Among houseplant collectors, hoyas are a favorite group. And there are a lot of reasons for that, one of which is the nearly endless variety found in their foliage. Each species expresses its unique personality in the shape, texture, and color of its leaves, and that goes double for Hoya carnosa ‘Compacta.’
A.K.A. Hindu Rope
Such an unusual leaf inspires a unique description, and ‘hindu rope’ is the name many collectors use to identify Hoya ‘Compacta.’ In true hoya tradition, the leaves on ‘Compacta’ are semi-succulent and glossy, but things diverge from there. On this hoya, each leaf folds in half and then curls back on itself in waves and strange bulges that turn the draping stems into pendulous ropes. Each plant is a one-of-a-kind sculpture.
Turning back to tradition, ‘Compacta’ offers those fragrant clusters of star-shaped blooms that all hoyas are known for – when they finally bloom, that is. Patience is key with any hoya, but after a few years of maturity and the right care, ‘Compacta’ may reward you with ball-like clusters of pale pink stars featuring darker pink details in the center.
Care + Feeding
As a group, hoyas are epiphytes from areas in and around southeast Asia. The care they appreciate as houseplants reflects that unique lifestyle and the region’s warm, tropical climate. Living as they do clinging to the branches of taller plants and trees, hoyas are used to lots of bright, but indirect light, indoors and out. Warmth and humidity are important too, and hoyas get an invigorating boost from a summer spent outdoors in a bright spot out of the direct sun. Inside, try to avoid chilly windows and drafty doorways if you can. For soil, choose a potting mix that’s loose and nutritious and drains quickly – a professional potting mix for houseplants mixed with a little sand, perlite, or orchid bark is ideal. Be sure to let the mix dry out quite a bit between each watering, and remember to empty the drain tray afterward.
A New Texture for the Collection
Twisty and pendulous, Hoya ‘Compacta’ threatens to steal minutes of productive time as you admire its curious foliage. If you’re ready to add one to your collection, stop by the Greenhouse and take a look. But don’t wait too long – our hoyas tend to fly out of here, just about as soon as they hit the tables. If you’d like to learn more about these beautiful plants, just ask. We love talking hoyas as much as you do.
