Hoya kerrii care: Growing the heart-shaped succulent

Plants play an important role to keep the environment healthy. They produce oxygen through photosynthesis, which reduces air pollution. Plants also improve the appearance of gardens and lawns. Hoya Kerri is one such plant that improves the appearance of any garden or yard.

It is a cute and uplifting plant that's easy to care for if given the right conditions. Its vining growth style allows it to climb up things or trail down from hanging pots. People love it for its cool, heart-shaped leaves and lovely, fragrant flowers.

Growcycle offers the best care guides for growing plants and also helps gardeners achieve a healthy, evergreen garden. The article below explores vital information about Hoya Kerrii, including its characteristics, botany, and care routine.

Botany of Hoya Kerrii

Hoya Kerrii, commonly known as the Sweetheart Plant or Lucky Heart Plant, is a popular species of the genus Hoya in the family Apocynaceae. This plant is especially as a gift for occasions like Valentine’s Day.

1. Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Order: Gentianales
• Family: Apocynaceae
• Genus: Hoya
• Common Name: Hoya Heart, Lucky Heart plant, Valentine’s Hoya
• Botanical Name: Hoya kerri

2. Physical Characteristics

• Leaves: This plant is known for its heart-shaped, green leaves. When grown indoors, the leaves usually reach 2 to 5 inches long, but if the plant climbs in good conditions, the leaves can grow over 6 inches.
• Flowers: It produces clusters of small, star-like flowers that are white or light pink with a red or burgundy spot in the center. The nectar in these flowers makes them smell nice and sticky. Flowers usually appear in warm months but only on mature plants. Younger plants and single-leaf cuttings typically do not bloom.
• Fruit: Fruits are rare in these plants, especially the ones grown at home. But they can produce seed pods in the wild if they get pollinated.
• Hardiness: This plant can grow outdoors in USDA zones 11-12. However, most people keep it as an indoor plant because it needs a warm environment.

3. Origin and Habitat

• This plant is from Southeast Asia and usually grows in Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. It often climbs trees in the rainforest. 
• It's a slow-growing evergreen vine that uses its aerial roots to scale up trees in the wild. 
• As a houseplant, it’s commonly kept in hanging baskets or on support structures to help it climb.

4. Reproduction

• The Hoya Kerrii plant generally propagates through leaf or stem cuttings. To do this, gardeners take a small cutting of its leaves or stems and plant it in a pot.

Types of Hoya Kerrii Plant

Here is a comparison of some of the common types of Hoya Kerrii plants:

Benefits of Growing Hoya Kerrii in the Garden

Here are some of the most common advantages of having Hoya Kerrii in the garden:

• Low Maintenance and Resilience: The Sweetheart Hoya is a great choice for those who want an easy to care for plant. It doesn’t need much watering or feeding. Just avoid overwatering and use a pot that drains well.
• Air Purification and Health Benefits: This plant has shiny leaves that help clean the air. It absorbs toxins and releases oxygen, acting as a natural air freshener.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Its heart-shaped leaves are cute and add beauty to any room. They don’t need much light to stay looking good.
• Versatility: This plant is well-suited for any setting, whether a bright loft or a dark apartment. It easily adjusts to different light conditions.
• Symbolism of Love and Friendship: This plant represents love and friendship, making it more meaningful than a typical card.
• Beautiful Flowers and Fragrance: This plant surprises people with lovely flowers that smell nice. It's like receiving a sweet note unexpectedly.
• Stress-relieving Aesthetics: Looking at this plant is calming and enjoyable. Homeowners can hang it, place it on a shelf, or let it climb.
• Easy Propagation: It is simple to propagate, so it keeps giving. Cut a piece, plant it in the soil, and get a new plant to share. 
• Cultural Significance: The Hoya Kerrii is attractive and has a rich history and cultural significance. It offers more than just being a plant.

How to Grow or Propagate Hoya Kerrii Plant?

