Description
The Hoya Heart plant (Hoya kerrii), also known as the Sweetheart Hoya or Lucky Heart Plant, is a popular succulent-like houseplant known for its thick, heart-shaped leaves. It belongs to the Hoya genus, which consists of vining, waxy-leaved plants.
Description:
- Botanical Name: Hoya kerrii
- Common Names: Hoya Heart, Sweetheart Hoya, Lucky Heart Plant
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Origin: Native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia
- Growth Habit: Slow-growing, trailing or climbing vine
- Foliage: Thick, succulent-like, heart-shaped leaves; deep green in color, sometimes variegated
- Flowers: Star-shaped, waxy, fragrant clusters of pale pink or white flowers with a red or pink center
- Size: As a vine, it can grow several feet long, but single-leaf cuttings remain small
Care Requirements:
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light; can tolerate some direct sunlight
- Watering: Allow soil to dry between waterings; drought-tolerant but dislikes overwatering
- Soil: Well-draining, airy potting mix (cactus or succulent mix works well)
- Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity
- Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 65–80°F (18–27°C); not frost-hardy
- Fertilizer: Light feeding during the growing season (spring and summer)
Special Notes:
- Often sold as a single, rooted heart-shaped leaf, but these may not develop into full vines unless they have a stem node.
- Can take years to flower and requires maturity to bloom.
- Non-toxic to pets but can cause mild irritation if ingested in large quantities.