Hoya kerrii - heart-shaped leaves

Hoya kerrii is recognized by its thick, fleshy, heart-shaped green leaves without variegation. It is the green form of the species, not a selection with light-colored margins. It has a vining growth habit. Under good growing conditions, it produces umbels of waxy, cream-brick-golden flowers with a red corona and abundant nectar; the color changes as the flower matures. The plant is sold as a fragrant plant.

Foliage and growth. The leaves are simple, opposite, thick, and fleshy, with a distinctive cordate shape and green tissue. It is not a variegated cultivar. The number of leaves and growth vary from one specimen to another. Some blades may have transport marks or subtle discoloration; these are not variegation. The stems are succulent, with a vining growth habit.

Hoya kerrii is known as a "cactus hoya"—the plant does well with infrequent watering and medium to low atmospheric humidity and is easy to bring into flower.

Flowers and fragrance. The small, waxy flowers appear in umbels and have cream, brick, and golden tones, with a red or purplish-red corona. The color changes as the flower matures and produces nectar; the season and growing conditions can influence the shade. The nectar can be abundant and may drip. Flowering depends on the maturity of the plant and the growing conditions.

Identity. The accepted botanical name is Hoya kerrii Craib, Bull. Misc. Inform. The name honors Arthur Francis George Kerr. Native range: Cambodia, Java, Laos, Malaya, Thailand, and Vietnam. It was not published in 1810; 1810 is the year of the genus Hoya, not this species. Common names: heart shape hoya, valentine hoya, Sweetheart plant. It is not the 'Albomarginata' form and is not an isolated seasonal leaf.

Some specimens may have leaves with discoloration or mechanical damage caused by international transportation. Each specimen is unique, both in leaf count and growth.

Height including pot: approx. 15–20 cm

The decorative pot is not included in the price.

Substrate: Use an airy, well-draining mix suitable for epiphytic species. We recommend the professional substrate for Hoya and Anthurium – SG Mix.

For complete recommendations on light, watering, substrate, fertilizing, propagation, and flowering, read the complete Hoya care guide.