The Houseplant That Thrives On Little Water & Is Easy To Care For

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It may surprise you to know that most common houseplant issues don't come from neglect but instead from too much attention. For indoor gardeners, watering is the plant care chore that causes the most doubt. It's surprisingly easy to accidentally give your plants too much water. Fortunately, there are signs to watch out for — like slime, mold, and leaf color change — that let you know when you are overwatering your indoor plants and causing damage. Even so, if watering is something you struggle with, growing drought-hardy houseplants might make indoor gardening less stressful. One such example is a hoya cultivar called 'Crimson Queen' (Hoya carnosa 'Krimson Queen'). This trailing houseplant features gorgeous pale pink flowers with bright pink centers and lovely two-toned foliage. 

What makes hoyas, broadly speaking, appealing is how well they adapt to a less-is-more routine. This trait makes them an easy plant to grow for beginner gardeners indoors. A hoya's thick, waxy leaves retain water, helping the plant stay hydrated even with infrequent watering. This forgiving nature makes these tropical beauties much easier to take care of than thirstier houseplants, especially for newbie gardeners struggling to understand watering schedules. Unlike many popular houseplants, 'Krimson Queen' hoyas don't need frequent watering to thrive, making them perfect for people looking for a more relaxed approach to plant care.

Do you tend to water your houseplants a little too often? You can remove the guesswork if you grow a 'Krimson Queen' hoya. Understanding this houseplant's watering needs makes taking care of it a lot simpler. Instead of requiring frequent watering, this hoya prefers dry soil between drinks. Letting the soil get completely dry before you water again will actually keep it healthy. How do you know when the soil is still too moist to water? Simply stick your finger into the soil, check the soil color (dark soil is typically damp), or use a moisture meter, like the Craft911 GrowIt Soil Moisture Meter for House Plants. You can also try this affordable, eco-friendly hack to never over-water your garden plants again: Stick a toothpick into the soil and if it changes color, the soil is still too damp.

Watering isn't the only area where the 'Krimson Queen' hoya keeps things easy for indoor gardeners. Light, soil, temperature, and humidity all play a role in keeping your plant thriving, but managing them is neither complicated nor demanding. This low-maintenance hoya, like most hoyas, does best in bright, indirect light rather than direct sunlight, which can burn its leaves. It needs well-draining, airy potting mix, 60% humidity (if possible), and a temperature range between 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (like most homes). 'Krimson Queen' has a trailing growth habit, but it doesn't require a trellis — unless you prefer the look. Save money on extra gardening equipment by planting it in a hanging basket or in a pot set on a shelf. You can also simply let its tendrils spill over the side of a container.