When I first saw this Hoya carnosa compacta cutting on the clearance shelf, my first thought was one of joy. I can think of a lot of online plant pals that would love to have this cutting and plant in their collection. However, upon further inspection, this cutting was in bad shape.

This Hoya’s leaves were a dry wrinkled mess. The roots where encased in that green floral foam that you use for floral arrangements. However, I am optimistic that his Hoya will bounce back.

After breaking open the casing, the roots were small and dry. By placing the roots in water I am hoping to reboot some growth and plump the leaves. This would be a true tell of whether or not this Hoya carnosa would survive.

Hoya Carnosa Compacta Care:

  • Hoyas like loose well draining soil. Think about usuing potting soil mixed with extra perlite or a bark mix like Orchid bark.
  • Do not overwater your Hoya. Let them dry out in between watering.
  • Place you Hoya in bright indirect light. They are sensitive to direct sunlight

Plant Rescue Update:

I am happy to report that after a couple weeks of water therapy, the leaves were starting to fill out and plump. A few more weeks and there was new root growth that told me this Hoya was ready to be potted up.

I worried about transitioning this cutting to soil, however I mixed up some potting soil. A mixture of potting soil, perlite and some cactus soil. I added the cactus mix because it was what I had on hand, but I suspect that it will help the water drain.

If you are into plant rescues then check out this playlist for SuburbanSill’s plant rescues. You might also like this popular post about rescuing a Ctenanthe lubbersiana or Never-Never plant.