The Hoya carnosa ‘Compacta,’ also commonly known as the Hindu Rope Plant and Wax Plant, is a succulent vine indigenous to India. It has thick, waxy leaves that are dark green and grow in tightly-knit spirals. They have a trailing habit, making them ideal for a hanging basket in the living room.
The flowers of the Hindu Rope Plant are small, pinkish-white (sometimes red), and they bloom in domed clusters near the plant’s stem. The dome of these succulent flowers is a trait shared between many different varieties of Hoya Carnosa, and they are what makes these plants instantly recognizable.
Hoya carnosa var. Compacta Main Characteristics
| Common Name | Hindu Rope Plant, Porcelain Flower, Wax Plant |
| Botanical Name | Hoya carnosa ‘Compacta’ |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Hoya |
| Type | Vine |
| Native Range | India |
| Bloom Time | Spring, Summer, Autumn |
| Foliage | Evergreen |
| Propagation methods | by seeds, by cutting, by layerings |
| Sun | Part shade to Full sun |
| Soil | Well-Drained |
| Toxicity | Moderately Toxic |
Hindu Rope Plant Care
Hindu Rope Plant is a popular houseplant because it is easy to care for and tolerant of a wide range of conditions. These are often used as gifts for newcomers just dipping their toes in the world of plants for the first time as these plants are gorgeous, unique, and, most importantly, quite forgiving.
Light and Location
This plant requires a lot of bright, indirect light to thrive. It does best in a windowsill that gets the morning sun. Just make sure that the sunlight doesn’t become too intense.
Watering
Hindu Rope Plant needs a moderate amount of water. Make sure to water the plant when the top few inches of soil are dry to the touch. You can either water the plant using a watering can or pour water directly onto the soil. Allow the soil to drain off the water completely between watering so that it does not become waterlogged. Waterlogged soils are a big problem for these plants and can result in various health problems. So try not to let it come to that.
Temperature
The Hindu Rope Plant prefers temperatures between 65-75°F. It thrives in average room temperatures, making it an easy recommendation for a beginner. Just be sure to avoid letting the temperature fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent any problems.
Humidity
This plant requires high humidity to thrive. If possible, set them up in a greenhouse or near a water source for optimal growth. Otherwise, if you have a humidifier handy, set one up for this plant, as it appreciates the moisture. Alternatively, you can opt for the tried and true method of standing the plant in a water tray filled with pebbles; it’s a cheap and easy solution. It’s also good practice to mist the plant every other day.
Fertilizer
Fertilization is usually not necessary, but you can if you want to. Just be sure to avoid overfeeding. Use a balanced liquid plant feed that is diluted to half the recommended dosage. Fertilize your plant only once every month when it’s in growth.
Propagating Hindu Rope Plant
You can propagate the Hindu Rope Plant by taking stem cuttings. Take a cutting of about 5 inches and remove the leaves except for two or three at the top. Then place it in a potting mix. Water the soil and wait for the cutting to root. While the cutting will take root quickly, growth will still be slow.
Potting and Repotting Hindu Rope Plant
When potting, use a well-draining soil mix high in organic matter. It is unnecessary to add peat moss as part of the soil mix, as Hoya carnosa var. Compacta does well in regular potting soil; however, the soil needs to be very fast-draining. Use a container with drainage holes or be prepared to drill your own. Containers without drainage may retain too much moisture and cause the plant to rot.
Repotting is usually not recommended unless necessary as these plants hate being moved around. Leaving the plants in their pots is generally advised unless the drainage holes are being blocked due to significant overgrowth.
Toxicity
According to ASPCA, Hoya carnosa is not toxic for pets if ingested. However, some hoya species have been reported to cause skin irritation if exposed to sap, and the leaves and flowers can be harmful if eaten. It’s better to keep them away from pets and children. (Hint: Hanging Baskets!)
Common Pests
This plant is susceptible to a few common pests. But generally, mealybugs tend to be the main culprit. These tiny critters can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking the sap from the leaves.
The best way is to inspect the plant regularly for signs of infestation and spray the plant with neem oil or rubbing alcohol.
FAQ
How To Grow A Hindu Rope Plant (Hoya Carnosa ‘Compacta’) Indoors – Care Tips (Video)
How to propagate Hoya carnosa ‘compacta’?
The recommended way to propagate this plant is by using stem cuttings. First, pick a healthy stem, about 5 inches in size, and cut it off from the base. Make sure there are a couple of nodes on the stem. Next, clean off the leaves near the bottom, plant the stem in moist soil, and wait for it to take root.
How to care for Hindu Rope Plant?
This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity. Average room temperatures are usually acceptable (65-75 degrees Fahrenheit). Water the plant moderately but make sure not to let the soil get waterlogged.
What soil to use with Hindu Rope Plant?
Any fast-draining potting mixture works with this plant. You can either buy once commercially or mix your own. People have had success with one part sand or perlite and three parts regular potting soil.
Attribution
“Hoya carnosa compacta” by epiforums is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
“Hoya carnosa ‘Krinkle Kurl’ or Hindu Rope..” by iwona_kellie is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0