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The Hoya Hearts (Hoya Kerrii) gets their common name from the shape of a single green leaf. Normally vining, this single heart-shaped leaf was rooted without nodes to maintain their single statuesque form. The thick semi-succulent leaves prefer bright indirect light.
This plant is actually a living, rooted leaf. If they do happen to grow, you are one of the lucky ones!
Heart Shaped Hoya Care Guide & Presentation
This plant can tolerate medium light conditions but will bloom in brighter indirect light. If they aren't growing, move them to a brighter light condition.
Treat this one as your other succulents. They are hardy and undemanding plant but still needs watering when the soil dries on top. Water and let drain well approximately every 7-10 days depending on the climate, pot size location, and your home's indoor temperatures. Water less frequently in the winter during dormancy.
Average humidity levels in the home that reach 40% are sufficient for this plant, although it is not mandatory. A pebble tray underneath the pot is sufficient to humidity levels high enough.
Growth is optimum for the Hoya when the temps are warmer. Keep away from cool drafts.
Protect them from temperatures below 50°F.
This plant is pretty self-sufficient in fertilization. Use succulent fertilizer twice during the growing season.
When receiving the Hoya kerrii (Sweetheart Plant), do not repot immediately but wait at least 6-12 months. Repot every three to four years or when the roots are beginning to get crowded and growing through the drainage holes. With young plants with only one leaf, they may never grow past their current size to maintain their statuesque form. Otherwise, a vining hoya will bloom when their roots are snug within the pot so there is no hurry.
Repot in the spring, using a 2 inches bigger pot with drainage holes to keep the roots drier. Place a piece of screening at the bottom of the container over the drainage hole to secure the soil and allow them to drain. Use cacti and succulent potting mix or an aerated soil mixture to prevent any root rot in this indoor plant.
Add the cactus and succulent soil mix to the bottom to elevate the root ball. Lift the plant and release the roots against the existing planter. Use a clean knife or garden trowel to wedge between the pot and the soil to loosen. Inspect the root ball. Notice if there are any dead or rotting roots and trim off with sterile pruners. If the plant is rootbound, cut through the roots to alleviate continued encircling. Ensure the plant is sitting about 1 inch below the edge of the pot to avoid water spillage. Add more soil and backfill around the sides by tamping down. Fill up to the soil line but not over. Water thoroughly, and let the pot drain. If settling occurs, add more soil.
For single leaf Hoyas, a simple wipe with a clean cloth will do. If you have a vining Hoya, after flowering, do not remove the stalks from which the blooms will emerge next season. To control size or length of vine, prune during the spring and use the cuttings to propagate. To clean, shower them with filtered water or non-fluoridated water.
If you have a vining plant versus a single leaf, you can propagate and divide Hoya kerrii plants in the early spring when emerging from dormancy. Pull from the container and brush or wash away the soil carefully around the roots. Carefully divide and repot in a cactus and succulent mixture. Use a container that has good drainage. Layering is also an option. Since the stems have tiny roots protruding out, pin a branch to a pot with moistened soil and keep them moist until they takes root. At that time, you can clip the stem away from the mother plant. Set them in medium to bright, indirect sunlight while they are rooting. Check the moisture weekly and water as before, letting the soil dry a bit between waterings. After 6-8 weeks, roots will begin to establish. You can tug onto the stem to ensure the roots are anchoring well. These plants are slow starters, but once they establish their roots, they will produce vines quickly, and new leaves will form.
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Hoya Heart: Overview
The Hoya Heart, also known as Hoya kerrii, is a unique and charming succulent popular for its heart-shaped leaves. This plant is often grown as a single-leaf specimen, where it will remain in its adorable heart shape without developing a full vine.
Native to Southeast Asia, this tropical plant belongs to the Apocynaceae family and is well-suited for USDA hardiness zone 11. In its natural habitat, the Hoya Heart can grow into a trailing vine, producing clusters of star-shaped, fragrant flowers. However, when cultivated as a single leaf, it will remain compact and stationary, making it a perfect low-maintenance option for small spaces.
The Hoya Heart thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and can tolerate low light, although it will grow more slowly. This long-lasting indoor plant is known for its easy care, making it an ideal choice for both novice gardeners and seasoned plant enthusiasts. In addition, Hoyas are pet-safe plants, ideal for households with cats and dogs. Symbolically, the Hoya Heart is often associated with love and affection, making it a thoughtful gift for special occasions.
