Heart-Shaped Leaves

by Genevieve
(Singapore)



thick heart-shaped leaves
little roots sticking out from the stem

Please help me identify my plant!
It has thick dark green leaves that are heart-shaped.
two leaves branch out close to the stem at a time, one on opposite sides of the stem.
Stem is green at first but turns grey like other cacti.
There are some short roots sticking out from the length of stem.
Leaves are the size of a woman's palm.
please tell me if there's any more information you need :) Thank You!!

Comments for
Heart-Shaped Leaves

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Jan 14, 2011
 Hoya
by: Jacki

Hi Genevieve, thanks for the great pictures of your plant. Everythings becoming clearer now!

Your plant is some type of Hoya - I've never actually seen one with the heart shaped leaves, so that really threw me off, but the adventitious roots emerging from the stem are a tip off with this genus.

As you may have guessed, you can easily propagate this plant from stem cuttings; many people simply root and grow them for many years in a glass of water, with the plant twining around the kitchen window.

If you don't want this look, simply prune off the long ends, stick them back in the soil of the pot, and the plant will end up with a more bushy appearance.

Hoya are notorious for the scent of their flowers too, some have a sweet cloying fragrance, others smell like rotting meat, depending on the insects they wish to attract to pollinate them.
Jan 14, 2011
 care tips
by: Genevieve

Thank you! you've been a great help! anyway, is there a specific type of fertilizer that I should use or any care tips for this plant. I live in Singapore so its rather hot and humid... :)
Jan 14, 2011
 Has beautiful flowers!
by: Emma

It's a Hoya kerri aka sweetheart Hoya kerrii. I read that you only fertilize in the spring and use something of equal parts like 20-20-20 and protect from temps lower than 50. Potting mix should be 2/3 soil and 1/3 orchid mix. Light should be partial sun partial bright shade. It will bloom in the summer. I want one now.
Jan 14, 2011
 Solved!
by: Jacki

Wow, we make a great team - thanks, Emma.

I'll keep my eye open for this one in bloom, now I definitely want to see if the fragrance lives up to the hype!
Jan 14, 2011
 Thanks!
by: Genevieve

Hey thanks guys!!
To Jacki: I wouldn't exactly put it in a cup of water! It'll probably rot.. haha :D
thanks again!
Jan 28, 2011
 i want one
by: Emma

Ok the longer i think about it the more I want one. I know you are in singapore and i'm in california, do you have any idea where i can find one?
Jan 29, 2011
 Mail Order
by: Jacki

Hey, Emma, look close to home to buy one of these - not only is it expensive to bring plants into the US, it's also illegal without the proper paperwork.

Here are some links to places you can look for a supply of Hoya kerrii:

Nurseries Online


Daves Garden
Jan 29, 2011
 Not illegally...
by: Emma

I was looking like at home depot and walmart then nursuries close to home and couldnt find any that is why i asked. We dont seem to have them in this area although I read somewhere that they are hardy for my zone.
Jan 31, 2011
 online catalogue
by: Genevieve

you could try an online nursery/catalogue.:)
Apr 12, 2011
 Where is that Hoya
by: Steveo

Try ikea - thats where I got mine.
May 06, 2011
 Heart shaped Hoya
by: Anonymous

I was at a wedding where these plants were the centerpiece and were in a shot glass! Several were left on the tables so I brought a bunch of them home put them in soil where they are thriving but are only the one leaf and nothing else yet, it's been about half a year.
Jan 27, 2012
 Hear shaped Hoya
by: Sally

I was the first person in Canada to bring in the heart shaped Hoya. I lived in California and met the woman who brought this plant to the U.S. She gave me the only heart hoya she had ever given away and I in turn gave a slip of this plant to all of my friends in Canada. After a few years I started to see it in some of the nurseries.The lady who gave me this plant used to lecture at Berkley and she had an unbelievable nursery where she collected rare plants.
Jan 28, 2012
 The Origins
by: Jacki

Thanks, Sally for your interesting bit of background on this plant. It's fascinating to learn where a unique plant originated.
Apr 22, 2012
 30yr old 'Hoya'
by: Christina

My Hoya has been in only two pots for the last 30yrs. A few months ago I felt sorry for it and pulled it completely apart, the root system was very poor. Took many cuttings and they are all up and away.

They do enjoy living in a cramped root situation in a hanging pot.The thick leaves retain moisture that this is why they are so successful in trying conditions.

Have just received two heart leaves, don't know colour but will enjoy seeing them take root.
They do take a while to produce roots but it is worth it. Patience is the key.

They are avidly grown here in Australia but I only have a white one and pale pink.
I am now keeping an eye out for a reddish one.

Hope this helps a little.
I will now also endeavour to cultivate a hoya inside my home.

We are sub-tropical here in Brisbane.
Cheers all.
Christina..........

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