal, with elongated leaves and a slightly wilder sprawl.
is a variety of Hoya with waxy green, lanceolate leaves and variegated margins. The leaf edges can be creamy-white and pink depending on the light conditions. It has flowering umbels, a slightly lighter pink shade than the H. carnosa Crimson Princess.
Krimson Queen identifying feature: Variegation of creamy-white and pink colors on the leaf margins.
Tricolor
The H. carnosa Tricolor is a dazzling variegated hoya variety with variegated patterns in the leaf center. Depending on the amount of bright light, the colors range from creamy white to pale yellow and pink. ‘Tricolor’ is another name for the H. carnosa Krimson Princess.
Hoya Tricolor identifying feature: Look for Creamy white and pinkish patterns on the leaf center.
Splash
The ‘Splash’ is an attractive type of Hoya with unique foliage characterized by speckled leaves. The waxy, succulent leaves are dark green with silvery to white splash markings. This variety is prized for its distinctive leaves and intricate leaf patterns.
Hoya carnosa Splash identifying feature: Dark green lanceolate to oval leaves with silver speckles.
Hoya Carnosa Compacta
This twisty stunner is often called the Hindu rope plant and looks like a succulent that tied itself in knots. Compacta’s thick, curled foliage grows in dense ropes that spill beautifully over shelves or baskets. In the right conditions, she’ll surprise you with soft pink blooms that peek out like hidden gems.
The Hoya carnosa Compacta Variegata rope plant is similar to the compacta cultivar but has eye-catching variegated leaves.
Hoya carnosa Compacta identifying feature: Thick, curled, twisted leaves growing on rope-like vines
Hoya Carnosa Chelsea
The ‘Chelsea’ is a beautiful and rare type of Hoya. It’s prized for its succulent, heart-shaped leaves with dimpled foliage and dents. The delightful cordate leaves grow on thin, trailing stems. The rare Hoya has vibrant pink starry flowers.
Hoya carnosa Chelsea identifying feature: Shiny green, heart-shaped leaves with a puckered texture.
Hoya Carnosa Exotica
The Exotica hoya variety is identified by its lush, dark green, pointed leaves with unusual white variegation. However, sometimes, types show creamy yellow or pinkish patterns on the leaves. The fragrant umbels consist of pale pink to white flowers. It grows 5 feet (1.5 m) tall.
Hoya carnosa Exotica identifying feature: Pointed waxy leaves with rounded bases and pure white to creamy white variegation.
H. Carnosa ‘Argentea Picta’
The type of hoya called ‘Argentea Picta’ is a striking variety with silvery variegated blue-green leaves. Compared to other H. carnosa varieties, the leaves are broadly oval without a noticeable apex. The green and silver-gray markings create an elegant and unique appearance. This hoya variety produces delicate pinkish-white flowers in clusters, adding to its charm.
Hoya carnosa Argentea Picta identifying feature: Thick, succulent, variegated, oval, dusty green leathery leaves with shades of cream and silver around the margins.
H. carnosa ‘Krinkle 8’
The ‘Krinkle 8’ is a distinctive hoya variety with lance-shaped, glossy green leaves and a distinctive puckered appearance. The leaves grow alternately on long stems, creating a bushy type of Hoya with pale pink, fragrant flowers. The green wax plant also blooms with fragrant pink flower clusters.
Hoya carnosa Krinkle 8 identifying feature: Oval to heart-shaped pointed leaves with a wrinkled pattern in the leaf center, creating a row of impressions like the number 8.
Hoya carnosa Freckles
Freckles is a unique and beautiful variety of popular wax plants with deep green leaves and speckled variegation. The leaves have silvery-gray freckles or white spots, making the foliage distinctive. The hoya leaves are more rounded than pointed. It has clusters of white starry flowers with orange centers.
Hoya carnosa Freckles identifying feature: Broad, thick, succulent leaves with a rounded apex and silvery speckles on dark green.
Hoya Carnosa Plant Care
Varieties of Hoya carnosa tropical plants are some of the easiest ones to keep, making them common house plants.
However, hoya plants have specific care requirements to ensure they flower and produce healthy, succulent, trailing vines. The essential care aspects usually involve bright light, protection from direct sunlight, and watering when the top layer of soil is dry.
Light conditions
All varieties of Hoya carnosa plants require bright light to flourish. The light intensity, duration, and quality are all crucial factors in their care. They appreciate at least six hours of bright, indirect light daily. However, they can put up with some direct sunlight in the morning.
To avoid the risk of scorching their tender leaves, shield them from direct sunlight if they are near a south-facing window.
