Hoya carnosa exotica ‘Tricolor’

6” HOYA ‘KRIMSON PRINCESS’; VARIEGATED WAX PLANT
Hoya carnosa ‘Exotica’
 
 
Hoyas are epiphytic jungle succulents native to Asian & Australian tropical rainforests. Jungle environments are heavy with moisture, have high humidity, they’re warm year round, & most of the inhabitants are shaded by the tree canopy above for most of the day. These are all characteristics you’ll want to emulate when keeping a Hoya as a houseplant.
 
Jungle succulents evolved to be epiphytic in order to compete for light higher up in the trees. Epiphytic plants grow on top of another plant, but are not parasitic. They do not derive any nutrients or harm the other plant in any way. Instead, they use the other plant for support — anchoring their roots to the tree’s branches, for instance. Epiphytic plants rely on the air, rain, & compost found lying on top of
the tree branches for nutrients. The epiphytic plant’s new home high above the ground gives them more access to direct sunlight, a greater number of canopy animal pollinators, & the ability to disperse seeds by the wind.
— Have you seen Staghorn Ferns mounted to pieces of wood? They can thrive on top of a small mound of sphagnum Moss because they are epiphytic, as well! You can do the same with Hoyas!
 
WHERE ARE MY HOYA EXPERTS?!
The last 3 pictures of the flowers that are a much deeper pink than the rest comes from one of our plants! This plant has bloomed these same deep pink flowers an incredible number of times - sometimes with 2+ flowers at once! This is the only plant outof 20+ that we have seen with this beautiful color. If you compare the unopened flower in picture 11 (found on all of the other plants) & the unopened flower in picture 12, there is a clear distinction between the colors. Is this unusual? We are relatively new to Hoyas & are not sure! Unfortunately we have not gotten a clear answer, so! Nevertheless, we are currently propagating it seperately& will have versions of this plant available for sale next spring! 
 
LIGHT
Thrives in plenty of light, however direct sunlight will burn its foliage & wash out its variegation. Keep your Hoya in bright indirect light.
 
It will TOLERATE 2-3 hours of direct sunlight if it has to. Likewise, it can tolerate low light, but only to a degree. If it is unable to receive sufficient light, its leaves will turn more green in an effort to absorb more light. Lack of light slows growth, causing the plant to become leggy as leaf production becomes fewer & farther between. Even worse insufficient light prevents blooming.
 
During the warmer months when it can live outdoors, keep it in a space that receives morning sunshine & afternoon shade; or partial shade.
 
This plant will grow under fluorescent lights, as well. This makes it an excellent office plant, however, it will need between 12 & 16 hours of fluorescent light per day to survive.
 
 
TEMPERATURE
Satisfying a Hoya’s temperature requirements can be tricky tricky. Hoyas do not do well in cold weather. Their ideal temperature is between 65 & 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
 
Avoid temperatures below 60F. Once the temp falls below 55F your Hoya will start stressing.
 
With that being said, most people grow Hoyas for their flowers. In order for a Hoya to bloom they need cooler night temperatures. Shoot for a temp between 65F - 60F at night. However, it is crucial the temp does not fall any lower than that, otherwise it will do your plant more harm than good. 
 
HUMIDITY
Being a jungle succulent, you can imagine the Hoya lives humidity. In their native habitat, they receive moisture from the humidity in the air. The ideal level of humidity is above 60%, however, it won’t mind the average household humidity level, as long as it stays between 40-60%.
 
If your house’s humidity level is too low you can
- Group your plants together
- Set it on top of a tray of rocks
- Use a humidifier
- Mist at least 2-3 times per week
 
 
WATERING YOUR HOYA
Hoyas have small, shallow root systems because of their epiphytic nature. Their succulent leaves allow for some negligence when it comes to watering & can handle less water better than too much. For these reasons you want to let the top 1-2” of the soil dry before you water again, however, you don’t want the soil to dry out completely. Use a well draining soil in order to prevent too much water retention.
 
 
SPEAKING OF SOIL
Hoyas thrive in a well draining mix that holds just enough moisture to keep the plant hydrated. Keep the pH level of your soil between 6.1 to 7.5.
 
If you want to use a store mixed soil, succulent soil, an orchid mix, or African Violet soil will suffice.
 
Because Hoyas do not need to be repotted often it is wise to aerate your soil to replenish oxygen levels.
 
 
FLOWERING
In most cases of Hoya carnosa ‘Exotica’ the name plant must be at full maturity level to bloom.
 
We have had some plants develop one reverted stem, who ch grows incredibly faster than the variegated ones & have already started blooming! Ask if we have any of these plants in stock — they will already have at least one penduncle.
 
Penduncles are the small stalks which branch off the main stem that the flowers bloom from. Penduncles are perennial, so you don’t want to remove them, because your plant will continue to bloom from that same penduncle.
 
 
 
 
 
HOYAS ARE NON TOXIC TO PETS & HUMANS.
 
 
You will receive a 6” size bare root plant. We will include the hanging basket your plant was grown in.