Hoya kerrii aka Sweetheart Plant
Taxonomy ID: 2503
Hoya kerrii, often called Sweetheart Hoya or Hoya hearts and originating in South China, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and the Indonesian island of Java, is a species of Hoya easily recognizable for its heart-shaped leaves. It has become popular for Saint Valentine's Day in Europe and is a popular choice for many gardeners. This plant can grow upwards of 13 feet and will take off if you give it a trellis to climb. It produces a wax-like substance when cut or broken and blooms with fragrant, star-shaped white flowers with red clusters. With over 500 species and even more cultivars, Hoya is an excellent plant for any gardener offering easy care, remarkable waxy foliage and blooms, and plenty of room to grow outdoors or indoors.
Common names
Sweetheart Plant, Heart Leave, Hoya Heart, Valentine Hoya, Sweetheart HoyaMore information about Sweetheart Plant
How difficult is it to take care of Sweetheart Plant
Sweetheart Plant is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
What is the region of origin of Sweetheart Plant
Sweetheart Plant’s native range is Southeast Asia and Australia.
What are the water needs for Sweetheart Plant
Sweetheart Plant does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
What is the right soil for Sweetheart Plant
Sweetheart Plant loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Sweetheart Plant
To ensure optimal growth, the Sweetheart Plant prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
What's the right humidity for Sweetheart Plant
The Sweetheart Plant is not in need of supplementary humidity. Most water is taken in by plants through their roots, thus soil watering is the most efficient way to provide humidity to your plants.
How to fertilize Sweetheart Plant
The Sweetheart Plant should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Is Sweetheart Plant toxic to humans/pets?
Sweetheart Plant is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.
What seasonal care does Sweetheart Plant need?
During the cold period, it is common for Sweetheart Plant to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
Is Sweetheart Plant flowering?
If you provide your Sweetheart Plant with adequate amounts of sunlight and water, it will bloom.
More info:
Wikipedia
