Hoya Tricolor vs Krimson Queen: What’s The Real Difference?
If you’ve spent any time browsing houseplant tags or plant shops online, you’ve probably seen both “Hoya Tricolor” and “Hoya Krimson Queen” used — sometimes even on the same plant. It’s confusing, and I remember scratching my head over it when I bought my first variegated Hoya carnosa years ago. Let me clear it up right away: in most cases, Hoya Tricolor and Hoya Krimson Queen refer to the same plant — a variegated form of Hoya carnosa with creamy edges and sometimes pink new growth. But because the plant trade is messy and names get reused, there are a few subtle things worth knowing so you can choose (and care for) the plant you really want. In this article, I’ll walk you through how to tell these names apart, what the plant actually looks like, how it compares to Krimson Princess, and how to give it the best care so you get those gorgeous pink and cream leaves.
Understanding The Names: Tricolor, Krimson Queen, And All That
When you’re talking about Hoya Tricolor vs Krimson Queen, you’re really talking about plant marketing more than plant botany. Here’s how the names usually break down.
What Krimson Queen Actually Is
Krimson Queen is a named cultivar of Hoya carnosa. In simple terms, it’s a specific variegated version of the classic wax plant (Hoya carnosa) that has:
- Creamy white or pale yellow variegation around the edges of the leaf
- Green mostly in the center of the leaf
- New growth that can flush pink, especially in bright light
- Occasional fully white or white-and-pink leaves
The “Krimson” spelling is just a trademark spin; it’s not a different species. The full name is generally written as Hoya carnosa ‘Krimson Queen’.
Where “Tricolor” Comes In
“Tricolor” is more of a descriptive nickname than a formal cultivar name. It refers to the three colors often seen on a single plant:
- Green (leaf center)
- Cream or yellow (leaf margin)
- Pink (new growth or stressed leaves)
Many growers, garden centers, and big-box stores will label Hoya carnosa ‘Krimson Queen’ simply as “Hoya Tricolor” because of this tri-colored effect. So in day-to-day plant shopping, “Hoya Tricolor” and “Hoya Krimson Queen” are almost always the exact same plant: Hoya carnosa with variegated edges.
Is There A Different Hoya Called Tricolor?
Occasionally, you’ll see “Hoya tricolor” used (incorrectly) on completely different Hoyas, especially Hoya pubicalyx or Hoya kerrii when they show three-color foliage. That’s where the confusion comes in. In the context of Hoya carnosa houseplants, though, when a seller says “Tricolor” they generally mean what collectors know as ‘Krimson Queen’. When in doubt, ignore the name and look at the leaf pattern.
How To Tell Krimson Queen / Tricolor From Krimson Princess
A lot of people searching “Hoya Tricolor vs Krimson Queen” are actually trying to figure out which variegated carnosa they have — Queen or Princess. The names don’t help much, but the leaves will.
The Easy Visual Rule
Here’s the trick I always teach friends:
Krimson Queen (AKA Tricolor): Variegation on the edges, green in the middle.
Krimson Princess: Variegation in the middle, green on the edges.
So:
- If the leaf has a cream or yellow margin and green center, you’re looking at Krimson Queen / Tricolor.
- If the leaf has a pale, creamy or pinkish center with green margins, that’s Krimson Princess.
I remember lining my two plants up on the potting bench when I first got them. Once you see them side by side, it’s obvious — Queen wears a creamy “border,” Princess wears a creamy “dress.”
Color Tones And Pink Flush
Both Queen and Princess can show pink, especially on new growth, but the Queen often looks more “crisp” and high-contrast because the clean white on the edges stands out against the deep green center. The Princess usually has softer, more pastel vibes in the middle of the leaf. New leaves on Krimson Queen can come in a strong pink, then fade to white or cream over time. If your “Tricolor” throws out all-pink or nearly white leaves, that’s totally normal under good light.
Side-By-Side: Hoya Tricolor Vs Krimson Queen
Let’s answer the title question directly: are Hoya Tricolor and Krimson Queen different plants?
Names vs Reality
In everyday houseplant terms:
- Botanically, they’re the same: Hoya carnosa ‘Krimson Queen’.
- “Tricolor” is a trade/common name describing the three colors the plant can show.
- Some growers prefer “Krimson Queen,” others stick “Tricolor” on the label, and some use both.
So if you bought a pot labeled “Hoya carnosa Tricolor” and another labeled “Hoya Krimson Queen,” and the leaves have green centers with creamy edges, you do not have two different cultivars — just two names for the same one.
When They Might Look Slightly Different
Even though they’re the same cultivar, plants can look a bit different depending on:
- Light level: More light often means more white and pink, less light = more green.
- Growing conditions: Fertilizer, pot size, and humidity affect growth speed and leaf size.
- Sports/unstable variegation: Occasionally, stems revert or get more extreme variegation.
I’ve seen “Tricolor” plants in garden centers with a bit less white and more creamy yellow, and “Krimson Queen” plants with crisp white edges, but once they come home and get the same care, they blend right into each other.
How Big And How Fast Will They Grow?
Hoya carnosa, variegated or not, is naturally a vining plant. Over time, your Tricolor / Krimson Queen will send out long, wandering vines that can:
- Trail several feet from a hanging basket
- Climb a trellis, hoop, or moss pole indoors
- Wrap around a support or drift along a bookshelf
Variegated Hoyas are usually a bit slower than solid green ones, because the white parts of the leaves don’t photosynthesize. Still, under good bright light, my Krimson Queen pushes out steady new vines each growing season. In lower light, it will survive but it won’t be as enthusiastic.
Light Requirements: The Key To Strong Tricolor
Light is where I see the biggest difference in how “Tricolor” your Krimson Queen actually looks.
Best Light For Strong Variegation
Aim for:
- Bright, indirect light for most of the day
- Morning sun or gentle filtered sun is ideal
- A spot near an east or bright north-facing window, or a bit back from a south/west window
In my own home, the Krimson Queen that sits near an east window is dramatically prettier — more pink flush, more white, tighter growth — than the one I experimented with in a dim hallway.
What Happens In Too Little Or Too Much Light
Too little light:
- New leaves come in mostly green
- Vines get leggy with wide gaps between leaves
- Growth slows to a crawl
Too much direct sun (especially harsh afternoon sun through glass):
- White or cream edges can scorch and turn brown
- Leaves may feel dry and crispy at the tips
- Pale leaves can get dull and blotchy
I like to give mine strong, bright light with just a touch of direct sun in the early morning. If you see browning on the white portions, back it further from the window or add a sheer curtain.
Watering Hoya Tricolor / Krimson Queen The Right Way
Hoyas are semi-succulent: those thick, waxy leaves store water. That means they hate sitting in soggy soil.
Simple Watering Routine
Here’s the routine that works well for my plants:
- Let the top 2–3 cm (about 1 inch) of soil dry out before watering again.
- In small pots, I sometimes let it get almost fully dry, especially in winter.
- Water thoroughly until it drains out the bottom, then empty the saucer.
I use the “finger test” plus pot weight. If the pot feels surprisingly light and the top looks dry, it’s usually time.
Signs You’re Overwatering Or Underwatering
Overwatering:
- Leaves turn yellow and soft
- Soil smells sour or musty
- Lower leaves drop off easily
Underwatering:
- Leaves wrinkle or pucker
- New growth is stunted and thin
- Vines feel limp and bendy
Variegated Hoyas seem slightly more sensitive to overwatering for me, probably because the variegated parts are already a bit “weaker” tissue. I err on the dry side.
The Best Soil And Pot For Krimson Queen / Tricolor
Your Hoya will be happiest in a very well-draining, airy mix. Think “orchid-ish” rather than “African violet.”
My Go-To Hoya Mix
I like to mix:
- High-quality all-purpose potting soil
- Plenty of perlite or pumice for drainage
- Chunky orchid bark or pine bark
- A bit of coco coir or peat for moisture balance
You can also buy or mix a specialized “aroid” or “epiphyte” blend. The goal is to avoid tightly packed, heavy, muddy soil.
Choosing The Right Pot
Good pots for Hoya Tricolor / Krimson Queen:
- Have drainage holes at the bottom
- Are only slightly larger than the root ball
- Can be terra-cotta (dries faster) or plastic (holds moisture longer)
I often keep mine in plastic nursery pots with drainage and slip those into decorative cachepots. That way I can easily lift them out to check roots and soil moisture.
Fertilizing For Healthy Growth And Color
Variegated Hoyas benefit from regular feeding during the growing season, but they don’t want heavy doses.
How I Feed My Krimson Queen
During spring and summer:
- Use a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer at half strength
- Apply every 4–6 weeks while the plant is actively growing
- Skip fertilizer if the soil is bone-dry; water first, then feed next time
In autumn and winter, I usually stop fertilizing or cut way back, because growth naturally slows. Overfertilizing won’t improve the colors; light does that. Fertilizer just supports healthy new growth.
Humidity, Temperature, And Overall Environment
Hoya carnosa is pleasantly forgiving, which is one reason I love it so much for normal homes.
Temperature Preferences
Ideal range:
- 18–27°C (65–80°F) is perfect
- Avoid drops below 10°C (50°F)
- Protect from cold drafts and sudden temperature swings
Mine sit comfortably in typical heated homes and do fine; they only really sulk if left in a cold, drafty window in winter.
Humidity Levels
A bit of extra humidity is appreciated but not essential:
- Average indoor humidity (40–60%) is usually enough
- Plants may grow faster and bloom more readily around 60–70%
- Good air circulation helps prevent issues like mealybugs and fungal spots
I don’t fuss with humidifiers for my Krimson Queen unless the air gets extremely dry in winter. Just keeping them away from hot radiators and not cramming them in a stagnant, dark corner goes a long way.