Propagating Hoya Kerrii is not a challenging task. Here is how a gardener can propagate it:

1. Water Propagation

When propagating Hoya Kerrii in water, the first thing to do is pick the right cuttings. Look for healthy stems that have at least one leaf node. Just snip right below the node. Dunk the node in water, making sure no leaves are underwater. Change the water weekly to keep it fresh and prevent bacteria from building up.

Watch the roots as they start to grow. Move them into the soil once they're about 2-3 inches long. This method gives a fascinating and easy sneak peek into how roots develop underground.

2. Soil Propagation

It is important to use well-draining soil when it comes to soil propagation. A good mix would be potting soil combined with perlite, vermiculite, or clean sand to help drainage. Just dampen the mix, then stick the cutting in with the node buried.

Give it indirect sunlight and keep the moisture steady. Stay away from the direct sun to avoid burning baby Hoya Kerrii. Water it when the top inch of soil is dry to prevent flooding the roots while they're still getting started.

3. Propagation Through Leaf Cuttings

To propagate Hoya Kerrii with a leaf cutting, grab a leaf with a little bump called a node, where new leaves will grow. After finding the node, cut the leaf off the stem right below it.

Gardeners can put the leaf in a jar of water, dip it in rooting hormone, or set it in soil. Either way, they should see roots form in about 4 to 6 weeks. When the cutting has rooted well, they can pull it out of the pot and plant it in something bigger.

4. Propagation Through Stem Cuttings

Propagating Hoya Kerrii with stem cuttings is an easy method for gardeners. The only thing to do is cut a piece of stem at least 4 inches long with a couple of leaves. Remove leaves near the bottom so they don’t sit in the water.

Gardeners can either pop the bottom part of the stem in a jar of water or dip it in rooting hormone before planting it in the soil. Just keep the soil nice and moist but not dripping wet. Either way, homeowners or gardeners should start seeing roots in about 4 to 6 weeks. Once it’s rooted, remove it from the pot and put it in a bigger one.

Tips for Successful Hoya Kerrii Propagation

Gardeners can follow these simple tips to successfully propagate Hoya Kerrii:

1. Be Patient: Propagating Hoya Kerrii takes time. A cutting might develop into a fully rooted plant in several weeks or months. Early on, it is normal to see little to no activity; just wait and watch.
2. Look for Growth Stages: After a few weeks, small roots will start to appear. This is when the plant focuses on building a strong root system. Once the roots are developed, the plant will start growing new stems and leaves in the following months. Look for these signs to track its progress.
3. Monitor the Cuttings: Regularly check for root growth. If the cutting propagates in soil, gently dig up the cutting to check the roots. Do this sparingly to avoid damaging the plant.
4. Repot at the Right Time: When roots grow to about two inches long, it’s time to move the plant to a pot with soil. This often happens around four weeks but can take longer. Use a pot with good drainage to prevent root rot.
5. Pick the Right Season: Spring and summer are the best times for propagation because Hoya Kerrii grows more actively during these warmer months. Growth will slow down in cooler seasons, so expect longer wait times.

How to Take Care of Hoya Kerrii Plant?

Hoya Kerrii is easy to care for with the right approach. Here are some key tips for keeping it healthy and thriving:

1. Light

Like succulents, these heart-shaped Hoyas love soaking up the sun to grow well indoors. It is best to find a spot with a lot of bright, direct sunlight for several hours each day. A west or south-facing window works great for this. If there is not enough natural light, bringing in a grow light can help. A full-spectrum LED grow light is a solid choice for giving hoyas the light they need to thrive.

2. Soil

Hoya Kerrii is a lovely plant that prefers light and airy soil. If regular indoor potting soil is used without adjustments, the roots can become compacted, which may slow its growth. To help Hoya Kerrii stay healthy and grow well, gardeners can mix potting soil with perlite, orchid bark, and sand. This combination provides the airflow and drainage the roots need to thrive.

3. Water

The soil should be allowed to dry out completely between waterings. Hoya Kerrii is a hardy plant and can tolerate some drought because of its thick leaves that store water. However, it is sensitive to overwatering, which can lead to root rot. The watering needs of Hoya Kerrii change with the seasons. During summer, it may need slightly more water, but in winter, watering should be significantly reduced.

