💚 Hoya Kerrii Heart Succulent Care Guide
📖 About Hoya Kerrii Heart
The Hoya Kerrii, also known as the Sweetheart Hoya or Lucky Heart Plant, is a charming succulent native to Southeast Asia.
Its perfectly heart-shaped leaves make it a favorite gift for symbolizing love, friendship, and good fortune.
This species is part of the Hoya family — a group of slow-growing, semi-succulent vines with thick, waxy leaves.
Most Hoya Kerrii sold are single-leaf cuttings, which remain adorable and long-lived as decorative plants.
However, only plants that include a node (a small growth point at the base of the leaf) can develop new stems and become vined Hoyas — capable of growing multiple leaves and trailing naturally over time.
🌤️ Lighting
Hoya Kerrii loves bright, indirect sunlight.
Place it near a window with filtered light, like an east or south-facing window.
Too much direct afternoon sun can burn the leaves, while very low light will slow growth.
If your plant is variegated or Flame Heart, provide more light to keep the colors vibrant — these types need stronger illumination to maintain their contrast and avoid fading.
💧 Watering
Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings.
Water deeply, then let excess water drain out completely.
During spring and summer, water roughly every 2–3 weeks, depending on humidity and light.
In fall and winter, reduce watering to once every 3–4 weeks, as growth slows.
Overwatering is the most common mistake — the thick leaves store moisture, and excess water can cause root rot.
🪴 Soil
Use a well-draining mix designed for succulents or Hoyas.
A blend of cactus soil, perlite, and orchid bark works perfectly, providing both structure and aeration.
Hoya Kerrii roots prefer air circulation — avoid compact soil or anything that stays soggy.
Make sure your pot has drainage holes, and use ceramic or terracotta containers for best results.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Keep your Hoya Kerrii in warm conditions between 65°F – 85°F (18°C – 29°C).
Avoid cold drafts, air conditioning vents, and temperatures below 55°F (13°C).
It tolerates average household humidity well, but will appreciate slightly higher humidity around 40–60%.
You can mist occasionally or place it near other tropical plants to maintain moisture balance.
🌿 Fertilizing
Feed once a month during spring and summer with a diluted succulent or balanced liquid fertilizer (half strength).
Avoid overfeeding — Hoyas are slow growers and don’t need much fertilizer.
Skip feeding during fall and winter when the plant is resting.
✂️ Pruning
Single-leaf Hoyas don’t require pruning, but if your plant is vined, you can trim back long stems in spring to maintain shape.
Always use clean scissors and avoid cutting off the growing tips if you want more vines to develop.
Pruning encourages branching and fuller growth over time.
🌱 Repotting
Repot every 2–3 years, ideally in spring.
Use fresh, well-draining soil and a pot just slightly larger than the previous one.
Hoya Kerrii likes being slightly root-bound, so repot only when the roots have clearly filled the container.
🍃 Variegated Hoya Kerrii
The Variegated Hoya Kerrii features creamy white, yellow, or pink edges along its heart-shaped leaves.
To maintain its variegation, it needs bright, indirect light — more than the green form.
Too little light may cause the leaves to revert to solid green, while too much direct sun can scorch the lighter areas.
This variety grows a bit slower but rewards patient growers with stunning color contrast and unique personality.
❤️ Flame Heart Hoya Kerrii
The Flame Heart Hoya Kerrii has bold, heart-shaped leaves with a reddish-pink blush around the edges that intensifies in bright light.
Provide strong filtered light and steady warmth to maintain its vibrant tones.
Like all Hoyas, it thrives in airy soil and infrequent watering.
The Flame Heart variety tends to stay more compact but develops a beautiful gradient of green, cream, and pink tones under ideal conditions.
🐞 Common Issues
Yellow leaves: Overwatering or poor drainage — allow soil to dry fully before watering again.
Soft or wrinkled leaves: Underwatering or very dry air.
No new growth: Common in single-leaf plants without nodes; only vined Hoyas can produce new leaves and stems.
Pests: Watch for mealybugs or aphids; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Brown leaf edges: Low humidity or mineral buildup in the water — use filtered water if possible.
🌺 Notes
The Hoya Kerrii Heart Succulent — whether classic green, variegated, or Flame Heart — is a living symbol of love and longevity.
It requires little attention, making it perfect for beginners and collectors alike.
If your plant includes a node, it will eventually grow into a vined Hoya, producing new hearts and potentially fragrant clusters of white or pink star-shaped flowers with age.
With bright light, patience, and gentle care, your Hoya Kerrii will remain a beautiful, enduring reminder of love that grows over time.