Hoya Compacta: A Perfect Houseplant

Hoya Compacta is a versatile plant with a magnificent appearance. The lush green foliage paired with bunches of cream flowers adds value to any indoor and outdoor garden.

What Is Hoya Compacta?

The Hoya plant family consists of over 300 species. Each one of them is unique and loved equally. Like other variants, Hoya Carnosa Compacta is also an epiphytic evergreen vine. It is native to Australia and East Asia.

The foliage is waxy and succulent-like. The leaves curl compactly, while the flowers appear in bunches.

The stunning cream or white blooms have a sweet scent and attract pollinators if planted outdoors. The foliage is also sometimes variegated.

Hoya Carnosa Compacta has a long life and can grow big as a houseplant. Grow them in an elegant hanging basket on the deck, balcony, or window. Hoya Carnosa Compacta also grows well as a creeper. Use trellises or fences to train it upwards.

The curled and twisted leaves of Hoya Carnosa Compacta are eye-catching. Planting it at the proper location will enhance its appearance. Its rope-like look inspired people to call it the Hindu Rope plant and Krinkle Kurl plant.

You will be excited to know that Hoya Carnosa Compacta is a popular houseplant for 200 years. Its distinct looks, attractive aroma, and carefree nature make it a favorite of many gardeners worldwide.

It is simple to care for and has basic requirements. Use a fast-draining potting mixture for a happy plant because overwatering kills it. Allow soil to dry in between watering to protect it from root rot. Some pests may invade and become a problem.

In the following guide, we will help you troubleshoot all problems faced by Hoya Carnosa Compacta plants. We will also assist you in providing the proper care to your lovely vine.

Basic Care Guide For Hoya Compacta

Hoya Carnosa Compacta grows rapidly from mid-spring to summer. The plant needs to be pampered a little during this phase. For a robust growth and abundance of flowers, learn what it needs from you.

We have developed a guide to assist you. Let us learn what it likes and dislikes.

• Soil

The curly Hoya Carnosa Compacta grows well in a fast-draining potting mixture. The Hoya Carnosa Compacta soil should be coarse, lightweight, and well-aerated. Pot with drainage holes is ideal. Terracotta pots also look lovely, with Hoya Carnosa Compacta vines hanging from them.

Drainage and aeration are the two qualities that are essential for Hoya Carnosa Compacta. Remember, it has an epiphytic nature and needs air to flow through roots. Soggy soil will affect the growth of the plant and can also kill it.

You can improve your soil by adding more perlite to it. Here is a recipe for you to try. Mix equal quantities of peat, orchid bark, and perlite. You can also use bark or charcoal instead of an orchid mix.

The structure of soil can vary depending on where you live. If you are from a humid climate, then a coarse potting mix will be more suitable. But in a dry climate, fine potting soil will work well too.

Soil can be refreshed after two or three years. Outdoors it is planted in USDA hardiness zones 10-12.

• Watering

Hoya Carnosa Compacta, a semi-succulent vine, needs less watering. The leaves store water and make it drought-tolerant too. Note that overwatering kills it.

Hoya Carnosa Compacta watering can be mastered very easily. In the beginning, you might have to inspect the soil before each watering to avoid overwatering. Once you understand how fast the soil dries out, you can set a timetable for watering.

Ideally, the soil of Hoya Carnosa Compacta must be slightly moist and never wet. Avoid extreme fluctuating watering patterns. You can use a moisture meter as well. Manually checked soil is a brilliant way to use your senses to understand your plants.

Water it intensely in summers and allow excess water to drain from the bottom. Let the roots soak in water once a week. Water only when the soil dries out. Slow down on watering Hoya Carnosa Compacta in winters.

Remember, winter is the time to rest for Hoya Carnosa Compacta. The plant will not show much growth during this time. Observe how fast the soil dries out and reset your watering cycle.

