Heart-shaped hoya plant is a little love in a pot
Whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day with your partner on Feb. 14, or Galentine’s Day the day before with your gal friends, hoya kerrii, with its heart-shaped leaves, is hard to resist.
Single leaves, nestled in potting medium, are commercially available during this time of year: a heart in a pot.
I have found ‘Sweetheart’ or ‘Valentine’ hoya locally as a vine and as a single leaf cutting, however, do not expect a single leaf to grow into a vine. It will most likely remain a party of one because a node from the stem is required for it to grow further. If you want a plant that produces more, opt for the vine.
General care
Hoya kerrii are tropical plants that are found naturally in southeast Asia. The epiphytes are similar to orchids. They like it warm and humid, but with soil that does not stay consistently moist.
To care for it, mist it and set it on a pebble tray or place in a bright bathroom or kitchen — somewhere it will get more humidity. Keep slightly rootbound, which helps soil dry out to its liking between waterings. Do not overwater.
The amount and strength of sunlight provided will dictate if your heart grows. Low light slows growth. Whether indoors or out, medium to bright, indirect light is key. Leaves fade to light green or yellow in too much sun on the green ‘Valentine’ variety (not there is anything wrong with that).
‘Albomarginata’ is a creamy variegated variety and is slower growing but more tolerant of light.
Vining specimens will need support and guidance, since they do not grow tenacious tendrils like grapes. I found one on a trellis, but they can also be grown in a hanging basket.
If you are lucky enough to get your sweetheart hoya to bloom, avoid going to bed too early; the fragrance is released at night. Do not deadhead, as they can rebloom.
While this plant definitely falls under the novelty category, it is unique, adorable and low maintenance in the right conditions.
February in the Garden
Prune hybrid tea, floribundas and miniature roses by the end of February.
Fertilize annuals with a balanced soluble fertilizer every three to six weeks.
Continue to plant and transplant trees, shrubs and summer-blooming perennials.
Sow seeds of beets, carrots, Swiss chard, lettuce, mustard, radish, spinach and turnips.
Plant transplants of broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, kohlrabi and leeks.
Garden events
ANNUAL PRUNING PARTY
AND DEMONSTRATION: The Houston Rose Society will provide a rose pruning demonstration.
Participants are then invited to assist in pruning the bushes located on the grounds. Bring gloves and pruning shears. 11 a.m. Feb 11; free; St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 1819 Heights Blvd., Houston. For more information: houstonrose.org
HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENER FRUIT AND
CITRUS TREE SALE: Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions about plant selections. 9:30a.m.-1:30 p.m. (or while supplies last) Feb 11; St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 5373 Franz, Katy. For more information: hcmga.tamu.edu
SPRING VEGETABLE
GARDENING: Harris County Master Gardeners and Houston Community College presents the Virtual Green Thumb Gardening Series. Learn how to prepare your spring garden and what to plant. 10 a.m. Feb 13; free virtual lecture. Register at HCC.idloom.events/gardening-series/register.
WOMEN’S RESTORATIVE
HIKE: Mercer Botanic Gardens hosts a one-hour hike through the gardens and forest for women 18 years and older. 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Feb 14; free; 22306 Aldine Westfield, Humble. Register at pct3.com/MBG. URBAN GARDENING: Terry
Garner, Master Gardener and coordinator of the Palm Center Community Garden will lead a spring garden workshop at the community garden. Learn how to grow your favorite vegetables in small urban spaces, with an emphasis on seasonal favorites in African American cuisine. 9:30 a.m. Feb 18; $20; 6000 Beeckman, Houston. Register at urbanharvest.org. REGENERATIVE GARDENING: Hope Farms presents “Old Ways Are New Ways: Regenerative Gardening.” This workshop will discuss the value of returning to more simple, sustainable ways of growing food and caring for the Earth. 10 a.m. Feb 18; $45 per person suggested donation. Register at hopefarmshtx.org/classes. COMPOST WORKSHOP: The Houston Botanic Garden hosts this class on home composting. Learn how to properly compost your food scraps to eliminate waste from your home that can then add nutrients to your garden. 2 p.m. Feb 18; $25 for workshop and general admission to the garden; 1 Botanic Lane, Houston. Register at hbg.org.