It is quite easy to see how Hoya carnosa ‘compacta’ was given the common name of the Hindu Rope Hoya-crinkled, warped leaves with their own unique charm fold in on themselves in a pattern rather reminiscent of molten plastic, creating a densely foliated vine that regularly puts off umbels of heavily scented flowers. Hoya blooms are among the most treasured achievements of any collector-the process of growing, maintaining and devoting the attention required to grow a mature ‘compacta’ is a journey that is more than well rewarded, as a large specimen in full bloom can easily perfume an entire home in a delicate, sweet scent not unlike vanilla. With regards to care, ‘compacta’ should be kept in a media rich in inorganic grit such as pumice or perlite; rough, porous surfaces meant to give Hoya’s rambling roots a wide surface area to cling and attach too. Bark chips, regular potting soil or even moss can fill the role of the rest of the substrate; as Hoyas are the ultimate generalist, able to thrive in most any soil, so long as they receive mid to high light, and the occasional fertilization.
