The “Hoya rope plant,” “rope plant Hoya,” and “Hindu rope plant” are all common names for a particular species of Hoya known for their unique curling leaves. They do well as houseplants and are simple to care for.
The official name of this plant is Hoya carnosa ‘Compacta.’ The curling leaves are believed to be a mutation of Hoya carnosa. As far as I know, no compacta species have been found in nature, so this plant is unique as a cultivated houseplant. The flowers bloom in clusters, much like the smooth-leaved Hoya carnosa, but often come with a tinge of pink to the petals.
The Hoya’s Enigmatic Origins
Most Hoya species are native to Southeast Asia and Australia. There are several hundred Hoya species. Hoya are semi-succulent epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants, much like orchids. They prefer a chunky soil mix that doesn’t hold water for long when growing in a pot. I create my own mix of ⅓ organic potting mix, ⅓ orchid bark, and ⅓ perlite or gritty succulent mix. This ensures adequate drainage, protecting the roots from rot.
Anatomy and Characteristics of the Hoya Rope Plant
Hoya are often referred to as the “wax plant” as they are known for their distinct shiny leaves and flowers that can resemble porcelain. Hoya carnosa ‘compacta’ is known for its unique curly leaves that grow on hanging vines, making it resemble a rope. This look is how it has gained the common name “Hindu rope plant.”
Their flowers bloom from perennial peduncles, specialized growths from a node. Flowers appear in clusters and open into star-shaped blooms. The corollas look waxy and the flower surface can have a slight pubescence or fuzz. The scent is very sweet and sometimes nectar drips from the flowers. Flowers mature over 2 or 3 weeks, slowly opening one by one in a very cute way reminiscent of opening a gift.
The Art of Care and Cultivation for the Hoya Rope Plant
While some Hoya species require very specific temperature and humidity, Hoya carnosa is relatively easy to care for in a typical home environment. They prefer medium to high diffuse light so that the leaves don’t get sunburnt but can tolerate much lower light. Higher light leads to lighter coloration in the leaves and typically more growth. Compactas should be watered deeply, and then the soil should be allowed to dry out before being watered again. They can tolerate cool temperatures (but not freezing!) on occasion but like to be between 60-85 degrees, making them ideal indoor houseplants.
Most people want their compactas to have full vines in order to maintain their rope-like appearance. Leaves will only grow at nodes, not elsewhere along the stem. If you get a leggy vine with no nodes, consider propagating that section and adding it back in to fill out the pot. This will encourage the cut vine to push out growth to fill in the existing vine. If there are bare spots where leaves were damaged or fell off, remain patient! New leaves will eventually grow from those nodes.
Hoya Rope Plant Challenges
The most common challenge you may face is pests. Aphids and mealy bugs seem to be the most common culprits and can be difficult to remove from your compacta. I can’t blame them–the curly leaves make a perfect apartment complex. Fortunately, insects are less attracted to healthy plants.
If you notice pests on your compacta, don’t fret! There are methods to remove them. A strong stream of water will remove many, and then a soapy water mix or diluted alcohol solution can be applied to the plant to kill any remaining unwanted critters. For exceptionally long-lasting infestations, there are systemic pesticides. Personally, I prefer to avoid any pesticides and employ other bugs. Ladybugs, assassin bugs, and other benevolent insects love to snack on these pests. They can often be purchased from a local plant shop or ordered through the mail.
Propagation: Creating a Full Plant or Creating Heirloom Gifts
Propogating compactas is simple. Cut a vine, remove leaves from a few nodes, and place the cut end of the vine in water and wait. For years, my great-grandmother had a vase sitting on her windowsill of just cuttings. To transition them to dirt, I’d recommend waiting until the developing roots have started to branch. It is easy to get eager, but a more robust root system will increase the likelihood of a happy plant.
Another propagation method you can try is air layering. This can be done while the plant is still intact by layering or wrapping a stem in a moist growing medium (like sphagnum moss) and waiting for a root ball to form before cutting. In the wild, vines will root on their own once they’ve reached a suitable place, so you can also try your luck at simply putting cut vines in soil. My family had done this by accident when we moved ours outside in the summer. Once it was time to bring them in for winter, we found that some of the vines had rooted and were happily growing in the ground!
Hoya Popularity and Community
While Hoya carnosa species have been cultivated for a couple of hundred years, they reached peak popularity in the US in the 1970s. There has been a recent resurgence in interest in Hoya, with many people growing collections of different Hoya species. You may find that prices have increased in even the most common types, such as carnosa, with some unrooted cuttings of more rare or desirable Hoya species selling for triple digits.
Though Hoya carnosa compacta is one of the more common varieties, its beauty and curly leaves are truly unique. It is a hardy plant that tolerates a variety of conditions and can be a long-lasting gift or staple in your home. Mine has been around for four human generations, with many propogations shared along the way!
More Plant and Gardening Articles to Enjoy
Desktop Garden – Informational Guide
Vertical Gardening: Tips & Tricks
The Growing Trend of Micro Homesteading
Apartment Homesteading: Guide to Sustainable Living in Small Places
