Hoya carnosa 'Chelsea' variegated

Hoya carnosa 'Chelsea' (v), marketed as Hoya 'Chelsea' variegata, is a horticultural form notable for its thick, cupped, ovate to heart-shaped leaves, with indentations along the midrib and cream-white margins. Its short internodes give it a more compact habit than the typical species, while the vines can be trained on a support or allowed to grow pendent. Under good growing conditions, it produces umbels of fragrant, white to pink flowers with a darker center.

Foliage and growth. The leaves of the 'Chelsea' cultivar are fleshy, slightly cupped, and variable from oval to almost heart-shaped. The paired indentations near the midrib and short internodes are useful identifying features. In this form, the variegation appears toward the leaf margins, in shades ranging from cream to white. The pattern and proportion of the variegated areas may naturally vary between leaves and specimens.

Flowers and fragrance. The flowers have the species' characteristic star shape and are grouped in umbels. Their color may range from white-pink to pink, with a more intensely colored center. They are fragrant, and the flowers may last for approximately 7 days; the duration and intensity of the fragrance depend on the maturity of the inflorescence and growing conditions.

Substrate: use an airy, well-draining mix suitable for epiphytic species. We recommend the professional substrate for Hoya and Anthurium - SG Mix.

For complete recommendations on light, watering, substrate, fertilization, propagation, and flowering, read the complete Hoya care guide.