My mother has had her carnosas for over 30 years - I think she had them before they moved into their current house - but unfortunately they have been attacked by mealy and scale, to the point where they were reduced versions of themselves. I took it upon myself, when I was there, to clean up the plants, remove the dead material and spray the bugs to kingdom come. I also repotted the plants into new soil (well, you would imagine that 30-year-old soil probably doesn't have much nutrition left in it). They are looking better now, even growing a bit, but every time I go home I see the tell-tale signs of more mealies. It does make me sad to see these plants at half their original glory, but at least I know my cutting from the plant is doing well and must be at least 10 years old now... Next time I go home, I'll try and take some photos. When I was little, I used to love when it flowered, and used to go round all the flowers picking off the droplets of nectar to lick off my fingers!

Very nice plant!!! My first recollection of a hoya (hindu rope) was in my grandmothers plant collection. She is now 89 years old and doesn't grow plants anymore as she's not able to take care of them. I didn't inherit any of her plants but did get the plant bug from her and that's why I now collect and grow hoyas!! David

I could have sworn Krimson Queen had white present on the outer edge of the leaf, and that KP had a green outer edge of the leaf, with the variegation on the inner part of the leaf. Here is a link that might be useful: Krimson Queen or Krimson Princess This post was edited by AuroraWA on Wed, Oct 8, 14 at 21:39

Oh, do I ever feel for you! Gabby's got a great amount of good advice. ALso try to think ahead, as in, what happens next.... You and your sister and anyone else you can bring into this, all need to be on the same page. I moved my (then) 92 yr old Mother from Arizona to CA a few years ago, and into one of the those dreaded senior complexes just a few miles from my home. She just passed away in December, but I had the priveledge of being with her often in her last years. What I learned is that things start going down hill. Every time an elder faces an illness or any set-back, the recovery is never 100%, they always seem to be a little less than they were before. I found that I had to become the "parent" in our relationship, and really make some hard decisions. It might be like an intervention, but you and your sister, and your grandmother's pastor or friends might need to confront her (gently of course) about making this change in her life. I was driving down to Scottsdale (725 miles) every month before i moved Mother close to me. In the last 3-1/2 years, we were able to enjoy lunches out or at the dining room of her complex. I could take her to the doctor, or shopping, and I was able to be there in 20 minutes when there was an emergency. Which there was, more and more often. You also need to consider legal matters, from her property. will, a trust, powers of attorney, and medical matters. So she takes a fall at home. Does she have a "Do Not Resusitate" order inplace? Does she want to be kept alive by any and all means? Who signs the papers when she's taken to the hospital if she cannot? Who talks to the doctor if she has a stroke and cannot talk? Did you know that you need to have her permission on file with her doctor for the doctor to talk to you? Who is prepared to make all those decisions? Can you or your sister write and sign a check to pay her bills if she cannot do so? All matters to be considered. Bless you for being there for her. She'll need you more and more as time goes by. Ad know that there are many of us here who have shoulders for you to lean on! Hugs, Helene