Perhaps you’ve seen the Hoya kerrii plant, you know, the heart-shaped succulent also known as the sweetheart hoya or Valentine’s hoya?
It’s a unique, vining plant. And while it takes a few years to grow into a long vine littered with hearts, you can imagine the beauty of this plant in a hanging basket flaunting its heart-shaped leaves!
Now if you want this plant to become a vine, don’t buy it as a single-leafed plant. You’ve got to buy one with a node(s)
attached, otherwise your plant will typically remain as you purchased it – a single-leafed plant.
For beginner plant owners, this is a good option. It’s low maintenance and can go for long periods without watering.
Table of Contents
Snapshot
| Botanical name | Hoya kerrii |
| Light | Bright, indirect |
| Water | Soil to dry out completely between waterings |
| Soil | Well-draining |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
Basic Care Tips
Light Requirements
Place your Hoya kerrii in a location that gets bright, indirect light, such as near a window with southern or western exposure.
If you don’t have the right spot indoors, using a grow light will be effective. The placement of your plant under the grow light is determined by the kind of grow light you use.
Watering Needs
One of the pluses of this plant is that it can go for a long time without being watered. Remember, this is a succulent, so it stores water in its leaves.
When watering your Hoya kerrii, water it deeply. Make sure that its pot has drainage holes and pour out the water in the drainage tray, as this plant is prone to root rot.
And let the soil dry out between waterings.
Soil Requirements
The potting soil must be well-draining. If you opt for standard potting soil, add cactus mix, orchid mix, and perlite or sand to improve the drainage.
Alternatively, you can make your own potting soil. Here’s a quick video demonstrating this.
Fertilizing Needs
Fertilize your Hoya kerrii monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a liquid fertilizer, following the instructions on the package.
Temperature and Humidity
Warm temperatures ranging from 65 °F to 80 °F (18 °C to 27 °C) are best for this plant.
Don’t expose your Hoya kerrii to temperatures below 50 °F (10°C), so keep your plant away from air conditioning vents and drafty spots.
Place your plant in a location with a minimum humidity level of 40%. If the humidity falls below this level during the colder months, you can increase it in a few different ways.
- Use a pebble tray – Fill a tray with pebbles, add water so that the water level isn’t higher than the top of the pebbles, and put your plant on top of the tray. The moisture around the plant will increase while the water evaporates, because of increased humidity.
- Use a humidifier – A plant humidifier will produce a light mist over your plant, providing the right amount of humidity.
Propagating
It’s relatively easy to propagate this plant from stem cuttings.
- Use pruning shears to remove a portion of a stem that has at least one node and some leaves (don’t be surprised to see milky sap exposed when you cut the stem).
- Put the cutting in cup or jar of water (room temperature) making sure that one node is submerged in the water.
- Place your plant in a spot that gets bright, indirect light, changing the water weekly.
- Roots will develop after several weeks and once the roots measure about 2 inches (5 cm), plant the cutting in a pot with potting soil; ensure that the soil stays moist for the first 2 weeks, so the roots can adjust. Then cut back on watering.
Repotting Needs
The Hoya kerrii is a slow-growing plant and as such, only requires repotting every couple of years.
The best time to repot your plant is during the growing season. Repot your plant into a pot one size up from the current one. And again, the pot should have drainage holes.
When repotting, carefully shake off and get rid of the old soil surrounding the roots before repotting into the new container. Use fresh, well-draining potting soil and water your plant.
Toxicity
The Hoya kerrii is a non-toxic plant.
Common Issues
Wrinkled leaves
If you notice the leaves start to wrinkle or pucker, this is a sign of dehydration, and your plant is telling you it needs water. If this is the case, water thoroughly remembering to pour out any water that collects in the drainage tray.
Root rot
As indicated above, the excess water is to be drained away and not remain in the drainage tray, as this can lead to root rot. Mushy stems and roots are a few indicators. For more information on addressing this, here are some tips for root rot.
Common Questions
How long does it take for a Hoya kerrii to flower?
Your plant will flower once it’s about 3 years old. And afterward, it will bloom once per year, in either the spring or summer.
Is this a fast-growing plant?
No, the Hoya kerrii plant is a slow-growing succulent. It can take several years for this plant to reach its full size and begin blooming. Be patient and enjoy the process!
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a new indoor plant, consider adding a Hoya
kerrii to your collection. This unique succulent is easy to care for and adds a
touch of whimsy to any room. Remember to purchase one with nodes attached, if
you want your plant to become a vine and produce beautiful heart-shaped leaves.
And don’t forget – this plant is low maintenance and can go for long periods
without watering! So, if you’re looking for an easy and adorable way to add a
little love and some green to your home décor, consider buying a Hoya kerrii
plant today.