The Hoya kerrii, known as Sweetheart Hoya or Valentine Hoya, is a popular houseplant recognized for its distinctive heart-shaped leaves. Often a holiday gift, this succulent vine is native to Southeast Asia and can grow quite long.
All About Hoya Kerrii
Hoya kerrii has thick, waxy leaves, 2 to 5 inches long. As an epiphytic plant, it uses aerial roots to climb trees. This vining habit allows it to trail or climb with support.
Hoya kerrii is often sold as a single, rooted heart-shaped leaf. While these leaves can survive for years, they will not grow into a full vining plant without a stem node. A full Hoya kerrii plant, with stem and multiple leaves, is slow-growing and vining, producing long tendrils that can be trained or cascaded.
Caring for Your Hoya Kerrii
Light
Hoya kerrii thrives in bright, indirect light, similar to its natural habitat under a tree canopy. West, south, or east-facing windows (for morning sun) are suitable. Direct, intense sunlight can scorch leaves, while insufficient light leads to poor growth. If natural light is limited, a full-spectrum LED grow light helps.
Watering
As a succulent, Hoya kerrii requires infrequent but thorough watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot, as these plants are susceptible. In warmer months, water weekly; in colder months, it may be every two to three weeks. Check soil moisture by touch or pot weight.
Soil
Hoya kerrii requires an airy, well-draining potting mix. Standard indoor potting soil needs amendments for drainage and aeration. Materials like perlite, orchid bark, or coarse sand create a suitable substrate. A mix designed for succulents or orchids provides the loose, porous environment its roots prefer.
Temperature and Humidity
They prefer warm temperatures, 60-85°F (16-29°C). Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) hinder growth. While Hoya kerrii tolerates average household humidity, higher humidity (40-60%) benefits growth. A humid room (like a bathroom) or a humidifier increases ambient moisture.
Fertilizing
Hoya kerrii benefits from light fertilization during its active growing season in spring and summer. A balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength and applied monthly, is sufficient. Withhold fertilization during fall and winter dormancy. Over-fertilizing causes nutrient imbalances and yellowing leaves.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering, common due to sensitivity to wet soil. Underwatering or nutrient deficiencies also contribute to leaf discoloration. Wrinkled or limp leaves signal severe underwatering, depleting water reserves. Persistently wrinkled leaves also suggest root rot, due to damaged roots.
Like many houseplants, Hoya kerrii attracts pests like mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, and scale insects. Regular inspection of leaves and stems helps detect early infestations. Pests are managed by wiping them off with rubbing alcohol, or by applying insecticidal soap or neem oil for widespread issues.
Propagating Hoya Kerrii
Propagating Hoya kerrii is done through stem cuttings. A cutting must include at least one node, as roots and growth emerge from nodes. Cuttings should be taken from a healthy, mature plant, 4-6 inches long, with a few leaves.
Remove lower leaves to expose nodes, preventing rotting. Root cuttings in water, changing water weekly. Alternatively, place cuttings directly into moist, well-draining potting mix, burying at least one node. Roots form within weeks; once 1-2 inches long, transplant to soil (if water-rooted).