Sweetheart hoya care: watering, light and repotting
Also called heart plant, valentine hoya · Hoya kerrii · Apocynaceae family
21 d in winter
How often to water the sweetheart hoya?
Allow about 12 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 21 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Sold as a single leaf, it can live for years without ever growing: it needs a piece of stem to grow.
What light does it need?
The sweetheart hoya likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 3 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 45 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: A single 2.5 in (6 cm) leaf, or stems 3–6 ft (1–2 m).
Safe for cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA.
Common problems
Single leaf not growing
Cause: A cutting without stem. What to do: That's normal: it will stay as it is.
Yellow, soft leaf
Cause: Too much water. What to do: Let it dry out completely between waterings.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the sweetheart hoya?
About every 12 days in spring and summer, and every 3 weeks in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the sweetheart hoya?
The sweetheart hoya likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Should you mist the sweetheart hoya?
There's no need: indoor air suits it. Wetting its leaves for no reason can even encourage disease.
When should you repot the sweetheart hoya?
Every 3 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the sweetheart hoya safe?
The sweetheart hoya is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. A pet that eats a lot of it may still vomit, so it's best not to let it nibble.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Yes: the sweetheart hoya forgives a missed watering and adapts well to the home. A good plant to start with.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.