Caring for your new Hoya Carnosa Compacta is one of the most exciting journeys in the plant world! These vining plants are commonly known as Hoya Hindu Rope, and have waxy leaves with a soft back to them. They are ntive to India, and makes sense, as it is nicknamed after the people it grows by. They have star shaped flowers that are said to have a sweet fragrance to them. Granted, I have only personally seen flowers on this plant in low outdoor light and high humidity. Hoyas are notorious for being tricky to flower, especially indoors. Hopefully these tips will provide you with the information you need to get your hoyas growing well and show off their unique flower structure!
Soil needs for this plant are quite simple, I use pretty much any soil with slow-release fertilizer added, so I don’t have to worry about fertilizing when it’s starting in its pot. Cactus and succulent soil has done well for me for many years, as it is already a well draining mix. It sometimes comes with perlite particles in it, however I still add about 1 part for every 5 parts cactus and succulent soil mix. The perlite helps with aeration of the roots, and cactus and succulent soil provides expert drainage for the plant.
After soil, then comes the fertilization. I will typically fertilize about once every two months in the growing season with tomato fertilizer. Regular fertilization in the growing season will help your Hoya get essential flowering nutrients, thus making it more likely to flower during the season. Personally, I have done this with my Hoya Obovatas and I already have a peduncle getting ready to flower!! I personally live in hardiness zone 7a, and bring my hoyas/other tropicals inside for the winter around mid-September. It is best to grow them between 65º- 80ºF. During winter indoors, your plants will inevitably be getting less light. I don’t usually fertilize my plants through this time (October-March) due to the lack of heat, light and humidity.
Watering is relatively easy with these guys, they don’t like having too much at any one time. In nature, their roots will climb into pockets in trees and rocks to find water. Their roots tend to stay shallow in their pot as it will dry faster than the bottom of the pot. This is why I say relatively, when the bottom of its pot still has moisture, I may sometimes leave it be for another couple days, and it’s always easy to tell when you pull up the plant and the soil comes with it. (Granted, only do this when you know your plant has been in the pot for a while) Airy soils like orchid chips or pellets also work well in allowing the soil to dry out a bit quicker. Important also, is noting your watering schedule. I am growing a lot of plants at any given time, and can’t always get time to water. I compensate for the time between waterings by leaving my plants in a well-draining, but slow-drying soil to keep them from drying out before their next watering cycle. It is better to keep their soil on the dry side rather than the wet side, as it can cause root rot, which will affect your entire plant. Too dry, and you may lose a couple leaves. After a dry spell, a good, deep watering later it will start pushing out leaves again in no time!
Lighting is important for these plants, and the more light it receives, the bigger your leaves are going to be! In the summertime, I use a camping tent with shade vents to keep my plants well-lit. This method also lets me control the amount of water my plants are receiving, preventing rot while maximizing daylight. Another benefit I’ve found with using the tent is they will also get optimal air flow and it helps dry out any pockets of water around the plants. In the winter, I like to keep my tropicals in a south facing window since the sun is lower in the sky. This method helps me bring my horticultural hoard back inside without sacrificing their love for bright light.
Hoya Carnosa Compacta comes in both a green variety as well as a variegated variety similar to that of your Hoya Carnosa Krimson Queen. They have a white to cream variegation running along the sides of the leaves.Carnosa Compactas are known for their interesting leaf shape, and make a winding, zig-zag pattern in their leaf structure. Variegated varieties can make a beautiful statement plant once matured for 2-3 years, as these are slow growing plants. The traditional Hindu rope in its green variety will typically grow faster for you due to a higher amount of chlorophyll, which makes photosynthesis possible.
Overall, this species of Hoya is one of my all-time favorites! And it will make a wonderful desk plant that will eventually trail out of its pot and start taking on its ‘rope’ form! Remember, it is always better to slightly under-water rather than overwater, and with enough bright light you’ll have ropes you can actually swing on before you know it! Happy planting 🙂