Hoya Kerrii
Thick, heart-shaped leaves, sold as a single rooted leaf in a pot every February. The single leaf rarely grows into a plant; a vine with a stem does, slowly, into a thick-leaved climber with waxy flowers. Pet-safe and drought-proof.
The sweetheart hoya is the single heart-shaped leaf in a little pot that appears in shops around Valentine's Day. It is a real hoya, but a single leaf without a stem node almost never grows into a plant; it just stays a leaf for years. If you want it to grow, buy one with a stem.
A proper Hoya kerrii is a slow, thick-leaved vine with the same easy care as any hoya, and eventually fragrant flowers.
Light
Bright indirect light with some gentle direct sun. An east window or near a south one. The thick leaves take more sun than most hoyas.
Water
Let the soil dry out completely, then water. About every twelve days in summer and every three to four weeks in winter. The leaves are water tanks; overwatering is the only real risk.
Soil and potting
A gritty, airy mix: bark, perlite and a little potting soil. A small pot; it flowers best root-bound. Repot rarely.
Feeding
A half-strength balanced feed every six weeks in spring and summer.
Propagation
Stem cuttings with at least one node. A leaf alone roots but does not grow.
In a hot, dry home
Very happy here. Thick leaves, drought tolerance and no humidity demands make it one of the easiest rare-ish plants for this climate. Keep it out of scorching west sun in July.
Hoya Kerrii varieties
Same care, different look. These are the named forms you will see for sale.
- Single leaf (heart)
One rooted leaf in a pot, sold for Valentine's. It usually stays a single leaf forever; it has no node to grow from.
- Kerrii Variegated
Green hearts with cream margins. Slower.
- Kerrii Reverse Variegata
Cream centre with green margins.
- Kerrii Splash
Green hearts speckled with silver.
Problems and fixes
Single leaf never grows
Likely cause: No stem node
Fix: Nothing to fix. Enjoy the leaf, or buy a plant with a stem.
Wrinkled leaves
Likely cause: Thirst
Fix: Water thoroughly.
Yellow, soft leaves
Likely cause: Overwatering
Fix: Let it dry out fully.
Hoya Kerrii questions
Will my single-leaf Hoya kerrii grow?
Almost never. A leaf without a stem node roots but has nothing to grow from. Buy a plant with a stem if you want it to vine.
Is Hoya kerrii safe for cats and dogs?
Yes. Hoyas are non-toxic to pets.
How often should I water Hoya kerrii?
Every twelve days or so in summer and every three to four weeks in winter, when the soil is completely dry.
Plants with a similar rhythm
String of Hearts
- Light
- Bright indirect to direct sun
- Water
- Every 10 days
- Pets
- Safe
