Scientific Name
Hoya compacta C.M. Burton
Common Name(s)
Hindu Rope Hoya, Hindu Rope Plant, Indian Rope,
Angel Rope, Hindu Rope, Krinkle Kurl, Porcelain Flower, Wax Plant
Synonym(s)
Hoya carnosa f. compacta, Hoya carnosa 'Compacta', Hoya carnosa 'Krinkle Kurl'
Scientific Classification
Family:Â Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Marsdenieae
Genus:Â Hoya
Origin
This succulent has never been found in a wild habitat, and it is probably a cultivar of Hoya carnosa.
Description
Hoya compacta, also known as Hoya carnosa 'Compacta' or Hoya carnosa 'Krinkle Kurl', is a climbing or trailing semi-succulent with curly leaves that grow close on the slender stems. The leaves vary in size and color, but generally, they can be described as curly Hoya carnosa leaves. In summer, the plant produces attractive, round clusters of 30 to 50 flowers that last about a week. The flowers are star-shaped, up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) across, and usually white, with a red ring in the middle.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11b: from 35 °F (+1.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Hoyas don't ask for much beyond the well-draining soil and the warm, humid conditions that many tropical flowers crave. They don't like wet feet or heavy soil, and as many grow as epiphytes in their natural habitat. Give them at least a half-day of sunshine and bring them indoors when temperatures drop below 50 °F (10 °C).
When your Hoya finishes blooming, leave the flower stalk, as it may produce new flowers—removing the stalk forces the plant to produce a new stalk, which delays blooming and wastes the plant's energy. These plants are light feeders, and a monthly drink of compost tea or dilute fish emulsion provides all the nutrition these tropicals need. Hoyas like the security of a snug pot, and plants that are a bit root-bound will flower more prolifically than those swimming around in a giant pot.
Propagate Hoyas by cuttings of top growth or by leaf cuttings. The average cutting or leaf will produce a blooming plant in 2 years or less. The easiest method of propagation is by layering.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Hoya.
Cultivars
Links
- Back to genus Hoya
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