Encouraging Blooms On Hoya Tricolor / Krimson Queen
One of the joys of keeping Hoya carnosa is the flowers — those waxy, star-shaped clusters with a sweet, sometimes intense fragrance.
What The Flowers Look Like
The blooms on ‘Krimson Queen’ are similar to the regular Hoya carnosa:
- Clusters of small, star-shaped flowers (called umbels)
- Typically soft pink to white with a darker center
- Sweet scent, especially in the evening
How To Get Your Plant To Flower
To encourage blooms:
- Give bright, stable light for most of the day.
- Use a slightly snug pot — Hoyas often bloom better when a bit root-bound.
- Provide a light winter rest: slightly cooler and a bit drier, not bone-dry.
- Be patient: plants often need to be a few years old before they flower.
One crucial tip from long experience: never cut off the spent flower spurs (those little stalks the flowers grow from). Hoyas often rebloom from the same spur year after year. I learned this the hard way when I “cleaned up” my first plant and removed them. Lesson learned.
Pruning, Training, And Styling Your Hoya
One of my favorite things about Krimson Queen / Tricolor is how versatile it is for styling.
Pruning For Shape
You can safely prune:
- Excessively long, bare vines that have few leaves
- Any dead, damaged, or crispy stems
- Leggy growth to encourage branching
I use sharp, clean scissors or pruners and cut just above a node (where a leaf grows). Don’t overdo it if you’re hoping for flowers, because buds form on older stems.
Training Options
Fun ways to grow your plant:
- Trailing from a hanging basket for a cascading effect
- Wrapped around a hoop or ring for a tidy circle of foliage
- Trained up a small trellis for a vertical, sculptural look
I like to gently guide vines around a hoop and secure them with soft plant clips or garden wire. Over time, the plant fills in and the hoop becomes a lush, variegated halo.
Propagating Hoya Tricolor / Krimson Queen
Propagating this plant is deeply satisfying — and a great way to share it with friends.
Simple Stem Cutting Method
Here’s the method I use:
- Choose a healthy vine with several leaves.
- Cut a section with at least 2–3 nodes (leaf joints).
- Remove the lower leaves to expose a node or two.
- Root in water or in a moist, airy soil mix.
I personally prefer rooting in a chunky soil or perlite mix, covered with a clear plastic dome to maintain humidity. Once roots establish, they adapt faster to regular potting mix.
Pests And Common Problems
Krimson Queen / Tricolor is not a pest magnet, but like most houseplants, it can occasionally attract trouble.
Possible Pests
Keep an eye out for:
- Mealybugs: White, cottony spots in leaf joints or on stems.
- Spider mites: Fine webbing and speckled, dull leaves.
- Scale: Brown, shell-like bumps on stems or undersides of leaves.
I do a quick “pest patrol” when I water — just a glance along stems and under leaves. Early detection makes everything easier. If I see anything, I isolate the plant, wipe leaves down, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Leaf Issues To Watch
Variegated Hoyas can be a bit more prone to cosmetic problems on the white parts:
- Brown tips/edges on white areas: Often too much direct sun, low humidity, or inconsistent watering.
- All-green new growth: Usually low light or a reversion; consider moving to brighter light and pruning back green-only stems.
- Soft, mushy stems: Overwatering or poor drainage — check roots immediately.
I treat the white parts as “delicate” when it comes to sun and fertilizer strength. Gentle care rewards you with much prettier leaves.
So, Which Should You Buy: Hoya Tricolor Or Krimson Queen?
If you’re standing in the garden center holding a pot labeled “Hoya Tricolor” in one hand and one labeled “Krimson Queen” in the other, focus on the foliage, not the label.
What Really Matters
Ask yourself:
- Do the leaves have green centers and creamy edges? Then they are effectively the same plant.
- Does one have a stronger variegation pattern you prefer?
- Do the plants look healthy — firm leaves, no pests, no soggy soil?
Personally, I would happily buy whichever specimen has the prettiest growth, fullest pot, and healthiest roots, regardless of whether the tag says “Tricolor” or “Krimson Queen.”
Final Thoughts From A Hoya Lover
Over the years, I’ve learned that plant names in the trade can be slippery, but the plants themselves don’t lie. Hoya Tricolor vs Krimson Queen is mostly a question of labeling — in practical terms, you’re getting the same easygoing, beautiful, variegated Hoya carnosa with green centers, creamy margins, and occasional pink. Give it bright, indirect light, let it dry a bit between waterings, keep it in a loose, airy mix, and resist the urge to fuss too much. Do that, and whether your tag says “Tricolor” or “Krimson Queen,” you’ll end up with a long-lived, rewarding houseplant that just gets better — and more beautiful — with age.
