Hoya Kerrii Care

Hoyas come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, but hoya kerrii are unique vining succulents. Their thick, heart shaped leaves have earned them a handful of common nicknames: sweetheart vine, hoya hearts, lucky heart plant, and Valentine’s hoya. Every year around Valentine’s Day, these little hearts have their moment.

Light

Like the succulents they resemble, these hearts want real light, several hours of bright, direct sun a day. A west or south facing window is ideal. If your windows can't manage that, a full spectrum LED grow light can stand in for the sun.

Water

Let the soil dry thoroughly between waterings. Those thick, water storing leaves mean hoya kerrii will ride out a long drought, and the real danger runs the other way: overwatering and root rot. Water more often in summer, and cut back hard in winter.

The leaves will tell you when it’s time. Still plump means not yet. Thinner and slightly wrinkled means it’s ready for a good drink. A moisture meter settles any doubt about whether the soil is fully dry.

Temperature and humidity

Hoyas like it warm and a little humid, and hoya kerrii are no exception. Keep them between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and never leave them anywhere that drops below 50. Ordinary household humidity works, though they’ll reward you for more: a humidifier nearby, or a naturally humid room like a bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room. Outdoors they only live year round in USDA hardiness zone 11, which is why these hearts mostly stay on windowsills in the United States.

Fertilizer

Hoya kerrii aren’t big eaters, but a little food helps while they’re in active growth. In spring and summer, a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month is plenty. For the amount, follow the product label.

Soil

As an epiphyte, hoya kerrii require extremely airy, well draining soil. A dense bagged indoor mix on its own compacts around the roots and stunts growth. Blend in plenty of perlite, orchid bark, and sand instead, and your hoya kerrii will love you for it.