Family: Apocynaceae
Common Names: Hoya Hindu Rope
Botanical Names: Hoya carnosa 'Compacta'
This unique indoor plant will inspire you to "stop and feel the foliage." It is impossible to resist the temptation to touch these exceptional leaves. The ribbon-like foliage of the Hoya Hindu Rope resembles "living" fortune cookies filled with corny wisdom in each crevice. "Good things come to those who wait" should be the advice given to the future owners of these non-classical beauties. Growing slowly and deliberately, these "living ropes" will inch their way towards the light and bestow upon you panicles of delicate flowers under the right conditions.
Light
These vining houseplants like a lot of bright and indirect sun. Provide them with over 6 hours of filtered sunlight daily! These hoyas can tolerate medium light, but they'll become weaker and leggy and produce fewer leaves in lower light. Be sure to keep them away from direct sunlight as exposure can cause the foliage to scorch. They can tolerate early morning direct sunlight for a few hours, but intense afternoon sun is a no-no.
Water
Let your Hoya Hindu Rope dry out between watering. Soak the soil thoroughly until the water drains out of the drainage holes. You'll need to water more when they're receiving more light, so adjust accordingly. Avoid over-watering. When the colder months arrive, cut back on watering; in wintertime, only water if the soil is completely dehydrated.
Soil
Almost all types of hoyas need soil with excellent drainage. Hoya carnosa 'Compacta' should never be planted in dense soil mixtures with moisture-retaining crystals. You can use a universal potting soil for hoya, but reduce the watering frequency when using this type of soil as it will retain water longer causing potential damage to the roots! Nutrient-rich, loose soils are perfect mixtures for wax vines! If your soil is retaining too much moisture, try re-potting your hoya into potting soil mixed with cactus soil (1/2 potting soil combined with 1/2 cactus soil).
Temperature
Most hoyas love warm environments - 65-85℉ - and should be kept away from drafty windows and doorways during the colder months.
Humidity
Although Hoya Carnosa 'Compacta' can handle most household humidity levels, they will grow more rapidly when the humidity exceeds 60%. Do what you can to increase the humidity for these tropical, hanging, indoor plants. Add pebble trays filled with water under your indoor plants, group plants together, or use a cool-mist humidifier.
Fertilizer
For hoyas, a higher nitrogen fertilizer encourages foliage growth. When they're about to bloom, switch to a higher phosphorus content. Fertilize with a complete liquid fertilizer or fish emulsion twice a month during the summer. You can also apply a top dressing of worm castings or compost in the spring, which acts as a slow-release fertilizer. Only fertilize during the growing season (spring through summer).
Growth Rate
The Hoya Hindu Rope grows at least 6 inches annually, and its length goes up to 15 inches at its maturity.
Pet Friend or Foe
The Hoya Hindu Rope is not a toxic plant at all! Friend!
Pro Tips
- Hoyas tolerate being root bound, so don't be so quick to re-pot!
- You can train your hoyas to grow up a pole or some other support - if you like that look.
- When finding the right spot for your hoya, try not to relocate it.
- Find out the do’s and don’ts for your new indoor plants!
- Make sure to clean the leaves every two weeks to help keep pests away!