Jenni Dodini has provided an update on her experience growing a Hoya kerrii plant, also known as Valentine hoya, Waxheart, Heart plant, and Sweetheart plant. In her previous blog post, she mentioned that the plant is classified as an orchid in the Apocynaceae family. However, after further research using sources such as GardeningKnowHow and the North Carolina Extension site, Dodini found that Hoya kerrii is actually considered a succulent by several reputable institutions. She confirmed this classification through the University of Florida Extension.
Dodini wrote: “So I must apologize for my first round of reporting and remind myself not to stop at the first pretty picture, but go to many pretty pictures in the future.”
She described challenges with supporting her fast-growing plant, which required staking and eventually repotting to prevent it from tipping over. Dodini shared propagation advice: cut stems below visible nodes in spring or summer, let them form a callus like other succulents before applying rooting hormone and planting. She cautioned about the milky sap produced by cut stems that can irritate skin and stain fabrics.
Citing Jane Perrone’s blog, Dodini noted: “The problem with these plants is that they are unlike a succulent in that they will not grow from a single leaf; you need a piece of stem attached to the leaf petiole. Then it can take several years to really grow.” Perrone also advised against repotting unless necessary.
Dodini added a note about taxonomy: since Hoya kerrii belongs to the Apocynaceae (Dogbane) family, it is related to milkweed.
Looking ahead, Dodini plans to wait before taking cuttings and will delay further repotting until needed. She intends to be patient with growth based on her earlier experience.
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