The points to remember about watering Hoya Carnosa Compacta are:

• The soil must be dry before you water
• You should never be overwater the plant
• A well-drained soil mixture will drain extra water
• Make sure your soil is not holding on to water
• Check if the pot has enough drainage holes

The plant will tolerate a dry spell but will begin to wither if water stands in the pot. It is going to forgive you if you forget to water it for one week. But it will not let you forget an overwatering mistake.

• Light

The tropical Hoya Carnosa Compacta vine likes bright indirect light to thrive. If you pick the right location for your plants, you will have much less to worry about.

A bright window that receives indirect light or early morning and evening sun rays will be ideal. Outdoor plantations will follow the same rule. Make sure the outdoor plant doesn’t get direct sunlight or extremely hot or cold winds.

Direct light will burn the leaves and flowers. Six hours of indirect light is recommended for optimal growth. The Hoya Carnosa Compacta can grow in low light as well. Lighting conditions, however, affect the flowering of the Hoya Carnosa Compacta.

Yellowing of foliage is also another sign that there is too much exposure to light. You can change the position of your vines and bring them away from direct sunlight.

Hoya Carnosa Compacta can also grow in artificial light. Fourteen hours of light will encourage blooms, healthy foliage, and the rapid growth of the Hoya Carnosa Compacta.

• Temperature

Hoya Carnosa Compacta likes to be cozy. A daytime temperature ranging from 70 degrees Fahrenheit or above is suitable. While at night, 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit is perfect. The temperature should not go below 50 degrees Fahrenheit for Hoya Carnosa Compacta.

Hoya Carnosa Compacta likes the normal room temperature to grow. As an outdoor plant, it performs well in the same range of temperature. Be mindful of cold and hot winds.

The beautiful vine will not like cold temperatures. Think about ways to maintain temperatures indoors during winter for Hoya Carnosa Compacta. Also, monitor soil moisture. If the soil is overwatered, the temperature will drop, and there will be a higher risk of damage.

• Humidity

Hoya Carnosa Compacta, a tropical vine, likes warm and humid climates. To enjoy its true beauty, re-create this environment for it indoors. In the right humid conditions, the plant will get shiny leaves and look stunning. The ideal humidity level is between 40 to 60 percent.

There are a couple of ways to increase humidity for your houseplants.

• Use a humidifier close to the plants
• Mist water on the foliage using a mister
• Group plants close to each other to encourage micro-climate
• A pebble tray under the pot will help retain moisture too

D.I.Y Pebble Tray

Take a tray and fill it with pebbles or rocks. Level it and fill it with water. Place your pots above the rocks in the tray. The water from the tray will slowly evaporate and increase humidity for your plants.

This method works well with terracotta pots and trays too. You can apply this to plastic containers as well.

• Fertilizer

Hoya Compacta needs a light, well-balanced fertilizer. Slow-release fertilizers are also suitable to offer light feed slowly. Here are some points to remember:

• Fertilize Hoya Compacta during the growing season, which is spring.
• Dilute your fertilizer to avoid any damage.
• Apply on moist soil and feel free to spray on the foliage too.
• Feed plants every two or three months.
• It does not need heavy fertilizer and will enjoy a light feed.
• Do not fertilize in winters when plants are resting.
• A potassium-rich fertilizer will encourage lots of blooms.

When there is overuse of fertilizer, the young leaves become small and darker. The leaves may curl, dry out, and shrink too. Another sign of over-fertilization is white crusty residue on top of the soil. Flush out excess chemicals by watering.

Follow the instructions on the label. Simply dilute the feed by mixing a quarter teaspoon of fertilizer in a gallon of filtered water.

You can always choose a chemical-free fertilizer or make your own. Compost or vermicompost is also a lovely fertilizer to be added to your pots. Read labels and always dilute them before using them.

• Potting

Hoya Compacta is an excellent choice for a hanging planter. The long stems curl down and show off its stunning bunches of flowers. Plants that grow in hanging baskets will grow slow and will not need to move to a bigger pot that often.

