The gorgeous Hindu rope plant, also known by its Latin name, Hoya carnosa compacta, is a lovely addition to any home or office. Because of its porcelain-like flower and its waxy, curly leaves, this plant gets nicknames like “wax plant“ and “Krinkle Kurl.”
But if you have one in your home or office, you likely already know all of this.
And because of its beauty and grace, if yours is dying, or seems unhealthy, you’re probably worried.
Fear not. There are many approaches you can take to revive a Hindu rope plant.
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A Hindu Rope Plant Is a Great Choice for Your Home or Office
A thriving Hindu rope plant provides numerous health benefits, including purifying your air, releasing oxygen, adding humidity, and even acting as an anti-inflammatory and wound healer.
Many people choose this plant for its unique, antiquated look. It aids in the Feng Shui flow of any space, and it is eye-catching as its vines drape over the rim of its pot.
Watching one grow unhealthy, can be unnerving, and that’s probably why you’re here.
You’re wondering “how do I keep my Hindu rope plant from Dying?”
Signs of a Dying Hindu Rope Plant
First, know that the Hindu rope plant has a specific growing season as well as an overwintering season. So, if you’re worried that your plant is dying because of slow growth or lack of flowers, you may be anxious over nothing.
Know that it does take three full years, at least for the plant to sprout its first flowers, and then it takes its time growing. During the winter, it will slow down, and during the late spring and summer, it will speed up.
However, if you have noticed any of the following, you may have an unhealthy plant on your hands.
- Dry leaves
- Yellowing leaves
- Leaves falling off
- Non-blooms once the plant has begun flowering
- Shriveling plant with wrinkled leaves
Common Causes of a Dying Hindu Rope Plant
So, what’s causing the symptoms? It really could be anything that ranges from poor location and watering issues to the need for more fertilizer or even pests or diseases. Fortunately, almost every one of these issues can be addressed and remedied.
Some of the most common causes of a dying Hindu rope plant include:
- Overwatering
- Poor drainage
- Low humidity
- Temperature issues
- Bad lighting
- Tests
- Disease
Remember, this plant is native to east Asia and tropical climates, so it takes a little bit of work to mimic that environment in North America and other parts of the world. Each plant has its own specific needs, and to bring back plant in distress, it is critical to understand those needs.
Watering Needs of a Hindu Rope Plant
The watering needs a various plants are all over the place. Some plants only need water every three weeks. Other plants are so thirsty, you’ll have to check on them every other day. Be careful to avoid watering mistakes that might be killing your plant.
The Hindu rope plant likes to be watered from the top down, fully soaked, and then allowed to slowly dry out until it needs more water. In general, the Hindu rope plant will require watering about once a week, less during the winter and more during the late spring and summer.
Are You Underwatering Your Hindu Rope Plant?
If you have been underwatering your Hindu rope plant, you might notice drooping leaves that look lifeless, your soil pulling away from the outside of the pot, or the soil drying out quickly, within a couple of days.
It’s a good idea for anybody growing and maintaining plants indoors to build a soil check into their schedule.
To check the soil of your Hindu rope plant, simply stick your fingers into the plant’s soil and feel for moisture. You should touch moist soil within an inch or two from the surface. If the soil is hard and packed or completely dry, you need to increase your watering.
Restoring Water to Your Underwatered Hindu Rope Plant
If the soil of your plant has become hard-packed, you will likely need to repot it with soil that is light and airy.
If, on the other hand, you simply notice that your soil is too dry, begin a regular schedule of watering once you notice the dry soil.
Are You Overwatering Your Hindu Rope Plan?
Signs of overwatering your plant show up as browning edges, wilting, and pests.
Your soil should not be wet to the touch. Instead, you’re looking for moist, not even really damp. Pests thrive in damp soil.
Restoring Balance to Your Overwatered Hindu Rope Plant
To restore balance to an overwatered plant, you may need to consider repotting the plant in fresh soil. An overwatered Hindu rope plant can get root rot, which will quickly kill your plant.
If, however, your plant has only been gently overwatered, meaning your soil is damp, but not soaking, simply move the plant to a warm, bright space and allow it to dry out.
Soil Needs of a Hindu Rope Plant
The Hindu rope plant calls for light airy soil, rich in potassium. Providing your Hindu rope plant with the right soil to meet its needs can quickly return it to health.
Soil Drainage Needs for a Hindu Rope Plant
Light, airy soil allows for adequate soil drainage, which means you’ll want to be sure your plant is sitting on a saucer or plate to allow all liquids to drain out once you’ve watered it.
Resolving Soil Drainage Issues for a Hindu Rope Plant
If when you first potted your Hindu rope plant, you packed it with a firmer, more dense soil, you may be noticing that your soil does not drain. Instead, it seems to hold onto the water.
This means it’s time to repot your Hindu rope plant in that lighter, airy soil that is rich in potassium.
Lighting Needs of a Hindu Rope Plant
The Hindu rope plant loves bright, indirect light. Without proper lighting, you may end up with soil, drainage issues, overwatering, and underwatering issues.
In short, you may be doing everything right, but your plant just needs to be moved.
Resolving Lighting Issues for a Hindu Rope Plant
The best location for a Hindu rope plant is near a window but not sitting in full, hot sun all day, which can burn the leaves and flowers.
If your plant has been in full sun, and the leaves are starting to burn, be sure to water it thoroughly, allow the soil to drain, then move it to an indirect light location.
Aim for a corner adjacent to the window, but if you don’t have the perfect spot, consider placing a stake with a square of aluminum foil at the top to help reflect the sun back to the plant.
Pests or Diseases that Can Cause Issues with a Hindu Rope Plant
The most common pests to affect the Hindu rope plant are mealy bugs, but you may also find aphids. Both pests will sit on new growth and inside the curly twists of the plant leaves. To treat these pests, spray all parts of your plant with a green solution, a mixture of water, alcohol, biodegradable soap, and mineral oil or an insecticidal soap.
In terms of disease, this plant can be affected by botrytis, a fungus that causes the leaves to turn gray and the stems and roots rot. Typically, this disease is caused by overwatering and can be resolved by allowing the soil to drain and dry out or repotting in new soil.
Fake Hindu Rope Plants Are an Additional Consideration
If you find yourself frustrated with trying to keep your Hindu rope plant, or any other plants, alive remember that an artificial version of the plant is an option.
Fake Hindu rope plants look as real as the live version thanks to the waxy appearance of the leaves and the flowers.
There is no shame in buying and maintaining artificial plants. With high-quality artificial plants, you don’t have to worry about whether artificial plants and flowers are tacky.
Have you brought a Hindu rope plant back to life? I would love to hear your favorite tips in the comments below.
Where to buy Hindu rope plant