As a rule of thumb, varieties with variegated leaves, such as the Krimson Princess and Krimson Queen, need more light than those with solid green leaves.
Watering and soil requirements
Watering carnosa varieties of plants requires a nice balance of keeping the soil moist but not overly soggy. Only water the healthy plant when the top one or two inches of soil is dry. Water the indoor plant with room temperature water and ensure excess water drains out to prevent soggy soil and root rot.
Hoyas are epiphytic plants and require well-draining soil mirroring their natural habitat. In these conditions, root ventilation is vital. A potting soil mix with peat moss, orchid bark, and perlite is ideal for balancing drainage and moisture retention.
Hoya carnosa propagation methods
Propagating Hoya carnosa plants is a gratifying endeavor. The best method to grow new hoya plants is through stem cuttings. Cut a healthy stem from a vigorous plant—ideally four to six inches long. It should have at least one node—the growth point where roots will form. And consider using rooting hormone to encourage successful rooting.
Place the stem cutting in a small container with a well-draining soil mix. Use a humidity dome or cover the cutting with a plastic bag and place it in a bright spot with filtered light to ensure a high level of humidity and warm temperatures. After a few weeks, the stem cutting should have developed roots, and you can repot it to a new, larger pot.
Related reading: How to propagate Hoya carnosa varieties.
Hoya Carnosa in Home Décor
The adaptability of Hoya Carnosa cultivars and aesthetic appeal have made it a popular choice for creating greenery in a home. Its waxy, lush foliage and clusters of porcelain-like flowers add a touch of tropical sophistication to any indoor space. The versatility in varieties—from the vibrant Krimson Queen to the lush Compacta—provides rich, tropical greenery indoors.
When selecting the best location for types of Hoya plant indoors, it is essential to consider its light and humidity requirements. Here are some tips on where to place your Hoya plant:
- Bright, indirect light: Hoyas thrive in bright, indirect light. Place your plant near a south or west-facing window behind a sheer curtain. Here, it gets plenty of natural light throughout the day. Avoid placing tropical potted plant in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
- Humidity: Hoyas prefer high humidity levels, ideally 60-80% humidity. To boost humidity levels naturally around your plant, you can place a humidifier nearby or grow several tropical plants in proximity to create a microclimate with higher moisture levels.
- Temperature: Keep your Hoya plant in a room with consistent temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). Avoid placing it near drafts, heating vents, or air-conditioning units that can cause temperature fluctuations.
- Air circulation: Good air circulation is vital for preventing pests, sap-sucking insects, and diseases in Hoya plants. Ensure the room has some airflow by occasionally opening windows or using a low-speed fan.
- Decorative displays: Consider placing your Hoya plant on a decorative shelf, hanging planter, or plant stand to showcase its trailing vines and beautiful foliage. You can also mix and match different varieties of Hoyas to create an exciting display of colors and textures.
Varieties of Hoya Carnosa Plants
Hoya carnosa is a species of beautiful vining plants that thrive as stunning houseplants. The most popular varieties are the Krimson Princess, the Krimson Queen, and the Hindu rope plant (Compacta). However, you can expand your Hoya collection by considering rarer cultivars like the Argentea Picta, Exotica, or Krinkle 8. The beautiful plants will enhance your indoor spaces with attractive foliage and gorgeous flowers that emit sweet aromas.
🌿 Ready to Fall for a New Favorite?
From twisted ropes to creamy variegation, Hoya carnosa proves there’s no such thing as “just another green plant.” Each variety brings its own flair—some dramatic, some delicate, all downright irresistible. Whether you’re starting with a Krimson Queen or chasing down a rare Chelsea, these waxy wonders thrive with just a little love. Honestly? One is never enough.
Varieties of Hoya Carnosa: FAQs
Which Hoya carnosa is easiest to grow?
Krimson Queen and Compacta are two of the easiest. They handle neglect well, adapt to different light levels, and root quickly from cuttings.
What’s the difference between Krimson Queen and Princess?
It’s all in the variegation—Queen has white edges with green centers, while Princess has creamy centers surrounded by green.
How fast does Hoya carnosa grow?
They grow slowly at first but can put out several feet of vine once established—especially in bright light and warm temps.
Do all Hoya carnosa varieties flower?
Yes, but they need bright indirect light, patience, and often a bit of root binding to bloom consistently.
Is Hoya carnosa safe for pets?
Hoyas are generally considered non-toxic, but they can still cause mild irritation if chewed. Keep them out of reach if your pets nibble!
