Hoya carnosa ‘Compacta Variegata’, often called the white variegated Hindu Rope plant, is one of the most recognisable variegated trailing houseplants in serious collections.
 
This is Hoya carnosa reworked into tight, curled, almost braided foliage. Each leaf folds into itself, creating thick rope like vines that cascade slowly over time. Through those twisted green leaves runs clean white to creamy ivory variegation, sometimes edged, sometimes central, often blushing soft pink on new growth in strong light.
 
The white is crisp when the plant is well grown. Not dull yellow. Not faded. Proper contrast.
 
As a white variegated Hoya Compacta, it combines two things collectors want:
 
• Unusual growth habit
• High contrast white variegation
 
Because the leaves are tightly curled, the white reveals itself in layers. It catches light differently across each twist, giving the plant depth rather than flat patterning.
 
Growth is slow to moderate. The compact foliage reduces speed, and the white variegation slightly lowers chlorophyll production. That slower pace produces thicker, more substantial vines over time.
 
Light should be bright and indirect. Strong filtered light keeps the white clean and encourages compact growth. In lower light, the plant may push greener leaves to compensate.
 
Water thoroughly once the soil has mostly dried. This is a drought tolerant Hoya that prefers a drying cycle rather than constant moisture. Use a free draining mix with bark and perlite to prevent root rot.
 
Humidity is beneficial but not essential. It adapts well to typical UK indoor conditions provided it is kept warm and out of cold draughts.
 
When mature and slightly root bound, it produces clusters of waxy, star shaped flowers with a sweet fragrance, adding another layer to an already sculptural plant.