Hoya Regalis

The Hoya Regalis is also known as Indian Rope and with its three to four foot long swirls of twisted foliage, it’s easy to see why.  Also known by its more formal name of the Hoya Carnosa Compacta, not only does it boast spectacular foliage, but fragrant pink showy blooms as well.  The Hoya plants are known for their wax-like flowers that are so lovely they can look plastic and be mistaken for faux plants.

This exotic tropical plant hails from Southeast Asia, where they can still be found growing wild, and has made quite a splash as a houseplant in both hanging baskets and containers.  While many of these exotic plants with long trailing foliage can become climbers in containers, because of the twisted shape of the leaves, the Hoya Regalis cannot cling to a support.  If not used in a hanging basket where it can trail its showy leaves, it should be kept trimmed down to be more compact and dense.

Tips for Care

While many exotic houseplants require special care and feeding, the Hoya Regalis is blessedly low maintenance.  Soil should be kept moist and the Hoya requires regular watering.  Like most tropicals, it loves humidity.  In drier areas of the home, misting and damp pebble trays can help produce enough humidity to keep the Hoya happy.

Unlike other finicky exotic houseplants, Hoyas can be placed in a window facing any direction, although flowering can be slightly stunted in Northern windows.  They tend to be happiest in South or West facing windows and do need to be protected from direct burning sunlight in the height of summer.

The Hoya Regalis is one of the more forgiving exotic houseplants, as a forgotten watering or two does not result in certain death.    During the warmer months, watering one or two times each week is sufficient, and in the winter even less water is necessary.  The soil can be allowed to dry slightly between waterings.

Fertilizing once or twice each year using a high phosphorous fertilizer makes for a happy, healthy Hoya.  In the autumn, a good dose of fertilizer encourages hearty blooms, but over fertilizing will definitely cramp its blooming style.

The Hoya Regalis is not particularly susceptible to pests, but its curly leaves do provide good hiding places for aphids and mealy bugs.  Keep an eye out for pests and use a soap and water spray to address them if necessary.

This lovely plant comes in 8 hanging basket, and it is perfect for patio or veranda hanging. The hangers are easily detachable to convert this plant into an attractive tabletop item

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a lot of impact with just a little care in a houseplant, the Hoya Regalis delivers with foliage and flowers to delight both sight and smell.