Hoya kerrii 'Splash'

Hoya kerrii is a charming and popular succulent vine prized for its distinctive, thick, heart-shaped leaves. It's often sold as a single leaf cutting rooted in a small pot, making it a unique and adorable gift, especially around Valentine's Day. With proper care and time, it can develop into a trailing vine. Mature plants may produce clusters of small, star-shaped, fragrant flowers, typically white with a pink or red center.

Common Names: Sweetheart Hoya, Valentine Hoya, Wax Heart Plant, Heart Leaf Hoya.


Care Information:
* Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. An east- or north-facing window is ideal. It can tolerate lower light, but growth may be very slow. If grown outdoors, partial shade is best.
* Water: Allow the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. Hoya kerrii is susceptible to root rot, so it's better to underwater than overwater. Water thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch. Reduce watering in the fall and winter during the dormant season.
* Soil: Requires well-draining soil. A mix suitable for succulents or orchids is ideal. You can create your own mix using regular potting soil with perlite, orchid bark, and sand to improve drainage.
* Temperature: Prefers warm temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). Protect from frost and sudden temperature changes.
* Humidity: While it appreciates moderate to high humidity, it can tolerate average household humidity. You can increase humidity by misting occasionally or placing it near a humidifier, especially in dry environments.
* Fertilizer: During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize once a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Do not fertilize during the fall and winter.
* Potting: Repot every 1-2 years in the spring, or when the plant outgrows its current pot. Choose a pot with good drainage. The new pot doesn't need to be much larger than the previous one.
* Pruning: Generally, Hoya kerrii does not require pruning. However, you can trim any dead or yellowing leaves. If the vine becomes too long, you can trim it back, and the cuttings can be used for propagation.
Propagation: Hoya kerrii can be propagated by stem cuttings.
* Select a healthy stem with at least one leaf and a node (the point where a leaf grows from the stem). For a higher chance of growth, cuttings with multiple leaves and nodes are better.
* Use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors to take the cutting.
* Allow the cut end to callous over for a few hours or overnight.
* You can root the cutting in various mediums:
   * Water: Place the cutting in a jar of water, ensuring that at least one node is submerged. Roots should develop in a few weeks. Once the roots are 1-2 inches long, plant the cutting in well-draining soil.
   * Soil: Plant the calloused cutting directly into moist, well-draining potting mix.
   * Sphagnum Moss or Perlite: These can also be used as rooting mediums, providing moisture and aeration. Keep the moss or perlite moist but not waterlogged.
* Place the cutting in a warm location with bright, indirect light.
* Keep the rooting medium consistently moist until roots are established.

Important Note: Single heart-shaped leaves without a node can sometimes root and stay alive for a long time but may not produce new growth or develop into a vine. For propagation into a new plant with vining potential, ensure your cutting includes a node.
Potential Issues: Overwatering (leading to root rot), mealybugs, and spider mites.

Tags: hoya kerrii splash, hoya, kerrii, sweetheart hoya