BellinaMy Hoya Compacta Story
Valley View has always been one of my favourite stores. A warm, plant-filled escape from the bitter -20°C winters. Stepping through its doors feels like slipping into the tropics, minus the long flight or stressful airport queues. I visit once a month, sometimes more, because their restocks often include unusual or rare specimens. Over the years, I’ve found some of my most treasured plants there. One example is a totem pole cactus that completely fascinated me. There were only four or five on display that day. A true “right place, right time” moment.
Valley View is known not just for the plants, but for the incredible deals. Years ago, when the philodendron pink princess was practically impossible to find, they did a drop of tiny seedlings in 2.5-inch pots for just $10. Plant collectors were stunned, and thrilled. That memory still sticks with me and helps explain why I keep going back.
One plant that had long been on my wish list was the Hoya compacta, with its unique, twisted, rope-like leaves. When I finally spotted one in a hanging basket for $20, I didn’t hesitate. I brought it home, placed it in a bright spot, and watched it thrive. Over time, it produced eight beautiful vines and gifted me with many chocolate-scented blooms. Eventually, the plant outgrew my space, and I gave it away. But not without a little heartbreak.
Five years later, I found myself thinking about it again. I returned to Valley View, of course, and found another Hoya compacta. I brought it home and placed it in the exact same south-facing window as before. That spot must hold some kind of magic because the new plant started growing vigorously within weeks. Multiple vines emerged, followed by an abundance of blooms. The sweet chocolate fragrance was most noticeable in the evenings, just like before.
This Hoya enjoys direct morning sun until about noon and seems to crave it. Though it’s more light than most people recommend, it clearly works here. Watering is frequent, every two days, because if I let the soil dry out too much, the leaves start to shrivel. I keep the soil slightly moist and always include a small amount of fertilizer in each watering. It’s a warm grower too, continuing to grow in winter, but really taking off in spring and summer. In the heat of summer, temperatures at the window can reach 30°C, and it doesn’t mind a bit. During this active season, the vines grow longer, often bearing peduncles, leading to many beautiful blooms.
Hoya Compacta Care Summary
Light: Thrives in bright, direct morning sun (south-facing window until 12 noon).
Watering: Water every 2 days, or when leaves begin to feel slightly soft. Prefers slightly moist soil.
Humidity: Average household humidity is sufficient, though increased humidity encourages growth.
Temperature: Warm grower. Tolerates up to 30°C in summer and continues growing in winter indoors.
Fertilizer: Use a diluted fertilizer with every watering during active growth (spring through fall).
Blooms: Produces chocolate-scented flowers, most fragrant in the evening and night. Flowers form on pedunclesthat return seasonally.
Growth Habit: Twisting, vining plant with thick, waxy leaves. Fast grower in the right spot.
Propagation: Easily propagated from vine cuttings with at least one node.
With the right care and environment, Hoya compacta will reward you with lush growth and unforgettable blooms. For me, it’s become a symbol of growth, patience, and the joy of rediscovery.
