Hoya Kerrii Maintenance

The Hoya Kerrii, also known as the "Heart Plant" because of its leaves in shape of heart, is an indoor plant appreciated for its delicate beauty and its maintenance easy. Originally from Asia from South-East, this climbing plant is part of the Apocynaceaefamily.
The Hoya Kerrii is distinguished by its leaves fleshy in shaped of heart, which can be green vivid or variegata (with patterns variegated).

1. Watering Hoya Kerrii

The Hoya Kerrii prefers moderate watering . Allow the potting soil to dry out slightly between waterings to avoid wetting the roots too much, as soil constantly wet can cause rot of roots.
The frequency watering depends on factors such as temperature ambient, light and the size of pot. In general, water approximately once times every every 1 to 2 weeks during the period of growth active in spring and in summer. In winter, when the plant is at rest, reduce the frequency of watering to once every 3 to 4 weeks.
Tip : Before watering, always check the humidity of the substrate in inserting your finger into the ground to approximately 2-3 cm depth. If the soil is dry at this depth, it is usually time to water.

2. Watering techniques

- To avoid an excess humidity on the leaves and avoid the risk of rot, prefer watering from below. Place the pot in a saucer containing water and let the plant absorb water by capillarity. Remove any excess water remaining in the saucer after one hour.
- Preferably use water at temperature ambient and let rest the tap water for a few hours before watering to allow l 'evaporation of chlorine. The Hoya Kerrii prefers slightly acidic water, so if the water in your area is very hard, consider using water filtered.

3. The exhibition of Hoya Kerrii

Exposure is a factor crucial for health and growth of Hoya Kerrii. This plant generally appreciates exposure light, but it is essential to find a balance by avoiding exposure direct in the sun during the hottest hours of the day. Place it near a window facing to east or west, where it can benefit from a good amount of natural light, but where direct sunlight is filtered or subdued.

4. When should I repot my Hoya Kerrii ?

The Hoya Kerrii is a plant that generally has growth slow, and it does not not need to be repotted frequently. However, it is essential to monitor the health of the plant and check if it needs repotting. Here are some indications to know when repot your Hoya Kerrii :

Excessive rooting

If you notice roots starting to come out of the drainage hole of the current pot or wrapping around the bottom of the pot, it may be time to repot.

Slowed growth

If your Hoya Kerrii is showing slowed growth or showing signs of lack of space for its roots, repotting could be beneficial to stimulate its growth.

Increased watering frequency

If you have to water your plant much more frequently than usual because the soil dries out quickly, this may indicate that the plant needs a larger pot.

5. What fertilizer to use for my Hoya Kerrii ?

To fertilize your Hoya Kerrii, it is recommended to use a fertilizer balance specially designed for indoor plants . Here are some tips for using fertilizer:

Frequency of application

During the period of active growth of your plant (in spring and summer), you can apply the fertilizer every every two to four weeks. On the other hand, in autumn and winter, when the plant enters a dormant period, reduce the frequency to once times every  approximately two months .

Dilution

It is best to dilute the fertilizer in water according to the manufacturer's instructions before applying it. A diluted solution allows for easier absorption and reduces the risk of over-fertilization.

6. Diseases of Hoya Kerrii

TheHoya Kerriiis generally a plant robust , but like all plants, it can be subject tocertain diseases or problems of health . Here are some common diseases of Hoya Kerrii that you might face:

Root rot

Overwatering or poorly draining media can lead to root rot on Hoya Kerrii. Affected roots become soft, brownish and may have an unpleasant odor. To prevent root rot, be sure to let the substrate dry slightly between waterings and use a well-draining potting soil.

Powdery mildew

Powdery mildew is a fungus that can affect the leaves of Hoya Kerrii, especially in a warm, humid environment. You may notice a white or gray powder on the leaves, which can cause them to turn yellow and distort. To prevent powdery mildew, be sure to provide good air circulation around the plant and avoid excess humidity.

Mealybugs and aphids

These pests can attack Hoya Kerrii by sucking sap from its leaves. You may notice sticky spots, yellow or distorted leaves, and small insects on the plant. Use appropriate insecticides or natural solutions to control mealybug and aphid infestations.

Yellow leaves

Yellow leaves can be caused by a variety of factors, such as overwatering, lack of light, improper fertilization, or environmental stress. Identify the underlying cause and make adjustments as necessary to promote better plant health.

Leaf fall

Excessive leaf drop can be a sign of water stress, low temperatures, sudden changes in environmental conditions or root disease. Make sure you understand your Hoya Kerrii's needs for watering, light, and temperature, and make appropriate changes.

7. Delivery and reception of your plant

You have just adopted a plantLa Green Touch? Here are the essential actions to take:
- Your plant e st dry ? Bathe her for ten minutes.
- Your plant e st wet ? Let the potting soil dry.
- Do I must repot ma plant all immediately ? No! Wait until next spring or for signs that your plant needs repotting.