Family: Apocynaceae
Common name: Hindu rope plant, Curly hoya, Porcelain flower, Wax plant, Krinkle kurl
Hindu rope plant or Curly hoya is a fascinating and unique plant that is slow-growing and slow-flowering, but can produce beautiful porcelain-like flowers. The compact, curled-up leaves make them very appealing grown as a hanging plant, or in small standing pots.
Plant characteristics
Curly hoya plants can grow 80-100 cm long with a long, slender stem that is covered with scrunched-up, curly leaves.
They are very slow-growers, especially when grown indoors or in home gardens where many gardeners complain that their Curly hoya plants are not growing at all.
In their natural habitat, these plants can grow longer, climbing on surrounding vegetation using their long stems. The stem is succulent, green with a reddish hue and most part of it is not seen because of the unique leaves.
Each leaf of the Curly hoya is folded up on itself, and scrunched up like a ball, giving the plant its name. Leaves are thick and fleshy, with a waxy coating that prevents water loss.
They are dark green, about 8-10 cm long when opened up; the younger leaves do not curl up when they are new. Curly hoya leaves are the most notable feature of the plant, the twisting, thickly arranged leaves making it look like a rope, giving the plant its name Hindu rope.
Like all Hoya flowers, the flowers of Curly hoya are very beautiful, star-shaped with a waxy texture. They have a pale cream or pink color, which can be dark pink as well depending on the cultivar.
Each flower is 2-3 cm in diameter, arranged in compact clusters which makes them look like small bouquets. These flowers have a faint fragrance to attract pollinators to them.
The blooming period is during summer and spring, but flowering takes a long, long time in garden plants. If the plant is healthy and growing, ‘wait-and-watch’ is the mantra to see your Curly hoya plants flower. They can truly test a gardener’s patience with the time it takes to grow and flower.
The flowers are long-lasting, staying on the plant for several weeks – delicate pink flowers on gnarly green vines, quite a sight to behold.
Fruits and seeds are quite rare in garden plants, and hence vegetative propagation using stem cuttings is the most effective.
Gardening tips
Curly hoya plants do not like harsh, direct sunlight. They grow well in filtered sunlight, even indoors near sunny windows. It is best to grow these plants in hanging baskets or near small trellises that they can climb.
They like to grow in small pots that are compact, like many succulents. So do not grow them in very large pots, and repot only when they fill an existing pot completely.
Be very careful about watering, since over-watering can cause serious stem rot. Treat them like succulents and water only when the soil is completely dry to touch. They are tolerant of drought and can live without water for many days.
Plant Curly hoya in well-draining soil with pieces of bark and perlite to enhance drainage. When grown in colder weather, the plant should be protected from frost and cold drafts, bringing them indoors during peak winter.
These plants prefer moisture in the atmosphere, though not too much in the soil. Misting or placing the pots in trays filled with water can help maintain the humidity levels just right for the plant.
They are slow-feeders since these plants grow very slowly. Fertilize once in 5-6 months with a slow-release, well-balanced fertilizer.
Monitor closely for any aphid or mealy bug infestation since these pests can hide inside the curly leaves damaging them. Remove them by spraying water with force using a hose, or with organic pesticides.
Uses of Curly hoya
These plants are mostly grown as ornamentals for their uniquely beautiful leaves and flowers. There are currently no known medicinal or commercial uses for the plant. They are not toxic to pets or children, and hence can be grown indoors safely.
Curly hoya plants do very well in hanging baskets or pots, adding charm and elegance to your garden.
Propagation
Propagation is through stem cuttings.
Since fruits and seeds are very rare in garden plants, vegetative propagation using stem cuttings is the most commonly used.
Select a healthy, non-flowering stem with enough root nodes. Cut just below a node using a sharp knife or scissors. Allow the cutting to dry out for a day before planting them in a porous rooting medium.
Photographed at: Thrissur, Kerala
