Sweetheart hoya care guide

Hoya kerrii

Also known as: Sweetheart plant, Valentine hoya

Pets and children

We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.

How often to water Sweetheart hoya

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Every 10 days
Its fleshy leaves store water, so as a guide water only a few days after the soil has dried out completely.
Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Every 14 days
Water about a week after the soil dries.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Every 3 weeks
Keep it mostly dry, watering lightly about every three weeks on a mild day.

Light and placement for Sweetheart hoya

A bright window out of direct sun is generally best; with too little light the leaves thin and fade and growth stops, while strong midsummer sun yellows and scorches them.

Overwintering Sweetheart hoya

Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above

Move it to a warm room when nights fall below about 10°C; kept fairly dry it tolerates roughly 5°C, but keep the leaves from touching a cold windowpane.

Fertilizing and repotting Sweetheart hoya

Fertilizer

Diluted liquid feed about once a month from May to September; it grows slowly, so keep doses small and give none in winter.

When to repot

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Common problems with Sweetheart hoya

  • Overwatering rots the leaf from its base.
  • A single-leaf cutting has no node, so it may sit for years without growing.
  • In a dark spot the leaves thin and wrinkle.

Tips for growing Sweetheart hoya

  • If you want it to vine, choose a plant that has a stem with nodes.
  • Watering once the leaf starts to wrinkle is about the right rhythm.
  • Use a fast-draining mix and a pot on the small side.

These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.

Keep your plant log going

Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play