Hoya Kerrii is one of those plants that gets people talking. With its perfectly heart-shaped leaves, it's easy to see why it's called the Sweetheart Plant. Whether you have a full trailing specimen or just a single rooted leaf, it's quirky, low-maintenance, and makes a cute gift or a collector's piece.
This slow-growing hoya doesn't ask for muchjust a bright spot, the occasional drink, and some patience. Eventually, it can vine and produce clusters of fragrant waxy flowers, but for most people, the charm lies in its chubby heart-shaped leaves and the simplicity of caring for it.
These plants are ALL full growing plants and not single leaves.
Botanical name: Hoya Kerrii
Commonly known as: Sweetheart Plant, Valentine Hoya
Hoya kerrii is a member of the wax plant family and a real collector's favourite. Native to Southeast Asia, it starts life either as a single leaf or as a vining plant with multiple heart-shaped leaves. Don't be fooled by its cute appearancethis plant is tough, drought-tolerant, and one of the easiest hoyas to care for.
Hoya Kerrii care guide
Light requirements:
Give it bright, indirect light. A sunny windowsill with filtered light is ideal. It can handle some direct morning or late afternoon sun but protect it from harsh midday rays. If it's not getting enough light, growth will slow significantly, and it may never develop vines or flowers.
💧 Watering:
Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Hoya kerrii stores moisture in its thick succulent leaves, so it doesn't need frequent watering. In summer, water about every 1014 days, and in winter, cut back even more. Overwatering is the main way to harm this plant.
🌱 Soil & Repotting:
It needs excellent drainage. For optimal roots, use our premixed Aroid Mix, or create your own blend using Barks Unlimited Potting Soil with added Perlite. Repot only when rootboundthis plant enjoys being a bit snug.
🌿 Humidity & Temperature:
Average household humidity is fine, though it does appreciate extra humidity in summer. Ideal temperatures are between 1826°C. Avoid cold draughts and keep away from heaters in winter.
🌸 Feeding:
Feed monthly in spring and summer with a controlled release fertiliser or a diluted organic fertiliser. Skip feeding in winter when the plant goes dormant.
🐛 Pests & Problems:
Generally pest-free but occasionally affected by mealybugs or scale. Check the undersides of leaves and along the stems. Treat with insecticidal spray if needed and wipe leaves down gently every now and then.
Pruning & Propagation:
Pruning isn't usually necessary unless you have a vining plant and want to shape it. Hoya kerrii can be propagated from stem cuttings, but single-leaf plants (the cute little hearts sold as novelties) often won't grow further unless a node is attached. Full plants with nodes will vine slowly over time.
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