Always use a small-sized pot to avoid the risk of root rot. This size allows the soil to dry fast and roots to be dry. The roots like to be slighting packed, and the Hoya Compacta won’t mind a smaller pot. Here is a quick checklist for you:

• The pots must have enough drainage holes.
• The potting mix must be well-drained.
• Terracotta pots are more suitable because they help drain extra water.
• You need to repot your Hoya Compacta when:
• The soil is drying out very fast, and plants are unable to soak in water.
• The soil in the pot is very compacted with roots. Roots need more space to grow.
• The roots of Hoya Compacta are blocking the drainage hole.

Hoya Compacta can be moved to a new pot to solve this problem. You can first water your plants and prepare the other container. If the roots are damaged, use sterilized shears to remove them with care. Move it to a container that is two inches bigger than the previous.

Repot plants in spring for best results. Do not repot when there are flowers on the Hoya Compacta plant. Be careful while moving the roots. They must not untangle in the process, or else the plant will not like it.

• Blooms

Star-shaped clusters of flowers of the Hoya Carnosa Compacta are the most charming characteristic of this vine. It may take a few years to begin flowering. Sometimes it can take one to three years for a plant to mature and begin flowering.

Perfect light will help plants in flowering. Each flower is star-shaped and cream or white. Sometimes they are pinkish-white and grow in clusters of forty flowers. Each flower lasts for up to three weeks.

Hoya Compacta flowers are scented and attract pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds will love to feast on the sweet nectar-rich blooms.

• Pruning

Hoya Compacta needs pruning only for the sake of managing its size. Prune only when it is needed. Here are a few things to keep in view before you pick up your shears.

• Never cut a spur since this is where the new flower will grow. Cutting it will reduce flowering.
• Prune in spring and never in winter. It allows the plants to recover from stress easily.
• You can improve the look of the plant by pinching off the yellow and brown leaves to keep it tidy. It might not need pruning.
• Always sanitize your shears to prevent infections.
• The stems that you prune can become your new plants.

Follow the propagation guide below to learn the art of multiplying your Hoya Compacta plants.

Propagating Hoya Compacta

Hoya Compacta responds well to the stem cutting propagation technique. Here is a step-to-step guide to assist you in doing it correctly.

• Utilizing sterilized pruning shears, remove a section of three to four inches from the stem. Select the tip of the plant for this and cut below the node. Make sure there is a pair of leaves on top.
• Remove bottom leaves. Allow the cutting to dry overnight.
• You can then dip the cutting into a rooting hormone.
• Place the bottom of the stem in water but keep the leaves above it.
• If you are not using a rooting hormone, then skip the last two steps.
• Plant the cuttings in a potting mix, water, and keep it in indirect light.
• The roots and shoots will appear in a few weeks.

Common Problems of Hoya Compacta

Hoya Compacta is prone to some diseases. Pests also attack it. Timely action can protect the plant easily.

Mealybugs invade the plant to feed on its sap. They can cause decay and the weakening of the branches. The bugs find shelter under the twisted leaves of Hoya Compacta, which is their perfect hiding spot and makes it very difficult to clear them.

You should examine the leaves regularly to avoid insect attacks since the curly leaves also attract spider mites. The spider mites are tiny and easily escape our notice. Aphids mostly attack the flowers. Cupping leaves, wrinkled, stunned, or weak-looking plants are the common signs.

Use soap to treat mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. You can make a solution using two teaspoons of dishwashing liquid to one gallon of water. First, use a gentle blow of water to wash away the pests. Next, use this liquid to keep the pests away.

A fungus called Botrytis causes grayish leaves. This problem happens in highly humid conditions. Reduce humidity and also remove infected parts of the plants to treat it. The plant should be repotted and treated with a fungicide.

Alternative to chemical fungicide is a mixture of baking soda and water. Neem oil is another organic, chemical-free, and affordable way to keep pests away.