For those looking to expand their Hoya collection, other varieties, such as the Hoya Pubicalyx Splash and Hindu Hoya Rope Plant, are also available and offer equally captivating aesthetics.
Hoya Plant: Benefits
- A great compact plant, ideal for small spaces
- The perfect gift, especially on Valentine’s Day, symbolizes love and affection
- Easy to care for and drought-tolerant, making it low maintenance.
- Pet-friendly, safe for homes with animals
Hoya Heart: Alternative Names
- Sweetheart Hoya
- Valentine Hoya
- Hoya Kerrii
- Lucky Heart Plant
- Heart Leaf Plant
Hoya Kerrii: Care Guide
The Hoya Kerrii Sweetheart plant, or Hoya Heart, is a low-maintenance succulent that thrives with minimal care, making it an excellent choice for both novice and seasoned plant lovers. Here’s how to keep your Hoya Heart healthy and thriving.
Watering and Light
The Hoya Heart succulent prefers a “less is more” approach to watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, as overwatering can lead to root rot. Bright, indirect light is ideal for this plant. While it can tolerate lower light conditions, it will thrive and grow more vigorously in brighter light. Direct sunlight, however, should be avoided, as it can scorch the plant.
Temperature and Humidity
This tropical plant enjoys warm temperatures, ideally between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). It can tolerate lower temperatures but should not be exposed to anything below 50°F (10°C). Hoya kerrii prefers a moderate humidity level, so it can adapt to the average indoor environment. If the air is particularly dry, occasional misting can be beneficial.
Soil and Repotting
A well-draining succulent or cactus mix is perfect for the Heart Leaf Hoya. The soil should allow excess water to escape easily to prevent root rot. Given its slow growth, repotting is rarely necessary and should only be done when the plant outgrows its container. If repotting, choose a pot only slightly larger than the currency one to avoid overwhelming the roots with excess soil.
Feeding, Propagation, and Pruning
Feed your Hoya Kerrii Heart during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Unlike the vining Hoya Kerri, a single-leaf Hoya Heart cannot be propagated as it lacks a node required for rooting. Pruning is not necessary for this plant, but you can clean it gently with a damp cloth to keep it free from dust.
Common Issues
The heart-shaped Hoya is generally pest-resistant, but watch out for mealybugs or spider mites. If you notice these pests, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Yellowing leaves are often a sign of overwatering, so adjust your watering schedule if this occurs.
Hoya Kerrii Heart: Placement, Companion & Alternative Plants
The Heart Hoya is a versatile plant that can be placed in various settings, adding charm and a touch of greenery to your space. Pair it with complementary plants to create a beautiful indoor garden, or consider alternative options if you’re looking for similar aesthetics and care requirements.
Best Locations & Uses
- Its compact size makes it perfect for tight spots and adding greenery to workspaces.
- The heart shape symbolizes love, making it an ideal gift for special occasions like Valentine’s Day.
- Being non-toxic, it’s safe to have around cats and dogs.
- Thrives in bright, indirect light and can be a beautiful addition to your porch area.
- With minimal care requirements, it’s an excellent choice for those new to plant care.
Companion Plants
Enhance your Kerrii Hoya Heart’s beauty with these complementary plants:
- Peperomia Lemon Lime (Peperomia obtusifolia ‘Lemon Lime’): The Peperomia Lemon Lime is bright and cheerful and will pair perfectly with Hoya Heart, offering vibrant foliage and easy care.
- Variegated Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia 'Variegata'): The compact size and attractive leaves of the Variegated Baby Rubber Plant create a harmonious look when placed alongside the Hoya Heart.
- String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus): String of Pearls is a trailing plant that adds a delicate touch and thrives in the same light conditions as your Hoya Kerrii.
Alternative Plants
If you’re looking for alternatives to the Hoya Kerrii Heart, consider these options available on Lively Root:
- Hoya Tricolor Trellis (Hoya carnosa 'Tricolor'): Known for its variegated leaves in shades of green, cream, and pink, the Hoya Carnosa Tricolor offers a unique appearance and has similar care needs.
- Peperomia Santorini (Peperomia 'Santorini'): Peperomia Santorini sports a greenish-grey hue on the top of its leaves with a stunning red on the underside.
- Heart Leaf Fern (Hemionitis arifolia): The heart-shaped leaves of the Heart Leaf Fern, make this fern the perfect alternative to Hoya Heart.
Order a Hoya Heart Plant for Sale to Make the Perfect Gift
Order your Hoya Heart plant today to enhance your greenery or to make the perfect gift of love!
