Hoya ‘Purple Pride’ is a captivating houseplant, highly sought after for its unique coloration and aesthetic appeal. This cultivar brings natural beauty to any indoor plant collection. Cultivating this distinctive specimen offers a rewarding experience.
Discovering Hoya Purple Pride
Hoya ‘Purple Pride’ is a cultivated variety, often noted as a cultivar of Hoya carnosa variegata or Hoya carnosa ‘Krimson Queen’. Its striking foliage undergoes a vibrant color transformation. New growth emerges in shades of pink, dark red, and nearly black on deep purple vines. As leaves mature, they transition to emerald green with creamy white or white margins. The oval-shaped leaves are thick, glossy, and sometimes feature a white or silvery marble pattern.
These intense purple and red hues, which deepen under brighter light, give the plant its “Purple Pride” name. In ideal environments, this Hoya can produce lightly felted, star-shaped pink flowers, often with a plum-centered pink corona, in clusters of up to 30 per umbel. These 18mm blooms emit a light, sweet fragrance lasting about seven days.
Hoya Purple Pride Care Essentials
Light Requirements
Hoya ‘Purple Pride’ thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural habitat. A north or west-facing window is suitable. While good light encourages vivid variegation and potential blooms, direct, harsh afternoon sun can scorch its leaves, especially pale areas. Insufficient light leads to leggy growth and may prevent flowering.
Watering Practices
As a semi-succulent, Hoya ‘Purple Pride’ prefers its soil to dry out considerably between waterings. Overwatering is a common issue, leading to root rot. Water when the top one-third to two inches of the potting mix feel dry. Water thoroughly until water drains from the pot’s bottom, and always empty excess water from the drainage tray. During cooler winter months, reduce watering frequency as the plant’s growth slows.
Soil Mix
A well-draining, aerated potting mix prevents waterlogging and promotes healthy root development for Hoya ‘Purple Pride’. An ideal blend includes orchid bark, perlite, and a peat-free compost or quality potting mix. This mimics the epiphytic nature of Hoyas, which grow on other plants and do not require dense soil. Pots with drainage holes are also necessary for proper water flow.
Temperature and Humidity
Hoya ‘Purple Pride’ prefers warm environments, with an ideal temperature range of 16°C to 28°C (61-82°F). It tolerates average household temperatures. While it benefits from moderate humidity, it adapts to typical indoor levels. To enhance humidity in dry conditions, use a pebble tray or humidifier; misting leaves should be done carefully to avoid fungal issues. Protect the plant from prolonged cold below 10°C (50°F).
Fertilizing
During its active growing period in spring and summer, Hoya ‘Purple Pride’ benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, or one with higher phosphorus for blooming, monthly or fortnightly at half strength. During cooler winter months, when the plant is semi-dormant, reduce or stop fertilization entirely. Over-fertilizing can lead to salt buildup and potentially burn roots.
Propagating Your Hoya Purple Pride
Propagating Hoya ‘Purple Pride’ is achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem section with at least two nodes, where leaves and roots emerge. Remove lower leaves to expose the nodes.
Place the cutting in water, ensuring nodes are submerged, or directly into a moist, well-draining rooting medium like perlite or sphagnum moss. Warmth and consistent, indirect light encourage root development, which occurs over several weeks. Once a healthy root system forms, transplant the new plant into a suitable potting mix.
Troubleshooting Common Hoya Purple Pride Issues
Yellowing leaves on Hoya ‘Purple Pride’ indicate overwatering, which leads to root rot, or sometimes underwatering, causing older leaves to yellow. To address this, allow the soil to dry more thoroughly between waterings and ensure proper drainage. Brown, crispy leaf edges or spots result from too much direct sun, low humidity, or inconsistent watering. Move the plant to bright, indirect light and increase ambient humidity. If growth is slow or stunted, assess light levels and consider a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, as nutrient deficiencies can contribute.
Pest infestations, including mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects, are common. These sap-sucking pests cause stunted growth, leaf discoloration, and sticky residue. Inspect the plant regularly for early detection. Minor infestations are managed by wiping pests with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or spraying with insecticidal soap or neem oil.