Hoya vs Sweetheart Plant
Hoya carnosa vs Hoya kerrii
Same genus (Hoya), both pet-safe succulent vines — but very different scale and growth speed.
Hoya carnosa (Wax Plant) and Hoya kerrii (Sweetheart Plant) are sister species — both Hoya, both pet-safe per ASPCA, both succulent-leaved vines that produce fragrant flowers when mature. The differences are leaf shape (Hoya carnosa has oval glossy leaves vs Hoya kerrii's thick heart-shaped ones), scale (carnosa vines to 2 metres; kerrii stays compact under 60cm), and how famously slow Hoya kerrii grows — single-leaf cuttings often never produce a vine.
Quick verdict
| Use case | Winner |
|---|---|
| For pet households | Either works |
| For first-time plant owners | Either works |
| For low-light rooms | Sweetheart Plant |
| For drought / forgetful watering | Either works |
| For small spaces | Sweetheart Plant |
Side-by-side details
| Trait | Hoya | Sweetheart Plant |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright indirect | Bright indirect |
| Water frequency | Every 10–14 days | Every 14–21 days |
| Humidity needs | 40–60% | 40–60% |
| Drought-tolerant | Yes | Yes |
| Difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Mature height | 200 cm | 60 cm |
| Growth pattern | trailing | vining |
| Pet safety | Pet-safe | Pet-safe |
Pet safety side-by-side
Hoya
Pet-safe
Non-toxic to both cats and dogs per the ASPCA. Safe to grow with pets in the room.
Sweetheart Plant
Pet-safe
Non-toxic to both cats and dogs per the ASPCA. Safe to grow with pets in the room.
Our take
Pick Hoya kerrii for compact desk impact, the sentimental heart-leaf appeal (great Valentine's gift), and slightly better low-light tolerance. Pick Hoya carnosa for a long-lived heirloom vine that produces more reliable blooms after a few years, but accept the 2-metre vining habit.
Frequently asked questions
Which is easier to care for, Hoya or Sweetheart Plant?
Hoya (easy) and Sweetheart Plant (easy) are similar in difficulty.
Is Hoya or Sweetheart Plant safer around cats and dogs?
Both are pet-safe. Hoya: Pet-safe. Sweetheart Plant: Pet-safe. Pet safety data is sourced from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Can Hoya or Sweetheart Plant handle low light?
Sweetheart Plant. Hoya prefers bright indirect. Sweetheart Plant prefers bright indirect.
How often should I water Hoya compared to Sweetheart Plant?
Hoya: every 10-14 days. Sweetheart Plant: every 14-21 days. Both tolerate missed waterings.