Hoya Kerrii - Heart Leaf only

What it is: This listing is a single rooted leaf of Hoya kerrii (sweetheart hoya, wax hearts), the thick, heart-shaped leaf that makes this plant popular around Valentine's Day (NC State Extension). It belongs to the Hoya genus in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae).

Light: Bright light without hot direct sun suits sweetheart hoya (NC State Extension). Grow bulbs in a nearby lamp can help through dark winters.

Watering & care: Use a small pot with good drainage and let the mix dry somewhat between waterings (NC State Extension). A single leaf has few roots and rots easily if kept wet. Thin, wrinkled leaves mean it has been left too dry. Use room-temperature water, because cold water can shock it (NC State Extension). A more humid room, such as a kitchen or bathroom, helps (NC State Extension). A room humidifier is the most effective way to raise humidity; a pebble tray gives only a small, local boost.

Winter indoors: Sweetheart hoya likes warmth, ideally 18–27 °C (65–80 °F) (NC State Extension). In winter, water less and let the mix get fairly dry, but never completely dry (RHS). Keep it away from cold windows and drafts.

Flowers: Don't expect flowers from a single leaf. Flowering needs a growing vine, which a leaf-only plant may never produce.

Expected indoor size: This is a leaf-only plant, so expect it to stay about the size it is now. NC State Extension notes that sweetheart hoyas are often sold as single rooted leaves, and that these are not likely to grow well unless some stem tissue was included when the leaf was cut. A rooted leaf can stay healthy for a long time, but it may never grow a new shoot or vine, and we can't guarantee that it will. If you want a sweetheart hoya that vines, choose one of our rooted Hoya kerrii plants with stems.

Feeding: A single leaf needs very little feed. A weak, occasional feed in spring and summer is plenty; our All Purpose Fertilizer works at a quarter to half strength (Iowa State Extension suggests 1/4 to 1/2 strength for hoyas). Don't feed in winter (Iowa State Extension).

Pets: NC State Extension lists Hoya kerrii as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Still keep plants out of reach of pets that chew.

About your plant: Every leaf is a little different: size and shape vary. The 4" size refers to the pot diameter. You receive a rooted leaf, not a vining plant. Photos show typical leaves from our greenhouse, not the specific leaf you will receive. The shared gallery image shows other Hoya, including vining plants, as genus inspiration.