This plant makes a great gift for loved ones.
Fortunately, these plants are as easy to care for as they are to love.
To learn more about these little cuties, we spoke to plant expert extraordinaire Ryan McEnaney.
Photo: Stramyk/Getty Images
Types of Hoya Kerrii
There are several types of theHoya kerriiplant.
They come in several varieties, but they generally need the same care.
When sold as a single heart-shaped leaf, the hoya plant often stays that way.
Photo by: virgola / Getty Images
you’ve got the option to find it in nurseries and both in plant shops and online.
It consists of a single heart-shaped leaf attached to a stemhence the name “sweetheart.”
They are typically lighter or darker shades of green, which add dimension to the plant.
Photo by: Firdausiah Mamat / Getty Images
They sometimes look like streaks of lighter areas, giving this plant a more variegated appearance.
(The “Reverse Variegata” is similar but has darker areas instead.)
This variety’s leaves are slightly longer than those with heart-shaped leaves, as seen here fromPlantvine.
Photo by: Firdausiah Mamat / Getty
It feels like twisted and tangled with long strands of leaves.
Other epiphytic houseplants you may have are orchids or air plants," McEnaney explains.
Hoya heart plants thrive in bright light and requireinfrequent watering.
Photo by: Bilal photos / Getty Images
The most crucial consideration is drainage: grow them in well-draining soil and let them dry out between waterings.
Water
Hoya is a succulent plant that stores water in the fleshy leaf.
Avoid watering too often, as plants perform best when the soil is allowed to dry between waterings.
Photo by: Plantvine
As such, hoya hearts only need to be watered once every two weeks or so during warmer months.
If its dry, give it water, and if its moist, leave it as is.
A mixture of potting soil with orchid bark and perlite to enhance drainage and increase pores works well.
Photo by: The Sill
Light
“Bright, indirect light is ideal forHoya kerrii,” says McEnaney.
If you see burn developing, move it to a more protected space.
If the leaves turn a light green or yellow, they likely need more sun or less water."
Typical indoor conditions are just right for hoya plants, which perform best between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are growing your hoya on a windowsill, move it away from the window in winter.
While typically low indoor humidity levels do not bother hoya, they thrive with a little extra humidity.
Place them near yourhumidifierin winter or in a naturally humid room, such asthe bathroom.
Fertilizer
Hoya does not require muchfertilizerbecause they are very slow growing.
The single leaf will remain a single leaf even after years of growth, which is quite unusual.
The result is a tiny, easy-to-grow plant perfect for your desk or windowsill.
Consider providing a support structure for the vine to climb to help keep it healthy and sturdy.
Also avoid moving the plant too often (they’re sensitive!).
you’re free to also propagate this variation if you have a plant with nodes to develop vines.
Fortunately, it’s easy to do.Propagatinga hoya heart plant, like many succulents, is almost effortless.
Here are some simple steps to follow to grow a new plant from a mature one.
double-check that the plant you choose to propagate doesn’t have any pests.
Cut the Plant
Select a healthy leaf that is attached to a healthy stem.
This “callusing” prevents rotting, and it should only take a day or two.
Transplant them into some soil.
Pat the soil around the cutting for support.
Monitor it over the next few weeks to look for signs of growth.
Once you see roots starting to develop, you’ll know it’s well on its way.
Here are some of the most common problems associated with growing heart hoya plants and remedies to take.
Overwatering
If your hoya heart plant is turning yellow, the most likely cause isoverwatering.
Adjust your watering schedule, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
If this does not improve the problem, the roots may have started to rot, as described below.
Damaged roots cannot take up water, causing plants to lose vigor and become discolored.
Roots displaying rot will appear brown or black instead of white and fleshy.
If your plant has root rot, repot it in fresh soil and trim off visibly rotted roots.
Allow soil to dry between waterings.
Shriveled or Wrinkled Leaves
This can be an indication of underwatering.
Wrinkling leaves is a sign that you likely need to water more often.
Inspect the plant for signs of insect damage or the insects themselves.
These insects feed by sucking plant juices rather than chewing on leaves.
The resulting damage includes wilting, drooping, and yellowing or browning of the leaves.
To avoid insect problems, take care when introducing new plants to the household.
Most pests come indoors on newly purchased plants or houseplants brought inside from the porch or patio.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, a hoya heart is not considered a cactus.
It is a succulent plant that stores water in its leaves.
