Hoya lacunosa ‘Bruno Tricolor’ – Compact Tricolored Wax Plant with Sweetly Scented Blooms
 
Hoya lacunosa ‘Bruno Tricolor’ is a striking variegated selection within the Hoya lacunosa group, cherished for its compact trailing vines, soft fragrance, and unique three-tone foliage. Likely a horticultural offshoot of Hoya lacunosa or a close hybrid such as H. krohniana × lacunosa, this cultivar brings rich ornamental contrast and easy indoor adaptability — a collectible variety that stays neat, colorful, and low-maintenance.
 
Appearance and Growth
New leaves open blush-pink and fade through creamy ivory to mint and deep green, creating a constantly shifting gradient. The leaves are slightly convex, textured, and densely arranged along compact vines rarely exceeding 1 m in length. As the plant matures, it develops a softly cascading shape ideal for hanging planters, shelves, or narrow trellises.
 
Flowers and Fragrance
When established, Hoya lacunosa ‘Bruno Tricolor’ produces clusters of small, fuzzy, star-shaped flowers in white to cream with yellowish centers. Each umbel carries 15–20 blooms that release a sweet, vanilla-like scent strongest in the evening. Under stable indoor conditions, flowering can repeat several times a year from the same peduncles.
 
Origin and Background
Hoya lacunosa originates from tropical Southeast Asia — mainly Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia — where it grows epiphytically on trees in warm, humid forests. ‘Bruno Tricolor’ is a horticultural form selected for its vivid variegation and compact growth, maintaining the species’ ease of culture while offering a rare color mix uncommon among Hoyas.
 
Care and Growing Conditions
Light: Bright, indirect light keeps the tricolor pattern vibrant. Too little light slows growth and mutes pink tones; strong midday sun can scorch pale areas.
Watering: Let the substrate dry about halfway before watering again. The roots prefer air over constant moisture.
Substrate: Use a fast-draining mix with bark, perlite, or pumice; performs equally well in mineral or semi-hydro substrates.
Humidity: 50–70 % is ideal; consistent airflow supports healthy roots and flowers.
Temperature: Best between 18 °C and 28 °C; protect from drafts and cold below 15 °C.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks in small doses to maintain color and support flowering.
Pruning: Trim long vines to shape; never cut the flower spurs, as new blooms form from them.
Propagation: Simple from node cuttings in water, perlite, or sphagnum; roots usually appear within two weeks.
 
Common Issues
Yellowing leaves: Usually due to overwatering or compact soil.
Faded variegation: Caused by prolonged low light.
No flowers: Often linked to excessive nitrogen or insufficient light.
Leaf edge scorch: Result of strong direct sun on light leaf tissue.
 
Extra Notes
‘Bruno Tricolor’ adapts well to both soil and inert substrates, thriving even in smaller pots (10–14 cm). Its slow to moderate growth rate and flexible habit make it perfect for shelves or hanging displays in bright indoor spaces. The plant is non-toxic to pets, making it a safe decorative option for homes with animals.
 
Etymology
The species name lacunosa comes from the Latin lacuna, meaning “small hollow” — a nod to the leaf’s slightly sunken texture.
 
FAQ — Hoya lacunosa ‘Bruno Tricolor’
 
Does Hoya lacunosa ‘Bruno Tricolor’ keep its pink variegation in normal indoor light?
Yes, color is generally stable in bright, indirect light. Pink tones are strongest with a bit of gentle morning sun; very low light mutes pink and cream.
How much light is too much?
Avoid harsh midday sun. If pale areas yellow, crisp, or feel papery, reduce direct exposure or move 50–100 cm back from the window.
What’s a simple watering routine?
Water when the top 40–50% of the mix is dry. In a breathable chunky mix, that often means every 5–9 days indoors. Always adjust to pot size, airflow, and temperature.
 
Hoya lacunosa ‘Bruno Tricolor’ unites compact form, richly variegated leaves, and sweet, fragrant blooms in a single easy-care houseplant. With steady light, light feeding, and patience, it rewards growers year-round with a soft cascade of color and scent.
 
 
Bring home Hoya lacunosa ‘Bruno Tricolor’ — a compact, low-effort Hoya that adds vibrant contrast, gentle fragrance, and lasting charm to any indoor plant collection.