The Hoya carnosa ‘Krinkle 8’ is a popular cultivar of the Wax Plant, distinguished by its thick, succulent-like leaves. Its unique foliage has a deeply textured, puckered appearance, often featuring eight small depressions on each leaf, which gives the plant its descriptive name. This low-maintenance indoor houseplant is a cross between the standard Hoya carnosa and the highly curled Hoya carnosa ‘Compacta’.
Essential Environmental Conditions
The Hoya Krinkle 8 thrives in bright, indirect light. Ample filtered sunlight promotes compact growth and encourages the production of its delicate, fragrant blooms. Direct, intense afternoon sun can scorch the waxy leaves, causing them to turn a bleached color. While the plant survives in lower light, growth slows significantly, and it may not flower.
Maintaining warm and consistent temperatures is important, with an ideal range between 60°F and 80°F (15°C to 27°C). Growth slows or stops completely if temperatures fall below 62°F (17°C). Protect the plant from cold drafts, such as those near air conditioning vents, as sudden temperature drops can shock the plant and cause leaf loss.
Hoya Krinkle 8 prefers moderate to high humidity, ideally between 40% and 60%, to mimic its native environment. Although it tolerates average household humidity, supplemental moisture enhances growth and prevents leaf edges from browning. Use a pebble tray filled with water or a small room humidifier to maintain consistent, elevated humidity levels around the plant.
Watering and Nutrient Requirements
Watering follows the “soak and dry” method, allowing the soil to dry out significantly between waterings. Because its thick leaves store water, the plant is drought-tolerant and highly susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Wait until the top half to two-thirds of the potting mix feels completely dry before reintroducing water.
When watering, soak the medium thoroughly until water drains freely from the drainage holes, ensuring the entire root ball is saturated. Watering frequency decreases during the cooler winter months when the plant’s growth slows. Switching to filtered or distilled water can help prevent mineral buildup if your tap water contains high levels of chlorine or salts.
The Krinkle 8 benefits from regular fertilization during its active growing season in spring and summer. Apply a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20), diluted to half or quarter strength, about once a month. To encourage the production of star-shaped flowers, switch to a high-phosphorus fertilizer once the plant is mature.
Choosing the Right Medium and Repotting
The ideal potting medium must be airy, chunky, and well-draining, reflecting its epiphytic nature. A suitable mix combines standard indoor potting soil with materials like orchid bark, perlite, and coconut coir for aeration and drainage. This blend prevents the soil from becoming compacted and ensures oxygen can reach the roots, which is crucial for preventing root rot.
Hoya plants do not require frequent repotting and prefer to be slightly root-bound, which can encourage blooming. Repotting should only be performed every two to three years, or when roots are severely circling the pot or growing out of the drainage holes. When sizing up, choose a pot only one size larger than the current one to avoid excessive soil volume that retains too much moisture.
As a vining plant, the Hoya Krinkle 8 produces long, trailing stems that can be trained for display. Providing a trellis, hoop, or moss pole allows the vines to climb upwards, promoting larger leaf growth. If left unsupported, the stems will naturally cascade downwards, making the plant suitable for a hanging basket.
Propagation and Troubleshooting Common Issues
The most effective method for propagating the Hoya Krinkle 8 is through stem cuttings taken during the growing season. Select a healthy stem section that includes at least one or two nodes, where leaves and aerial roots emerge. Cuttings can be rooted in various mediums, including chunky soil mix, moist sphagnum moss, or a glass of water until roots are visible.
Common pests for this plant include mealybugs and spider mites, which hide in the deep crinkles of the foliage. Mealybugs appear as small, white cottony masses and can be spot-treated by wiping them away with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Spider mites are best addressed with regular applications of neem oil or insecticidal soap, ensuring thorough coverage on both the top and underside of the leaves.
Troubleshooting common issues often involves adjusting the watering routine. Yellowing leaves signal overwatering and potential root rot. Conversely, shriveled or limp leaves indicate the plant is severely underwatered and needs a thorough soak. If the plant fails to bloom, the cause is likely insufficient light; moving it to a brighter, indirect location can stimulate flower production. Because dusting is difficult due to the textured leaves, gently rinsing the foliage under a light shower or using a soft brush is recommended for cleaning.