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Unconditional Satisfaction GuaranteeNo Shipping Fees Above 302 Months to Decide. Returns Simplified.Hoya carnosa Chelsea is a much-loved, compact cultivar of the classic Hoya carnosa, celebrated for its thick, cupped leaves and clusters of sweetly fragrant, porcelain-like flowers. Native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia and Australia, this elegant epiphytic vine from the Apocynaceae family combines hardiness with enduring charm, making it one of the most rewarding Hoyas to grow indoors.
The glossy, heart-shaped leaves are deep green with subtle dimpling and curling edges, giving the foliage a sculptural, puckered look that distinguishes it from other carnosa varieties. Each leaf is thick and succulent-like, helping the plant store moisture and thrive even with infrequent watering. When mature, Hoya carnosa Chelsea produces clusters of pink, star-shaped flowers with red centres that emit a sweet, honey fragrance a signature trait of the species.
Compact, tidy, and beautifully textured, Chelsea is ideal for hanging planters, high shelves, or decorative trellises where its vines can trail gracefully.
Prefers bright, indirect light. A few hours of gentle morning or late afternoon sun will help maintain lush, glossy foliage and encourage flowering. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves, while too little light may cause slow growth or delay blooming.
Water when the top 34 cm of soil is dry. Hoya carnosa Chelsea is drought-tolerant and prefers slightly dry conditions to overly wet soil. Water thoroughly, allowing excess to drain away, and reduce watering in winter when growth slows.
Temperature: Thrives between 1828C. Avoid draughts and cold conditions below 15C.
Humidity: Adapts well to average indoor humidity (4060%), but will appreciate higher levels of 6070% during the growing season. Use a pebble tray or humidifier to boost humidity if the air is very dry.
Use a loose, well-draining mix, such as orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir or peat-free compost. This mimics its natural epiphytic growing conditions and prevents root rot. Pot into a container with drainage holes and allow the plant to become slightly root-bound before repotting every 23 years.
Feed every 46 weeks during spring and summer with a diluted balanced fertiliser or one formulated for flowering houseplants. Stop feeding in autumn and winter. A fertiliser with added phosphorus will support healthy blooming.
Prune lightly to control the shape and encourage branching. Avoid cutting the peduncles (flower spurs) new blooms will continue to form on these year after year. Clean leaves gently with a soft, damp cloth to maintain their shine and remove dust.
A moderate grower, Hoya carnosa Chelsea typically reaches 60120 cm in length when mature, with thick, arching vines. Its compact growth habit makes it perfect for smaller spaces or grouped tropical displays. With proper care, it will flower annually, producing clusters of blooms that last for several weeks.
Yellow leaves: Overwatering or poor drainage.
Wrinkled leaves: Underwatering or very low humidity.
No blooms: Insufficient light or cutting flower spurs.
Pests: Occasionally attracts mealybugs or aphids; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.
A cultivar of the classic Hoya carnosa, Chelsea has become a firm favourite among collectors for its unique leaf shape and reliable performance. Originally developed as a compact form, it combines the beauty of large carnosa blooms with a smaller, denser growth pattern ideal for indoor settings.
Like all Hoyas, Chelsea is an air-purifying plant that improves indoor air quality and releases oxygen at night, making it an excellent choice for bedrooms and living spaces. Long-lived and low-maintenance, its a plant that rewards consistent, gentle care with years of growth and flowering.
Quick Care Summary
Light: Bright, indirect or gentle morning sun
Water: Let top 34 cm of soil dry between waterings
Temperature: 1828C; avoid below 15C
Humidity: Moderate to high (4070%)
Soil: Airy, well-draining mix bark, perlite, coco coir
Feed: Every 46 weeks in spring/summer
Growth: Compact trailing vine, 60120 cm; cupped, glossy leaves and fragrant pink flowers
Toxicity Note: Contains mild latex sap that can irritate skin and is toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of pets and children.
Styling Tip:
Display Hoya carnosa Chelsea in a white or matte terracotta hanging pot to accentuate its sculptural leaves and trailing form. It pairs beautifully with contrasting foliage, such as the velvety Philodendron micans or the silvery Scindapsus pictus Argyraeus, for a refined, textural display.
