Most homeowners prefer low-maintenance, beautiful plants when looking for the best addition to a garden. It’s no wonder the Hoya kerrii is a favorite among many people around the world. But like other household plants, the Hoya kerrii problems might be concerning at a point in time.
Despite its low maintenance requirements, the Hoya kerrii plant has a unique blooming cycle and requires specific care to ensure it thrives and produces its famous heart-shaped leaves.
Other names people call the Hoya kerri plant are sweetheart hoya and hoya hearts, due to their heart-shaped leaves. Another name for these household plants is Valentine’s Hoya, which is probably because of their popularity on Valentine’s Day.
While the Hoya kerrii plant doesn’t require much care, many factors can expose it to certain issues. Knowing these factors and preventing them will ensure your plants remain healthy.
In this article, we will discuss the problems your Hoya kerri may experience and how to avoid them.
Just keep on reading!
Common Hoya Kerrii Problems
There are several issues your hoya kerrii plants can experience. But we will be discussing 7 of them.
1. Pest Infestation
Although it’s not prevalent for pests to infest the Hoya plants, it happens. Considering the fact that most Hoya varieties produce sweet nectar, it’s not uncommon to find pests on them. Aphids and mealy-bugs are some of the “culprits” you need to look out for on your plants.
Once you notice pests are feeding on your Hoya, spray the plant with enough water to get rid of them. Consider using an insecticide to ward off the insects if the infestation is serious.
2. Discoloration Of Leaves
In most plants, including the Hoya kerrii, leaf discoloration is a sign that something is wrong. Yellowing of the leaves is one of the issues that hoya plants face. This could happen as a result of overwatering, high temperatures, or repotting. Fungal infections on the roots of the plant can also cause its leaves to turn yellow. In some cases, the leaves may turn brown due to under-watering, too much heat, or excess fertilizer usage.
Make sure you’re using a pot with good drainage holes for the plant to prevent overwatering. Avoid applying too much fertilizer to the Hoya plant. Also, consider moving the location of the plant to a cool area with shade.
3. Drooping
Apart from changing to a brown or yellow color, the hoya kerrii leaves may become droopy. Sometimes, this happens when you overwater the plants or expose them to high temperatures.
Other times, not watering the hoya plants enough can cause them to become weak, thereby causing drooping. Mealybugs and aphids can also cause the plants to lose their firmness if they constantly feed on their juice.
First, check the soil to know whether it contains enough water. If it is completely dry, you need to add water only in moderation. But if the soil contains excess water, stop adding water to it for some time, and the plant should return to normal.
On the other hand, if the plant is suffering from pest infestation, apply insecticides to it.
4. Slow Growth
Perhaps you noticed your hoya plants are growing slowly. It’s perfectly normal. Unlike other household plants, the Hoya kerrii does not grow quickly. In fact, the plants can begin to mature between 2 and 3 years, which is when they start blooming.
Your hoya plants may become dormant in winter and begin to bud in summer. But you can quicken the plant’s growth by providing it with a favorable environment.
Ensure the sweetheart hoya gets enough light, as it will not grow if it doesn’t get the right amount of light. Don’t overwater and underwater the plant to prevent damaging the roots. In addition, hoyas thrive when you don’t plant them in extra large pots.
5. Lack Of Flowers
Since the Hoya Kerri plants are slow-growers, they may have a problem with producing flowers quickly. After 2 to 3 years, the plants will mature and should begin to produce flowers. But if the hoya plant doesn’t produce flowers after reaching maturity, you need to be patient.
Hoyas that are indoors don’t mature as quickly compared to the ones that are outdoors. Place the plants indoors in a place where they can receive light for some hours every day.
6. Root Rot
While root rot is not a common problem in Hoya kerrii plants, it can happen if you’re not careful. When there’s too much water in the sweetheart hoya, it increases their chances of having a fungal infection.
Root rot prevents the plant from absorbing the necessary nutrients from the soil, which causes it to die. Some of the symptoms you’ll notice if your plant is experiencing root rot are leaf discoloration and drooping.
Most of the time, it is difficult to restore a plant that has been affected by root rot to its natural state. That’s why preventing the situation in the first place is better.
Use a well-draining pot for the hoya hearts and don’t water the soil until it is completely dry.
7. Stiff Vines
Hoya Kerri’s vines are not only thick, but they are also rigid. Since the plant grows vertically, it’s natural for the vines to provide the necessary support.
But if you want Valentine’s hoya to grow in a special form using a trellis, it can be a difficult task.
Fortunately, you can shape the hoya plant using a trellis when its vines are still tender and young. Once the hoya kerrii’s vines become stiff, it will be impossible to shape them without breaking them.
More on Hoya plants: Hoya Krimson Princess Care
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the common problems your Hoya kerrii plants may experience, try to avoid them completely. Always remember that preventing your plant from having issues is cheaper and better than seeking solutions to it.
Whenever you notice anything unusual about your Valentine’s hoya, check out the possible causes for it and act fast. Even though the Hoya kerrii plants don’t need too much care, provide them with the necessary conditions to grow quickly and healthily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does An Overwatered Hoya Kerrii Look Like?
If you notice that your hoya’s leaves are falling all of a sudden, or turning yellow, they are probably over-watered. Despite being tropical plants, the hoya plants do not need too much water. These plants store water in their thick leaves, so over-watering them can cause problems.
Why Are My Hoya Kerrii Leaves Curling?
Two common factors that may cause curling in Hoya Kerri leaves are improper watering and low humidity. Other possible causes include temperature fluctuations and pest infestation, which is uncommon. High humidity is also a factor that can cause the leaves of your hoya kerrii to curl up.
How Do You Know If Hoya Kerrii Needs Water?
Check the soil surface to know whether it contains enough water or not. If the soil is completely dry, it means the plant needs watering.
Sometimes, you may also need to feel the weight of the pot to know whether the plant needs water. If the pot feels light, you may need to water the sweetheart hoya plant.
But you need to be careful while watering the plant to prevent root rot. On the other hand, don’t allow the Hoya kerrii to get dry for a long time. This often results in dehydration, which may cause the plant to die.
Hey, I’m Lisa and I’ve been an avid gardener for over 30 years. I love writing, talking and living in the garden! Feel free to connect with me on my socials below