Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hoya Kerrii
BeginnerHoya kerrii
A hoya with distinctive thick heart-shaped leaves. Also popular as Valentine's Day gift.
About
Hoya kerrii, the sweetheart hoya or lucky heart plant, is a vining succulent perennial in the family Apocynaceae, native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Laos, and southern China. Its distinctive thick, heart-shaped leaves have made it a popular Valentine's Day gift, often sold as a single leaf cutting in a small pot. However, a single-leaf cutting without a node will not develop into a full vining plant — it will remain as a solitary leaf indefinitely. Full plants with stems grow 1–4 m as mature vines, producing clusters of small, star-shaped, waxy flowers with a pleasant fragrance in spring and summer. As a semi-succulent, it prefers to dry out completely between waterings and is susceptible to rot if overwatered. Bright indirect light suits it well. The heart-shaped leaves make it a charming and meaningful gift plant.
Temperature & humidity for the Hoya Kerrii
Maintain temperatures above 15°C.
Basic Info
Origin
Southeast Asia (Thailand, Laos, southern China)
Lifespan
Perennial
Size
Vine
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Bright indirect light suits it. The vines grow 1-4 m long, so train them onto a stake or support.
Watering
The fleshy leaves store water, so it tolerates drought; water only once the soil is completely dry. Overwatering causes root rot.
Temperature & Overwintering
Cold-sensitive; keep it above 15°C. In winter keep it in a warm room and water even more sparingly, only after the soil is fully dry.
Propagation
Propagate from vine cuttings that include a node. A single leaf cutting usually never produces a new stem.
Soil & Repotting
Plant in a well-draining mix and avoid sogginess. Repot one size up once roots fill the pot.
Notes
Single leaf doesn't grow well (node needed)
Hoya Kerrii FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Hoya Kerrii?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QWhat is the typical price for Hoya Kerrii?
The price of Hoya Kerrii varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: July 5, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Foliage plant. Confirmed by document review to be non-applicable to CITES Appendix (Flora), designated invasive species, or designated animals (the genus does not appear in the CITES flora section; Dracaena spp. listings in CITES refer to a reptile genus of the same name; the plant Dracaena is not applicable).
Sources: CITES Appendices I/II/III (flora section, grepped via dbca mirror) / CITES Appendices (official) / Ministry of the Environment List of Specified Invasive Alien Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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