Hindu Rope Plant

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Origin

Hoya compacta, also known as a Hindu Rope Plant, is a popular tropical vining plant native to Eastern Asia and Australia.

They're sometimes alternatively called the 'Wax Plant' due to the shiny, waxy appearance of their leaves. These are typically a rich green color, but there are also some variegated versions that come in shades of yellow, white or pink.

These plants also produce small flower clusters of star-shaped blooms, typically whitish-pink in color. This is what gives Hoya compacta the 'Porcelain Flower' common name, as these flowers look very uniform and intricate, as if they were designed by an artist!

Care

Hoya compacta like bright, indirect light such as light that is filtered through a sheer curtain or gets diffused through a room. Therefore, you shouldn't place yours somewhere that receives lots of intense harsh sunlight. Although their leaves might feel leathery and thick, these plants can't tolerate direct light and can show signs of damage if they get too much.

At the same time, although they can survive in relatively low light conditions, if you want yours to bloom then you'll need to provide it with some light.

Try to keep your Hoya compacta in a warm room with high humidity - they're a tropical plant so they're used to a rainforest environment. This can be hard to replicate in your home, but you can supplement the dry indoor air with regular misting and / or use of a pebble tray.

These plants actually thrive in pretty tight pots, so don't plant yours in a pot that's too big and always use one with drainage holes.

Less is more when it comes to watering - you can allow the soil to dry out in between waterings.

Other

There are other 2,000 different types of Hoya plant - hoya actually refers to the genus which contains many different varieties. However, the Hoya Carnosa is the most popular for use as a houseplant.

They've been displayed decoratively indoors for decades, looking especially appealing when used in hanging baskets.

They were named after the 18th-century English botanist Thomas Hoy.

It is believed by some that Wax Plants symbolize protection and wealth, and so they are often given as gifts in order to bestow the receiver with these blessings.