Gardeners can observe the leaves to check if the plant needs water. If the leaves are green and plump, the plant is well-hydrated. If the leaves appear thin or wrinkled, it’s time to water the plant. A moisture meter can also help ensure the soil is dry before the next watering.

4. Temperature and Humidity

Hoya Kerrii thrives in warm and humid environments. It grows best when temperatures stay between 60 and 80°F and struggles if they drop below 50°F. Most homes provide enough humidity for the plant, but higher moisture levels can help it flourish. Using a humidifier near the plant is an easy way to increase humidity.

Gardeners can also place Hoya Kerrii in naturally humid rooms like the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room. While it is commonly grown indoors as a houseplant in the U.S., it can be grown outdoors year-round in USDA hardiness zone 11.

5. Fertilizer

Hoya Kerrii doesn’t need much fertilizer, but it benefits from some extra nutrients during its growing season. From spring to summer, a balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied once a month to support healthy growth. Always check the fertilizer label for the correct amount to avoid overfeeding.

6. Potting and Repotting

Hoya Kerrii only needs repotting every two to three years. These plants prefer being slightly root-bound, so using a pot that’s too large can cause problems like overwatering.

When it’s time to repot, gently remove the plant from its current pot. If the plant is stuck, lightly squeeze the sides of the pot or wiggle the stem while holding the plant upside down. Once it’s free, shake off as much old soil as possible without damaging the roots.

Choose a new pot that’s just 2 to 3 inches wider than the old one. Place the plant in the new pot and fill the gaps with a light, well-draining potting mix. After repotting, water the plant thoroughly and return it to its usual spot.

Common Problems and Solutions of Hoya Kerrii Plant

Here are some common issues a gardener can face while dealing with Hoya Kerrii plant:

1. Root Rotting

• Cause: Overwatering, Poor drainage
• Solution: Trim the affected part to ensure conservative water regimes

2. Wilting

• Cause: Underwatering, over dryness
• Solution: Monitor moisture level and ensure optimal watering 

3. Curling Leaves

• Cause: Overwatering, underwatering, temperature shock
• Solution: Water the plant optimally, and place the plant in a room with a suitable temperature

4. No Growth

• Cause: Poor growing conditions, like water, light, or temperature
• Solution: Ensure proper lightning, avoid over or underwatering, and monitor the health of the root system

5. Pest Infestation

• Cause: Attack of mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites
• Solution: Regularly inspect the plant for pest infestation and use insecticidal spray or neem oil.

FAQs

Can Hoya Kerrii grow from one leaf?

Hoya Kerrii can grow from one leaf cutting, but it is mostly just for decorative purposes. If the leaf doesn't have a node, it won’t turn into a full plant. To help it grow properly, ensure the cutting includes part of the stem.

How do you care for a Hoya Kerrii?

When caring for Hoya Kerrii, ensure it gets plenty of bright, indirect light and uses well-draining soil. Water it only when the soil has dried out completely between waterings. Keep the humidity up and give it some diluted fertilizer during the growing season.

Is Hoya Kerrii a hang or climb plant?

Hoya Kerrii is a versatile plant that can grow up or hang down. It naturally vines, so it is great for trellises or moss poles. It also does well in hanging baskets, where its cute, heart-shaped leaves are displayed in a fun way.

The Bottom Line

Hoya Kerrii is a lovely and versatile plant with heart-shaped leaves. It helps to clean the air, adds beauty to any space, and can improve mood and sleep. With the right care, gardeners can grow Hoya Kerrii successfully and create a lush, green garden.

Growcycle provides excellent guides on growing plants with the right care. These guides help gardeners to care for plants properly, making it easier to enjoy a thriving and attractive garden or yard.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, where he covers the latest news, trends, and innovations in sustainable agriculture. He has a deep passion for storytelling that emphasizes ecological balance and responsible farming practices.

Before joining Growcycle, Victor worked for several agricultural and environmental publications, reporting on significant environmental issues and interviewing key figures in the sustainability sector. His work has been featured in various industry journals and online platforms.