Tips to Make Your Hoya Compacta Happy

The stunning Hoya Carnosa Compacta is the most elegant hanging vine. The twisted leaves, waxy star-shaped flowering clusters, and green foliage all make it stand out. Here are some tips to make your Hoya Carnosa Compacta plants happy in your home.

• Do not change the position of your pot or hanging planters often.
• Flowering vine will not like to be rotated or moved.
• Avoid overwatering at all costs.
• Avoid overfeeding your plants.
• Inspect and clean leaves often.
• Avoid repotting without a good reason.
• Avoid excessive pruning.
• Keep these basic points in mind, and you will have a happy Hoya Carnosa Compacta plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

– When should I repot my Hoya Compacta?

Hoya Compacta needs to be repotted in spring only if one of the conditions apply:

• The roots are blocking the drainage holes
• The soil is packed with roots
• The soil is drying out very fast

Remember, the Hoya Compacta plant will not like to be repotted without a good reason.

– Is the Hoya Compacta toxic?

No, the Hoya Compacta plant is not toxic. It is safe to have this houseplant around pets or kids.

– Is Hoya Compacta drought tolerant?

Yes, Hoya Carnosa Compacta is drought tolerant. The succulent leaves store water and help it survive during a dry spell. During spring, they can uphold water for up to five weeks.

Conclusion

Hoya Compacta is a versatile plant with a brilliant appearance. The lush green leaves contrast with the stunning bunches of cream flowers. Grow them in a hanging basket, put them on the deck, balcony, or window. Hoya Carnosa Compacta also grows well as a climber. Use trellises to help them grow upwards.

Here is what we have learned about this magnificent vine:

• The Hoya plant family consists of over 300 species.
• Hoya Carnosa Compacta is also an epiphytic evergreen vine. It is native to Australia and East Asia.
• It is drought tolerant; however, overwatering kills it.
• Hoya Compacta has beautiful twisted green foliage with stunning cream flowering bunches.
• The clusters of flowers have a sweet scent and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Hummingbirds love the flowers.
• The juicy sap of the stems also invites pests like mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites.
• Neem oil can prevent pest attacks, while soda and water can keep fungus away that is caused by high humidity.
• Hoya Compacta is propagated using both soil propagation methods.
• Take cuttings of Hoya Compacta using sterilized pruning shears to avoid infections.
• It takes a couple of months to grow new roots and shoots.
• Hoya Compacta needs pruning only for the sake of looking good.
• Do not prune in winters or the flowering season.
• You can use a humidifier, pebble tray, or a misting technique to increase humidity in drier areas.
• Overwatering in winter causes the temperature to drop and weaken the plants.
• Hoya Compacta doesn’t like cold, wet conditions to grow.
• Water only when the soil gets dry. Remember, overwatering kills the plants.
• Hoya Compacta likes bright indirect light. It will like early morning sun or late afternoon light to thrive.
• Direct light will cause sunburn and should be avoided.
• Hoya Compacta grows well indoors and also outdoors in indirect light.
• Do not change pots unless it needs it. Hoya Compacta likes to be slightly root-bound.
• If the roots block the drainage holes or the soil is drying out fast, you need a new pot.
• The new pot should be two inches bigger than the previous one.
• The Hoya Compacta is not toxic and is safe to grow close to children and pets.
• It also grows well in low and artificial light.
• If you are using artificial light, then allow it to absorb it for fourteen hours daily. It will help it grow well and produce flowers too.
• The plant is generally problem-free if the proper care is provided.
• The growth rate of Hoya Compacta depends on the right growing environment.

Hoya Compacta or the Hindu rope plant is an excellent addition to all kinds of indoor gardens. Its versatile nature adapts wells to outdoor settings as well. Give it the right amount of light to encourage flowering.

When it is planted outdoors, it attracts beneficial wildlife. It is safe to have it in a house with kids and pets. Hoya Compacta looks lovely as a hanging plant in different spaces around the house. There is so much that one can do with the beautiful Hoya Compacta plant.

We hope that our guide helped you find answers to all your questions about Hoya Compacta plants.