What it is: This listing is Hoya carnosa 'Compacta' (Hindu rope, 'Krinkle Kurl'), whose folded, curled leaves give the stems a rope-like look (NC State Extension). It belongs to the Hoya genus in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae).

Light: Bright, indirect light year-round is ideal (NC State Extension). Keep it out of hot summer sun, which can scorch the leaves (RHS). Low light leads to thin, stretched growth and few or no flowers (Iowa State Extension). If you don't see new growth, it probably needs more light. Grow bulbs in a nearby lamp can help through dark winters.

Watering & care: Use a loose, fast-draining mix in a pot with good drainage, and let the mix dry out between waterings (NC State Extension). Both soggy and bone-dry mix can make leaves drop (NC State Extension). Use room-temperature water, because cold water can shock it (NC State Extension). It doesn't mind being pot-bound. When it does need repotting, go up no more than about 5 cm (2 in), and not while it is in bud or flower (NC State Extension). The dense, curled leaves can hide mealybugs, so check between them now and then. It copes with average indoor humidity (Iowa State Extension), though it grows best with more. A room humidifier is the most effective way to raise humidity; a pebble tray gives only a small, local boost.

Winter indoors: Hoyas go semi-dormant in winter. Keep it a little cooler and drier, and water moderately once the mix is fairly dry, but never let it dry out completely (RHS). Hoya carnosa needs a minimum night temperature of about 10 °C (50 °F) (RHS); it grows best at 16–24 °C (61–75 °F) (RHS). Keep it away from cold windows and heaters.

Flowers: Most plants won't flower until they are 2 or 3 years old (NC State Extension). Bright light and steady care matter most. Never cut off old flower stalks (spurs): they can rebloom for years (NC State Extension; RHS). Don't move a plant once it has buds, because changing light can make the buds drop (RHS). Flowers are often fragrant, especially in the evening (RHS), but blooming and scent are not guaranteed.

Expected indoor size: Its stems are heavy and drape rather than climb, which suits a hanging basket, plant stand or shelf edge. Old plants can drape up to about 2.4 m (8 ft) indoors, though young plants are far smaller. If you need to prune, do it in early spring and avoid the flower spurs (NC State Extension). Growth depends on light, warmth, pot size and care, so treat these figures as a guide rather than a promise.

Feeding: Hoyas need only light feeding: about every couple of weeks in spring and summer with a balanced feed (ideally urea-free), reduced to about once a month in autumn and winter (RHS). Our All Purpose Fertilizer works at the label dilution. Flush the pot with plain water every few months to prevent salt build-up, and don't feed for 5–6 weeks after repotting (RHS). For plants old enough to flower, some growers also use a bloom feed such as Gaia Green Powerbloom; follow its label.

Pets: NC State Extension lists Hoya carnosa as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Still keep plants out of reach of pets that chew.

About your plant: Every plant is a little different. Size, fullness and leaf count vary from plant to plant and change with age and light. The size option (2-1/2", 4", 6") refers to the pot diameter. It does not guarantee an exact plant height or leaf count. Photos and the shared gallery image show typical plants from our greenhouse, not the specific plant you will receive. Flowers in photos are from mature plants; your plant may not be in bloom or old enough to flower.