Hoya kerrii is a species of Hoya native to the south-east of Asia. A specimen was collected by Arthur Francis George Kerr in 1910 or 1911 in the Doi Suthep mountains west of Chiang Mai (Northern Thailand) at an altitude of 390 m above sea level. It was transplanted to Kew Gardens where it flowered in August 1911, and the species was first described by William Grant Craib from that plant and the wild collections in 1911 Its origin area is South China, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and the Indonesian island of Java. (Source: Wikipedia)
Hoya kerrii is a climbing plant that can grow up to 4 meters high (around 13 feet). Stems have a diameter of 7 mm. The leaves are 6 cm wide, 5 mm thick. Adult plants show inflorescences of 5 cm diameter and up to 25 flowers. The flowers are reflexed and pubescent about 1.4 cm. The corolla is white and the corona is red. They produce copious amount of nectar that stain like the Hoya meliflua, that is why the colour changes from white to red to brown. They smell only faintly or not at all.
As the thick leaves are spade or heart-shaped, the plant is sometimes named "Lucky-heart" , or Hoya Heart or Wax Heart or Sweetheart plant. I am cheeky and see it as an inverted heart so I am calling it bum-shaped Hoya.
Hoya kerrii Care Guide
🌞 LIGHT
Hoya kerrii thrives in bright light, and it’s one of the few Hoyas that genuinely benefits from full sun. Strong light helps the leaves develop their signature thickness and keeps the plant compact and tidy.
In lower light, it will still survive — and even flower — but you’ll notice:
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Thinner, softer leaves
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More twining or stretching as it searches for light
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Slower growth overall
If you want the classic chunky heart‑shaped leaves, bright light is the key.
💧 WATERING
Because Hoya kerrii has very thick, water‑storing leaves, it prefers to dry out between waterings.
Water only when:
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The pot feels light
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The top 2–3 cm of soil is dry
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Leaves feel firm (not soft or wrinkled)
Avoid keeping the soil wet or “just moist” — this species is extremely prone to root rot if the mix stays saturated. A fast‑draining mix is essential.
🌫️ HUMIDITY
This is one of the most forgiving Hoyas when it comes to humidity. Its thick leaves don’t rely on ambient moisture, so it grows happily in normal household humidity.
Higher humidity won’t hurt it, but it won’t dramatically speed up growth either.
🌱 FEEDING
Hoya kerrii is not a heavy feeder. A balanced fertiliser twice a year is enough to keep it healthy.
If you want to encourage flowering, you can add a light application of a bloom‑boosting fertiliser during the warmer months — but keep it gentle. Overfeeding can distort new leaves.
🌡️ TEMPERATURE
As a tropical species, Hoya kerrii prefers warm, stable temperatures. Ideal range: 18°C – 27°C (65°F – 80°F)
Growth slows dramatically in cooler weather, and it may stop entirely below 15°C. Protect it from cold drafts and winter chills.
📈 GROWTH HABITS
Hoya kerrii is famously slow — painfully slow for new collectors. It prioritises root development first, then vines, then leaves.
As Colleen Jessen perfectly puts it: “1st year it sleeps, 2nd year it creeps, 3rd year it leaps.”
Once established, it becomes a strong, reliable grower, but patience is essential.
🌸 FLOWERING
Although slow to mature, a well‑rooted Hoya kerrii can bloom multiple times a year. Flowers are typically:
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Cream to yellow
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With a red or pink centre
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Sweetly scented
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Produced in clusters
Good light is the biggest factor in encouraging blooms.
🪴 SOIL & POTTING
For best results, use a chunky, airy mix such as:
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Orchid bark
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Perlite or pumice
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Coco chips
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A small amount of potting mix
Repot only when the plant is truly root‑bound. Overpotting slows growth even more.
🌿 CULTIVARS
There are several beautiful forms of Hoya kerrii, each with its own charm:
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Hoya kerrii (Green) — classic thick green leaves
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Hoya kerrii variegata — variegation through the centre
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Hoya kerrii albomarginata — creamy white margins
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Hoya kerrii splash — silver flecking on the leaves
Variegated forms grow slower and need brighter light to maintain colour.