Dreaming of a beautiful string of hearts plant trailing down your shelves? Discover the secrets to growing this popular houseplant with this easy-to-follow guide.
String of hearts – just the name conjures up images of delicate, cascading vines adorned with adorable heart-shaped leaves. And trust me, this plant is every bit as charming as it sounds! As an avid indoor gardener, I’ve fallen head over heels for this easy-to-care-for beauty. If you’re looking to add a touch of whimsy and greenery to your home, the string of hearts (or Ceropegia woodii for the botanically inclined) is an absolute must-have.
What I love most about this trailing succulent is that it’s practically begging to be displayed. Picture it cascading from a hanging planter, climbing a trellis, or even adding a touch of green to your bookshelf. Plus, it’s incredibly low-maintenance, making it perfect for plant newbies and busy folks alike.
Ready to start your own string of hearts journey? Here’s everything you need to know to grow them with success.
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About String of Hearts Plant
The string of hearts (Ceropegia woodii) is a popular succulent vine known for its heart-shaped leaves and trailing growth habit. This easy-to-care-for plant is native to South Africa and is well-suited for indoor growing. With the right care, your string of hearts can thrive and bring a touch of nature to your home.
String of hearts is a semi-succulent plant with slender stems that can grow up to a whopping 10 feet long. The leaves are typically green with a marbled pattern, but there are also variegated varieties with white or pink markings. The plant produces small, pink or purple flowers that resemble lanterns.
I haven’t seen mine bloom yet but I can’t wait to see what they look like!
Light and Location
String of hearts thrives in bright, indirect light. Think a sunny window with a sheer curtain to filter those harsh rays. A south- or west-facing window is ideal. If your plant isn’t getting enough light, it’ll let you know by becoming leggy with long spaces between leaves. I’ve got mine hanging in a west window in my sunroom and it seems to enjoy that spot in my home.
Soil
Use a well-draining potting mix that is specifically formulated for succulents or cacti. You can also make your own mix by combining equal parts potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand.
Watering
When it comes to watering, remember that this plant is a succulent, so it likes to dry out between drinks. Stick your finger a couple of inches into the soil – if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Be sure to let the excess water drain out to avoid soggy roots.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal. Water thoroughly until the water drains out of the drainage holes. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant.
If you are feeling a little unsure about knowing when the right time to water is, I wrote a comprehensive post that will give you a little more confidence here: Stop Guessing and Master Watering Indoor Plants Like a Pro.
Temperature and Humidity
Average room temperatures are perfect for string of hearts. They like it warm, between 60-80°F (15-27°C). As for humidity, they’re not too fussy. Normal household humidity levels are just fine.
Feeding Your String of Hearts Plant
During the growing season (spring and summer), give your plant a boost with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Once a month is plenty. No need to fertilize during the fall and winter months when growth slows down. I love using this instant indoor plant fertilizer. Its simple to use because you just drop it into your watering can and add water. Easy peasy!
String of Hearts Pest and Disease Problems
String of hearts is relatively pest- and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids, and scale. If you notice any pests, treat them with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Troubleshooting
- Yellowing leaves? Could be a sign of overwatering.
- Leaf drop? Check for pests or adjust your watering schedule.
- Leggy growth? Your plant might be craving more light.
How to Propagate String of Hearts
One of the best things about string of hearts is how easy it is to propagate which can be done from stem cuttings or by dividing the tubers.
Propagating String of Hearts From Stem Cutting
To propagate from stem cuttings, take a cutting that is at least 4 inches long and has several leaves. Remove the leaves from the bottom inch of the cutting and allow it to callus for a day or two. Then, insert the cutting into a pot of well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and the cutting should root in a few weeks.
How to Propagate String of Hearts by Division
To propagate by dividing the tubers, carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the tubers. Repot the tubers in individual pots with fresh potting mix.
Additional Tips
- Pinch back the stems to encourage bushier growth.
- Repot your string of hearts every 2-3 years into a slightly larger pot.
- If the leaves start to turn yellow or drop, it could be a sign of overwatering or underwatering.
- String of hearts is toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of cats and dogs.
Before you know it, you’ll have baby string of hearts to share with friends or expand your own indoor jungle!
Final Thoughts About Growing String of Hearts Plant
While string of hearts is generally pest-free, keep an eye out for mealybugs or aphids. If you spot any unwelcome guests, a little insecticidal soap or neem oil will do the trick. And remember, this plant is toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of curious furry friends.
With a little love and attention, your string of hearts will reward you with its charming beauty for years to come. Happy growing!
For more information about growing string of hearts, please read this article by the Wisconsin Horticulture Extension.
To drill down on houseplant care basics and growing an indoor garden that thrives, please read my articles:
- Easy Houseplants for Busy People: The Low-Maintenance Approach to Growing an Indoor Garden
- From Shop to Home: How to Acclimate Your Tropical Plants
- Stop Guessing and Master Watering Indoor Plants Like a Pro
- How to Revive Houseplants You Thought Were Goners
Thank you for visiting the blog today!
Enjoy your day! xo
