The Krimson Queen Hoya: A Guide to Care and Growing Tips
About the Krimson Queen Hoya
The Krimson Queen Hoya is a beautiful, low maintenance flowering plant native to Asia. It is a popular choice for gardeners and flower enthusiasts due to its bright and vibrant colours, long lasting blooms and its hardiness. The Krimson Queen Hoya is a member of the Apocynaceae family and is also known as Wax Plants, Porcelain Flowers or Wax Vines. The Krimson Queen Hoya blooms between spring and summer and the flowers can last for up to a month.
Light, Temperature and Humidity Requirements
The Krimson Queen Hoya prefers bright, indirect light and temperatures between 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive in lower temperatures, but this will stunt its growth. It also prefers a humid environment, so regular misting is recommended, especially during the summer months. It can also benefit from a humidifier in winter.
Watering and Feeding
The Krimson Queen Hoya should be watered only when the soil is completely dry. Over-watering can cause root rot, so be sure to check the soil before watering. It should be fertilised once every two weeks in spring and summer, and once every month in autumn and winter. Use a balanced fertiliser diluted to half strength.
Repotting and Pruning
The Krimson Queen Hoya should be repotted every two years, or when the roots have outgrown the pot. Use a potting mix specifically formulated for hoyas and make sure the pot has drainage holes. Pruning should be done in spring and summer to encourage new growth and to keep the plant healthy.
Pests and Diseases
The Krimson Queen Hoya is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but can be affected by aphids, mealybugs, scale and spider mites. If the plant is infected, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the pests. If the plant is affected by disease, remove and destroy any affected leaves or stems and treat with a fungicide.
Propagation
The Krimson Queen Hoya can be propagated from cuttings or by division. To propagate from cuttings, take a 6-8 inch cutting from a healthy plant and remove any flowers or buds. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and place in a pot with moist, well-draining soil. Place in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist. The cutting should root within a few weeks.
Common Problems
The Krimson Queen Hoya can suffer from nutrient deficiencies if it is not fertilised regularly. If the leaves start to yellow and drop, this is a sign of a lack of nutrients. Increase the fertilisation and make sure the soil is well-draining. The plant can also suffer from too much direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves. Move the plant to a shadier spot if the leaves start to scorch.
Tips for Growing the Krimson Queen Hoya
The Krimson Queen Hoya is a hardy and low maintenance plant, but it does need some care to keep it healthy and blooming. Make sure to keep the soil moist, but not soggy, and fertilise regularly during the growing season. Prune the plant to encourage new growth and repot every two years. If the leaves start to yellow, increase fertilisation and make sure the soil is well-draining. For more information about gardening and landscaping ideas, visit CoolsGarden.com.