Hoya Carnosa Tricolor | Variegated Wax Plant

Cream, green, and blush-pink foliage that gets prettier as it grows.

The Hoya Carnosa Tricolor is the kind of plant that brings color to your collection without needing a single flower. Its thick, waxy leaves are beautifully variegated in shades of deep green and creamy white, while new growth can emerge in dreamy tones of soft pink and blush.

Also known as a variegated Wax Plant, this trailing tropical houseplant looks beautiful cascading from a shelf, climbing a trellis, or spilling from a hanging planter. And once mature and happy, it may reward you with clusters of sweetly scented, star-shaped flowers.

Beautiful foliage, surprisingly forgiving care, and pet-friendly greenery? There’s a lot to love about this one.

Why You’ll Love It

• Naturally pink variegation
  New leaves and stems can emerge in gorgeous shades of pink before developing their signature cream-and-green coloring.
• Perfect for shelves and hanging planters
  Long trailing vines create beautiful movement and make the Hoya Carnosa Tricolor especially easy to style in smaller spaces.
• Thick, waxy foliage
  Its semi-succulent leaves store moisture, making this Hoya more forgiving if you occasionally forget to water.
• Pet-friendly
  A beautiful option for plant lovers sharing their home with cats or dogs.
• It can flower, too
  Mature Hoyas may produce clusters of fragrant, star-shaped blooms — an extra little reward for giving your plant the conditions it loves.

Best For

Shelving • Bedrooms • Home offices • Hanging planters • Small spaces • Pet-friendly homes • Bright rooms • Plant collectors

Care at a Glance

Light: Bright, indirect light; a little gentle morning sun can help maintain strong variegation
Water: Allow much of the soil to dry before watering thoroughly
Humidity: Average household humidity is usually sufficient; appreciates moderate humidity
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly to intermediate
Pet Friendly: Yes

Styling Tip

Let this one trail — or give it something to climb.

The Hoya Carnosa Tricolor looks especially beautiful cascading from a bookshelf, floating shelf, cabinet, or hanging planter where its pink-and-cream foliage can really be seen.

Prefer a more sculptural look? Train the vines around a small hoop or trellis. As the plant fills in, you’ll create a completely different statement while keeping its footprint relatively small.

Pair it with a simple white, cream, terracotta, or earthy planter and let the variegation provide the color.

Good to Know

Hoya Carnosa Tricolor has thick leaves that hold onto moisture, so it would rather dry out a little than stay constantly wet. Allow a good portion of the soil to dry between waterings and always use a well-draining potting mix.

Bright indirect light is especially important for variegated Hoyas. More light can help maintain the creamy coloring and encourage those beautiful pink tones, while plants kept in lower light may produce greener growth.

Hoyas also like being somewhat snug in their pots, so don’t feel the need to repot the moment you see roots.

And if your Hoya begins flowering, avoid cutting off the little flower spurs after the blooms fade. It can rebloom from the same spots in the future.

If you’re searching for a pet-friendly trailing houseplant with pink and cream variegation, the Hoya Carnosa Tricolor brings color, texture, and plenty of personality to shelves, hanging planters, and bright indoor spaces.