Hoya Kerrii
Hoya kerrii
A succulent-leaved hoya whose thick, heart-shaped leaves make it a popular Valentine's gift, often sold as a single rooted leaf. As a full plant it vines and produces clusters of fragrant star-shaped flowers.
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Water
- When soil is dry
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Hoya kerrii, the Sweetheart Hoya, is famous for its thick, succulent, perfectly heart-shaped leaves, which make single-leaf cuttings a beloved Valentine's Day gift.
While a lone leaf can survive for years, it rarely grows into a full plant unless it includes a stem node. As a complete vine, kerrii is a slow but vigorous climber that eventually produces ball-shaped clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers.
How to identify it
- Leaves: Thick, fleshy, succulent, distinctly heart-shaped
- Color: Solid green (a variegated form has yellow margins)
- Flowers: Spherical clusters of small, fuzzy, star-shaped pale flowers with red centers
- Habit: Slow-growing trailing/climbing vine
- Note: Single rooted leaves stay as just a leaf unless a node is present
Care & growing
Light: Bright, indirect light promotes growth and blooming; tolerates some direct sun.
Water: Let the soil dry out fully between waterings — the succulent leaves store water and rot easily if kept wet.
Soil: Gritty, very well-draining mix (cactus/succulent mix with extra perlite).
Humidity & temp: Average household humidity is fine; keep above 60°F.
Feeding: Light feeding in spring and summer.
Propagation: Stem cuttings with a node (a single leaf alone won't form a plant).
Habitat & origin
Native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and southern China, where it grows as an epiphytic climber in warm, humid forests.
It is grown worldwide as an easy-care houseplant, popular both as novelty single-leaf gifts and as mature flowering vines.
Frequently asked questions
Will my single heart leaf grow into a plant?
Usually not. A single leaf without a stem node can live for years but won't produce new growth. It needs a node-bearing cutting to become a full vine.
How often should I water Hoya kerrii?
Sparingly. Let the soil dry completely between waterings; its succulent leaves hold water and it is very prone to rot.
Why won't it flower?
It needs maturity and bright light to bloom, and single-leaf plants won't flower. Give a full plant ample indirect light and patience.
Hoya Kerrii guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Hoya Kerrii.
