We’re in Love with this Charming Hoya Heart DIY Plant Gift!
Create a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind plant gift with this step-by-step guide. Perfect for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, teachers, or plant lovers of any age!
If you’re on the hunt for a plant gift that’s as charming as it is easy to put together, this potted Hoya Heart (Hoya kerrii) arrangement is a total standout. With its naturally heart-shaped leaf, this little succulent is the definition of cute - and it’s a sweet, simple way to show someone you care.
Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, a favorite teacher, or surprising a plant lover “just because,” this adorable gift is always a hit.
Because it’s so easy to care for, the Hoya Heart makes a perfect plant gift for moms, grandmas, coworkers, and friends alike. It only needs occasional watering, tolerates a wide range of lighting conditions, and is tough enough to bounce back from a bit of neglect - ideal for busy lifestyles or beginner plant owners.
You’ll find Hoya Heart plants year-round at local nurseries and online plant shops, but they’re especially easy to track down in the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day, when they pop up at big-box stores, grocery stores, and home improvement retailers.
This is also a great DIY project to do with your kids or grandkids. It’s quick, easy, and super satisfying to assemble. Young children can help arrange the finishing touches, and teens can easily handle the whole thing on their own - making it a thoughtful and personal gift they can proudly say they made themselves.
In just a few minutes, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind plant gift that’s heartfelt, handmade, and guaranteed to brighten someone’s day. Keep reading for the full materials list and step-by-step instructions to make your own Hoya Heart with birch twig trellis plant gift.
A sweet, inexpensive and unique plant gift!
Hoya Heart with Birch Twig Trellis: Plant Gift Materials List
1 small terracotta pot, 3-4 inches in diameter, with a drainage hole
Decorative jade bean pebbles, 1/5-inch size
1 Hoya Heart plant (Hoya kerrii)
Potting soil
5 birch twig tips (6–7" long) – or use any thin, naturally tapered, flexible branches with uncut ends.
Floral bind wire, natural or brown color
Preserved spanish moss, natural color
Chartreuse preserved reindeer moss
Hoya Heart with Birch Twig Trellis: Plant Gift Assembly Instructions
Start by potting your Hoya Heart plant in the terracotta container, adding fresh potting soil as needed. Be sure to keep the soil level the same as it was in the original pot to keep your plant happy and stable.
Next, it’s time to craft your mini trellis. Gather your five birch twig tips and bind them together about an inch from the top using floral bind wire. Gently fan out the base of the twigs to form an upside-down V shape - this will become the charming trellis for your plant gift.
Insert the bottom ends of the trellis into the soil behind the Hoya Heart plant, pushing them in about 1-2 inches deep. Press the soil firmly around the twigs to anchor them securely in place.
To finish, top the soil with a layer of green jade pebbles for a polished look. Then, tuck in small bits of dried Spanish moss and reindeer moss around the base of the plant and the trellis. You can even wrap a bit around the top to disguise the floral wire and add a soft, whimsical touch.
And just like that - your adorable, handmade plant gift is ready to impress!
What Is a Hoya Heart Plant?
The Hoya Heart plant (Hoya kerrii) is a slow-growing succulent known for its single, thick, heart-shaped leaf - which is exactly as adorable as it sounds. Native to Southeast Asia, this little plant has become a popular pick around Valentine’s Day thanks to its naturally romantic shape, but it’s a sweet and thoughtful plant gift any time of year.
You’ll often see them sold as a single rooted leaf in a small pot. While some Hoya Heart plants are propagated from a leaf cutting without a node (which means they’ll stay exactly as they are - just one perfect leaf!), others may eventually grow into a trailing vine if they include part of the stem.
But don’t expect a big transformation anytime soon - this plant grows very slowly. Its relaxed pace is actually part of the charm: low expectations, no stress, and long-lasting cuteness.
Because it's so low-maintenance and compact, the Hoya Heart plant makes a fantastic plant gift for anyone - teachers, moms, grandmas, teens, friends, even coworkers. It doesn’t need constant attention or frequent repotting, and it looks just as sweet on a windowsill as it does on an office desk.
Image credit @wichatsurin via Canva.com
How to Care for a Hoya Heart Plant
One of the best things about giving a Hoya Heart plant gift is how incredibly easy it is to care for. Even total beginners or self-proclaimed plant killers can keep this one alive and thriving. Here’s everything you need to know:
✅ Light
Place your Hoya Heart in bright, indirect light. It does best near a sunny window where it gets plenty of filtered light throughout the day, but be sure to avoid direct sun, which can scorch the leaf. A spot a few inches away from an east- or west-facing window is ideal.
✅ Water
Water sparingly. As a succulent, the Hoya Heart plant prefers to dry out between waterings. Plan to water about 2 to 4 times per month, depending on your home’s humidity and light conditions. A good rule of thumb: wait until the top half of the soil is completely dry and the pot feels noticeably light when lifted. When you do water, soak the soil thoroughly and let any excess drain out.
Important: Your pot must have a drainage hole! Standing water can cause root rot, which is the fastest way to lose a Hoya.
✅ Fertilizer
During the growing season (spring through early fall), you can feed your plant once a month with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer made for houseplants. Just follow the directions on the label - no need to overdo it. In fall and winter, hold off on fertilizing, as the plant naturally slows down and enters a more dormant phase.
The bottom line? The Hoya Heart plant is one of the easiest plants you can give or receive. With just the basics - light, infrequent water, and good drainage - it’ll stay happy and heart-shaped for years to come. That’s why it makes such a perfect plant gift: it’s beautiful, meaningful, and completely beginner-friendly.
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A charming and easy DIY plant gift!
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