If you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for houseplant, the hoya carnosa, also known as ‘krinkle kurl,’ is a great option.
This plant is known for its wavy, curly leaves and is a perfect addition to any home.
Hoya carnosa ‘Krinkle Kurl’ is native to Southeast Asia and is a member of the Apocynaceae family.
Like its cousin, Hoya carnosa ‘Krinkle Kurl’ is a succulent with thick, waxy leaves that help it retain water.
Some of the common names/variants of hoya carnosa include:
- Krinkle Kurl
- Wax Plant
- Porcelain Flower
- Indian Root
The name Krinkle Kurl is likely derived from the plant’s wavy or curly leaves.
The other common names, wax plant, and porcelain flower, refer to the plant’s glossy leaves.
Indian Root is likely a reference to the fact that the plant is native to India.
If you’re looking for a fun and unique plant to add to your indoor jungle, look no further than Hoya carnosa ‘Krinkle Kurl.’
Here are some reasons why you might want to get a hoya carnosa plant for your home, as well as some tips on caring for it.
Quick Facts On Hoya Carnosa
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Light: Bright indirect light
- Temperature: Room temperature 65° to 75° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Allow to dry out in between watering
- Fertilizer: Monthly during the growing season
- Propagation: Stem cuttings
- Common Problems: Overwatering
Hoya Carnosa Care
Hoya Carnosa plant is a relatively low-maintenance houseplant and can thrive in various indoor environments.
It is an excellent choice for beginner gardeners or those who don’t have a lot of experience caring for plants.
What Does The Hoya Wax Plant Look Like And How Big Does It Grow?
Hoya carnosa ‘Krinkle Kurl’ is a cultivar of the Hoya carnosa species. It is a fast-growing, evergreen vine that can reach up to 10′ feet.
This eye-catching plant gets its name from its crinkly, deeply lobed leaves.
The leaves are thick, dark green, and have a crinkled or wavy appearance with burgundy margins.
When Does Hoya Wax Plant Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
The Hoya carnosa ‘Krinkle Kurl’ flowers are small and white. They have a sweet fragrance that is most noticeable in the evening.
The plants bloom continuously from spring to fall.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Hoya carnosa’ Krinkle Kurl’ does best in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate some direct sun.
Since these plants do best in bright, indirect light, placing them near a window where they will get some indirect sunlight.
If the leaves start to lose their variegation or turn green, it’s not getting enough light. The ideal temperature range for this plant is 65° to 75° degrees Fahrenheit.
However, it can tolerate lower temperatures as long as it doesn’t go below 50° degrees Fahrenheit.
How And When To Water And Fertilize Hoya Carnosa?
When it comes to watering, Hoya carnosa ‘Krinkle Kurl’ is very drought tolerant and can go several weeks without water.
However, it’s important not to let the plant completely dry out.
The best way to water this plant is to let the soil dry out in between watering. Then, when you do water, ensure to water thoroughly until the water runs out of the drainage holes.
This plant can actually be killed by too much water.
Hoya carnosa’ Krinkle Kurl’ doesn’t need to be fertilized often. Once a month is sufficient.
Be sure to use a balanced fertilizer diluted to half the strength.
What Is The Best Soil For Hoya Carnosa And When Should You Transplant?
When it comes to Hoya Carnosa care, the soil is vital. The plant does best in a well-draining potting mix with some organic matter.
You can use a commercial potting mix or make your own by mixing one part perlite or coarse sand with two parts peat moss or coco coir.
Hoya Carnosa does not like to be disturbed, so it’s best to transplant in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and make sure it has drainage holes.
To transplant, do the following:
- Water the plant well and then carefully remove it from the pot.
- Gently loosen the roots and then place them in the new pot.
- Fill in around the plant with potting mix and water well.
Does Hoya Carnosa Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Hoya Carnosa is a low-maintenance plant that will benefit from regular grooming.
Use a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to remove any dead or dying leaves and stems.
You can also cut back the plant to encourage new growth.
How To Propagate Krinkle Kurl Hoya?
Krinkle Kurl Hoya is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can be propagated easily from stem cuttings.
Propagation is one of the best ways to keep this plant looking its best, as it can become leggy over time.
To propagate, do the following:
- Take a stem cutting with at least 2 leaves and remove the bottom leaf.
- Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone,
- Plant the cuttings in a pot filled with well-draining potting mix.
- Water lightly and place the pot in a bright, indirect light location.
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and you should see new growth in a few weeks
Hoya Carnosa Pests And Diseases
Pests and disease problems are not common with hoya carnosa plants. However, mealybugs can be problematic, particularly if the plant is grown indoors.
These pests are small, white, wingless insects that suck sap from the plant. Mealybugs can cause leaf yellowing and stunted growth. They can also spread diseases.
To control mealybugs, wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Alternatively, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Diseases that may infect hoya carnosa plants are root rot and powdery mildew.
Root rot is caused by too much moisture and can cause the plant to wilt and die.
Powdery mildew appears as a white or gray, powdery fungus that forms on the plant’s leaves and stems.
Water the plant at the base to prevent powdery mildew instead of wetting the leaves.
Water in the morning so the leaves have time to dry before nightfall.
To prevent root rot, make sure the plant is not overwatered and that the pot has drainage holes.
Suggested Krinkle Kurl Uses
Krinkle Kurl can be used in a variety of ways in the garden.
In the landscape, use Krinkle Kurl as a groundcover under trees or shrubs. It can also be planted in containers and used as a cascading plant.
Hanging baskets are another great option for Krinkle Kurl. This plant looks especially nice when allowed to spill over the sides of the basket.
Krinkle Kurl is also a good choice for indoor growing. It can be grown in a bright spot with indirect light or low light conditions.
However, when grown indoors, Krinkle Kurl will need to be watered more frequently than when grown outdoors.