The complete guide to hoya kerrii varieties
Hello plant friends, Anthony here.
If you’ve been in the plant world for any length of time, you’ve almost certainly come across a single, perfect green heart rooted in a tiny pot, especially around Valentine's Day. It’s a charming sight, and for many, it’s their first introduction to the wonderful Hoya kerrii. But have you ever wondered what lies beyond that single leaf?
The Hoya kerrii is more than just a sweet novelty gift; it’s a beautiful, vining succulent that evolves into a stunning cascade of green hearts. What’s even more exciting for collectors and enthusiasts is the spectrum of varieties that have emerged from this single species. Each one takes that classic heart shape and adds its own unique twist of color and pattern.
Today, we're going to move past the single leaf and explore the beautiful diversity within the kerrii family.
A note on the single leaf
It's important to touch on a common point of confusion. Those single heart leaves, often sold as "Sweetheart Hoyas," are typically just a leaf cutting. While they can live for a surprisingly long time, most will never grow into a full vine.
For a hoya cutting to produce new growth, it must include a piece of the stem with a node (the small bump where leaves and roots emerge). A leaf without a node, while lovely, is what many growers affectionately call a "zombie leaf" : it lives, but it doesn't grow.
The classic: Hoya kerrii
Before we get into the variations, let's appreciate the original. The standard Hoya kerrii is a classic for a reason. Its leaves are thick, succulent, and perfectly heart-shaped. Native to Southeast Asia, this climbing epiphyte has become a household favorite for its unique foliage and its reputation as a relatively low-maintenance plant. A mature vine, with its string of plump green hearts, is a truly rewarding sight for any plant parent.
hoya kerrii
A quick visual guide
To help tell these beautiful cultivars apart, we've put together a visual chart. It offers a quick, at-a-glance comparison of their distinctive leaf patterns.
Feel free to share this guide, but please remember to tag Chlorobase.
The kerrii collection
Now, let's explore the cultivars that make this species so collectible. Each one offers a different take on the classic heart leaf.
Hoya kerrii 'Variegata' - creamy white edges
Also known as 'Albomarginata', this is perhaps the most common variegated form. It keeps the deep green center of the original but frames each heart-shaped leaf with a beautiful, creamy-yellow or white border. The contrast is distinct and makes for a very bright and cheerful-looking plant.
hoya kerrii 'variegata'
Hoya kerrii 'Reverse Variegata' - a glowing center
As its name suggests, this variety is the opposite of the Variegata one. The 'Reverse Variegata' features a bright, buttery-yellow or chartreuse center with a dark green margin. This central splash of color gives each leaf a radiant appearance, almost as if it's glowing from within. It’s a striking and less common form that really stands out.
hoya kerrii 'reverse variegata'
Hoya kerrii 'Splash' - silver-flecked surface
The 'Splash' variety adds a painterly touch to the kerrii leaf. Its deep green surface is covered in irregular flecks and speckles of silvery-grey. The amount of "splash" can vary from leaf to leaf, creating a dynamic, constellation-like pattern across the entire plant. Under bright light, these silver markings can be quite pronounced.
hoya kerrii 'splash'
A general approach to care
One of the best things about the Hoya kerrii family is that their care is quite consistent across the different varieties.
- Light: They thrive in bright, indirect light. A spot near an east-facing window or a few steps back from a south or west-facing window is ideal.
- Watering: As succulents, they store water in their thick leaves. It's crucial to let the soil dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. When in doubt, it’s better to wait another day.
- Soil: A chunky, well-draining mix is non-negotiable. An epiphyte mix, orchid bark, or a succulent/cactus soil amended with perlite or pumice works perfectly.
- A Note on Variegation: It's worth remembering that variegated plants, like the 'Variegata' and 'Reverse Variegata', have less chlorophyll. They often appreciate slightly more light than their all-green counterparts to maintain their vibrant colors.
For more specific details on each plant's needs, it's always a good idea to check out their individual plant pages right here on Chlorobase.
More than just a heart
From the classic green to the variegated and splashed versions, the Hoya kerrii proves that there is incredible depth to be found even in the most familiar plants. Each variety tells a slightly different story, making them a joy to collect and watch grow.
As my own collection expands, I find it incredibly helpful to keep track of the plants I have and the ones I'm hoping to find next. Using the Collection and Wishlist features on the site is a simple way to stay organized. I encourage you to click into the plants we've featured today to learn more and perhaps add one or two to your own lists.