Also known as the sweetheart vine, slow-growing Hoya Kerrii can be variegated (pictured above) or solid green. They are sometimes sold as a single leaf and called a forever heart.
If you’re looking for a plant as charming as it is easygoing, the Hoya Kerrii is a perfect long-term companion. Native to Southeast Asia where it climbs tree trunks in rain forests, Hoya Kerrii thrive in warm, humid environments with bright, indirect light. Its thick, waxy leaves are non-toxic to pets and help to provide the sort of independent, self-resilience many people look for in a plant.
Like true love, Hoya Kerrii grows slowly but thrives when it finds where it truly belongs. It doesn’t need much in terms of care, just light, warmth, and occasional watering. A natural-born tree-hugger, Hoya Kerrii wants to cling tightly to something–a trellis, moss pole, nearby plant, edge of bookcase, or even the wall. It will send out a long, leafless tendril in search of support. Don’t cut this off. Instead, wrap it around something stable or twist it into a circle. When your vine is feeling cozy and secure, you’ll see new leaves followed by beautiful clusters of blooms.
Slow-Motion Fireworks: Star-Shaped Flowers Take Weeks to Form
Once you know what a peduncle is, you’re going to want a lot of them. To encourage blooms, find a bright spot and add a trellis for support.
Hoya Kerrii vines typically bloom in the spring or summer if the plant is mature and has well-established roots. Newly rooted cuttings may take 1 to 2 years to bloom, and most single leaf cuttings will never bloom. The flower clusters begin as peduncles and will grow from the vine where it separates to make leaves. Most often, this magic occurs on that wild, searching tendril if it finds the right support. Then, the peduncle buds extend out until they open like fairy umbrellas.
Will My Forever Heart Ever Become a Vine or Bloom?
Never say never . . . a single leaf Hoya Kerrii typically lives for 2 to 3 years without making other leaves or flower clusters. The images above are exceptions to the rule.
In most cases, a commercially produced Hoya Kerrii forever heart will remain a single, heart-shaped leaf for a lifespan of 2 to 3 years unless it thirsts to death or is drowned by overwatering. In rare cases, as pictured above, the single leaf cutting includes growth tissue, called a root node, that sends up a new leaf or bloom peduncle. Grow Earthy Hoya Kerrii are clearly labelled and guaranteed to grow as promised.
Single leaf and vining Hoya Kerrii are available at the Grow Earthy farmers market booth. Check market dates here.
Quick Tips for Caring for Hoya Kerri
- Light: Find a spot with bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some direct light, but too much can scorch the leaves.
- Watering: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the most common mistake with this plant, so err on the side of caution.
- Soil: Use a well-draining succulent mix to prevent water from pooling and causing root rot.
- Temperature: Keep your plant in a cozy environment between 65-80°F. It does not like cold drafts or sudden temperature changes.
- Humidity: All Hoyas prefer moderate humidity levels. While they can adapt to average indoor conditions, occasional misting or a nearby tray of water can help in drier climates.
Grow Earthy 