🌿 Hoya carnosa ‘Compacta’ (Hindu Rope) – Care Sheet
Hoya carnosa ‘Compacta’ is a slow-growing, long-lived trailing plant prized for its twisted, rope-like leaves and fragrant star-shaped flowers. It is tough once established, but unforgiving of overwatering.
 
☀️ Light
Prefers bright, indirect light
Can handle gentle morning sun
Too little light results in very slow growth and no flowers
 
Tip: More light = better flowering (without harsh midday sun).
 
🌡 Temperature
Ideal range: 18–30 °C
Avoid temperatures below 12 °C
Not frost-tolerant
Stable warmth encourages steady growth.
 
💧 Watering
Water only when the potting mix has mostly dried
Reduce watering in cooler months
Overwatering is the most common cause of failure
Rule of thumb: When in doubt, wait a few more days.
 
💦 Humidity
Enjoys moderate to high humidity (50–70%)
Adapts well to normal indoor humidity
Ensure good airflow to prevent fungal problems
 
🪴 Potting Mix
Excellent drainage is essential. A suitable mix includes:
Orchid or pine bark
Perlite or pumice
Coco peat or peat moss
The mix should drain freely and never stay soggy.
 
🪵 Pot Size & Repotting
Prefers to be slightly root-bound
Repot every 2–3 years
Choose a pot with good drainage holes
Oversized pots increase the risk of root rot.
 
🌸 Flowering
Flowers develop on short stems called spurs
Do not remove spurs – they rebloom from the same point
Flowers are waxy, star-shaped, and strongly scented (especially in the evening)
Flowering requires good light and a mature plant.
 
🌱 Feeding
Feed lightly during active growth (spring–summer)
Use a balanced fertiliser at ¼–½ strength
Reduce feeding in winter
Too much fertiliser encourages leaves but suppresses flowers.
 
✂️ Pruning
Minimal pruning required
Remove only dead or damaged growth
Never cut flowering spurs
This plant grows slowly; recovery from heavy pruning takes time.
 
🐛 Pests
Watch for:
Mealybugs (especially between leaf folds)
Scale insects
Spider mites in dry conditions
Inspect regularly and treat early.
 
⚠️ Common Problems
Yellow leaves: Overwatering or poor drainage
Wrinkled leaves: Underwatering or root damage
No flowers: Insufficient light or plant too young
🌿 Growth Habit
Slow-growing, trailing plant
Ideal for hanging baskets or trained on hoops or supports
Can live for decades with correct care
 
In summary:
Hoya carnosa ‘Compacta’ thrives on bright light, excellent drainage, and patience. Treat it as a semi-succulent, avoid excess water, and it will reward you with unique foliage and beautifully scented blooms.