The “Queen of Hearts” plant, Hoya kerrii ‘Variegata’, is a vining succulent prized for its distinctive heart-shaped leaves. Each leaf features a creamy white or yellow border surrounding a green center. Its charming foliage and straightforward care make it a popular houseplant, especially around Valentine’s Day. While often sold as single rooted leaves, a full plant develops into a trailing vine over time.
Essential Care Requirements
Light
The variegated Queen of Hearts plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Place it near a west or south-facing window, but direct afternoon sun can scorch leaves. Insufficient light may cause loss of vibrant variegation and stunted growth. If natural light is limited, a full-spectrum LED grow light can supplement its needs.
Watering
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Its thick, succulent leaves store water, making it drought-tolerant but susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Yellow, mushy leaves indicate overwatering; shriveled leaves suggest underwatering. Watering frequency varies seasonally, with more needed in warmer months and less in cooler periods.
Soil
A well-draining, airy, chunky soil mix is ideal for the Queen of Hearts plant, an epiphyte in its natural habitat. Regular potting soil without amendments can compact, hindering root health and growth. Components for a suitable mix include perlite, orchid bark, and sand, often combined with a base potting soil or a specialized succulent blend.
Temperature and Humidity
The Queen of Hearts plant prefers average room temperatures (60-80°F / 15-27°C). It is sensitive to cold temperatures and should be protected from drafts. While it tolerates typical household humidity, it appreciates higher humidity (50-60%). Increase humidity with a humidifier or by placing the plant in a naturally more humid room like a bathroom.
Fertilizing
Fertilize the Queen of Hearts plant sparingly during its active growing season in spring and summer. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, once a month. Avoid over-fertilizing; these slow growers do not require heavy feeding.
Propagating Your Plant
Propagate the Queen of Hearts plant using stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem section with at least two leaves and multiple nodes, which are the points where leaves and roots emerge. Remove any leaves from the bottom portion of the cutting to expose the nodes. Place the cutting in water (leaves above water line) or directly into a well-draining soil mix. Roots typically form within a few weeks; pot once they are one to two inches long.
Repotting Your Plant
Repotting the Queen of Hearts plant is infrequent, as these plants prefer to be somewhat root-bound and grow slowly. Repot every two to five years, or when roots visibly emerge from drainage holes. When repotting, choose a container only one to two inches larger than the current pot to prevent excess moisture retention. Remove the plant from its old pot, gently loosen any old soil, and place it in the new container with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
Addressing Common Plant Problems
Yellowing leaves on a Queen of Hearts plant often signal overwatering; ensure the soil dries completely between waterings and the pot has adequate drainage. Shriveled leaves indicate insufficient watering; increase watering frequency. Loss of variegation or stunted growth occurs if the plant does not receive enough bright, indirect light. Move the plant to a brighter location, avoiding direct sun, to restore vibrant colors and encourage growth. Common houseplant pests, such as mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects, and aphids, can infest the plant. Regular inspection helps detect these pests early, allowing for timely treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil.