Hoya 'Krinkle 8' – Textured Foliage Meets Classic Carnosa Charm
Hoya 'Krinkle 8' is a distinctive cultivar of Hoya carnosa, recognized for its deeply puckered, glossy green leaves. Its name refers to the leaf surface, which often displays multiple symmetrical indentations, giving the plant a uniquely textured look. Tough, slow-growing, and beautifully low-maintenance, this Hoya is a perfect match for both beginners and collectors looking to add visual texture to their indoor plant collection.
What Makes Hoya 'Krinkle 8' Unique

 
Textured Leaves: The thick, waxy leaves are marked by multiple deep depressions, creating a curled, rippled appearance. While the “8” in its name is symbolic, leaf patterns vary by plant.
 
Trailing Habit: With its cascading vines, this cultivar thrives in hanging baskets or on shelves where it can spill downward for maximum impact.
 
Fragrant Blooms: Mature plants may produce clusters of star-shaped, pale pink flowers with red centers and a sweet, classic Hoya carnosa fragrance.
 
Easy-Care Nature: Known for its drought tolerance and adaptability, this plant thrives with minimal attention once established.

How to Care for Hoya 'Krinkle 8'

 
Light: Best in bright, indirect light. Can handle some gentle direct sun but avoid harsh midday rays to prevent scorching.
 
Watering: Let the top 2 – 3 cm of soil dry before watering. Overwatering is the most common issue — always use a pot with good drainage.
 
Humidity: Tolerates normal indoor humidity but appreciates moderate to high levels. No misting required.
 
Temperature: Ideal range is 18 – 26 °C. Avoid cold drafts and do not expose to temperatures below 12 °C.
 
Soil: Use a loose, well-draining mix like orchid bark + perlite + coco coir or a ready-made aroid substrate.
 
Fertilizer: Feed monthly with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer when actively growing. No need to adjust seasonally unless light or temps drop.
 
Repotting: Repot only when rootbound. Hoyas prefer tight pots and often flower more readily when slightly constrained.

Common Issues & Solutions

 
Yellowing Leaves: Usually from overwatering or lack of light. Let soil dry more and relocate to a brighter spot.
 
Root Rot: Caused by soggy soil. Improve drainage and use airy substrate.
 
Spider Mites: Check undersides of leaves. Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap and increase humidity.
 
Leaf Droop: Often a sign of underwatering or low light. Adjust watering and lighting conditions as needed.

Extra Growing Tips for Hoya 'Krinkle 8'

 
Encouraging Flowers: Keep the plant in consistent conditions, don’t overpot, and avoid cutting off peduncles — Hoyas rebloom from the same flower stalks.
 
Propagation: Easy to propagate via stem cuttings with at least one node and some aerial roots. Root in water, moss, or perlite mix.
 
Placement Ideas: Looks great in a hanging planter or on a shelf with room for vines to cascade. Rotate occasionally for even growth.

Toxicity & Safety

 
Pet Safety: Hoya 'Krinkle 8' is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. Still, keep out of reach to prevent chewing or ingestion.
 
Latex Sap: Like all Hoyas, it produces a sticky white sap when cut — wear gloves if sensitive to latex.

Frequently Asked Questions

 
Is Hoya 'Krinkle 8' a hybrid? No — it is a cultivar of Hoya carnosa, not a cross with Hoya 'Compacta'.
 
How long before it blooms? Usually 2 – 3 years in good light. Keep flower stalks intact — they rebloom from the same spot.
 
Can it grow in low light? It can survive in lower light, but growth and flowering will slow down significantly.

Etymology
The genus name Hoya honors English gardener and botanist Thomas Hoy (circa 1750 – 1822). The name 'Krinkle 8' refers to the characteristic leaf texture with multiple surface indentations, though the number is not always literal — it's a descriptive cultivar name, not a scientific one.
Why Choose Hoya 'Krinkle 8'?
If you want a bold-textured, sculptural Hoya that thrives with low effort and rewards patience with fragrant blooms, Hoya 'Krinkle 8' delivers. It’s hardy, compact, and a visual standout — perfect for trailing displays in modern plant spaces.