Nicknamed the Hoya Hindu Rope or “Krinkle Kurl,” Hoya carnosa compacta is a special mutation of the more common Hoya carnosa but with a few special characteristics.
Known for their distinct curly leaves which resemble compacted tortellinis, Hoya Hindu Ropes also come in variegated and dark green forms.
Their ruffled, twisting leaves dangle like ropes and produce beautiful star-shaped clusters of fragrant, waxy pink flowers in early spring and summer.
Non-toxic, pet-friendly, and group-friendly, these plants are perfect for covering a trellis or for creating an artistic wall garden.
Hoya Hindu Rope Care
Native to East Asia and Australia, these plants are slow basket growers, and are tolerant of shade and drought.
The flowers may produce nectar when grown indoors, so avoid hanging these over nice furniture. When planted outdoors, the nectar may also attract beneficial honeybees and butterflies.
Perfect for beginners, these plants are easy to grow and reward newbies with flowers that smell of mocha, molasses, or chocolate, and are said to be especially intoxicating at night.
Below, find out everything you ever wanted to know about keeping your Hindu Rope Hoyas fresh, fragrant, glossy, and vibrant.
Soil
Like other succulents, Hindu Ropes do not like wet feet, so quick-draining, aerated soil mixtures are perfect. Experts recommend using cactus or succulent potting mix with extra perlite, pumice, orchid bark, or added grit for drainage.
Watering
Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Leaves will wrinkle or pucker when thirsty and may turn yellow. In winter months, reduce the frequency of watering.
Lighting
Bright indirect, diffused light from an east, west, or south-facing window is ideal. Some collectors like to “sun stress” or overexpose their Hindu Rope to extra sunlight to make the leaves turn into a desired pink or red.
Humidity & Temperature
Native to tropical climates, Hindu Ropes thrive in higher humidity ranging between 40-60%. Higher humidity will produce more growth. Group plants together on a trellis or wall garden to encourage more humidity. In drier climates, use a humidifier or aquarium to keep leaves glossy.
Like other Hoyas, Hindu Ropes thrive in warm ambient room temperatures between 61–75°F (16–24°C). In winter or at night, bring them indoors if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Fertilizing
Hindu Ropes are slow-growing and do not need too much fertilizer. During the growing seasons (early spring through summer), you can encourage leaf growth by adding a bit of nitrogen-rich fertilizer and a high-phosphorus plant fertilizer monthly to encourage flower blooms. Avoid fertilization in the winter.
Propagation
To propagate, cut a vine with at least two leaves and allow it to callus over for a few days before placing it in a pot of moist potting soil. A new plant will take root in a few weeks.
Rooting in water is possible as well, but allow the roots to grow to approximately 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) before potting.
Diseases & Pests
Yellowing or browning leaves may indicate underwatering or, occasionally, pests. Like other succulents, Hindu Ropes mayfall victim to
mealybugs, aphids, fungus, mites, scales and mold.
To eliminate, use a store-bought insecticide for pests, and fungicide spray for fungus or mold. Neem oil is an organic and natural insecticide and fungicide for plants.
Other common diseases associated with Hoyas like Hindu Rope are root rot, leaf-spot disease, botrytis blight, and southern blight. A good way to combat disease is to prune damaged leaves and stems or re-propagate clean vines in fresh soil.
Toxicity
Leaves and vines are non-toxic to pets, making these popular and great houseplants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hindu Ropes are slow-growing, averaging 6 inches (15 cm.) a year, and growing up to 15 inches (38 cm) at maturity. It takes 2-3 years for flowers to bloom, so have patience! Hindu Ropes also enjoy being pot and root-bound, so there’s really no rush to re-pot if they’re healthy and thriving.
Hindu Ropes need bright light for blooming, especially during early spring and the summer months. An unobstructed south or west-facing window is ideal during bloom.
A snug pot will also help with blooming , as will the occasional misting to maintain humidity levels during bloom. When flowers fall, do not cut off the small spurs as the flowers will re-emerge from the same spot.
If your Hindu Rope has been in the same pot for many years, it may help to re-pot in a new container with some fresh potting soil for the health of the plant.
We recommend using terracotta or clay pots. It’s not necessary to use a larger container (just fresh soil), as Hindu Ropes love snug pots.
Hoya plants are perfect for beginners, as they make great indoor plants (requiring only bright, indirect sunlight), are drought resistant, neglect tolerant, and require little watering.
They’re also generally pest and disease-resistant and reward the beginner with beautiful, fragrant flowers and tidy, glossy, and easy-to-care for vines.