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. 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!