String of hearts, also known as the rosary vine or chain of hearts, is a captivating houseplant native to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Swaziland.
This plant is cherished for its cascading vines adorned with heart-shaped leaves that exhibit dark green color and silver markings.
Its delicate vines, bearing bulbous bases at the nodes, make it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or as a sprawling ground cover in warm Mediterranean climates.
A member of the succulent family, the string of hearts is a tuberous plant, with a bulbous base that stores moisture, making it resistant to periods of drought.
Itโs a perfect plant for rock gardens and planters, provided they have excellent drainage. The plant’s foliage is quite unique, with leaves that resemble a string of spades, hence the name.
During the growing season, the string of hearts may bloom small, magenta flowers if it receives enough light. This plant thrives in bright indirect light, but too much sunlight can cause sunburn on the leaves.
The string of hearts is a relatively easy plant to care for, making it a popular choice among both novice and experienced gardeners.
It’s a plant that can tolerate a bit of neglect, making it a great choice for those who tend to forget to water their plants. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s crucial to let the pot dry out between watering.
If you want to learn how to grow and care for it, Iโll teach you everything you need to know as a master gardener in this complete string of hearts growing guide.
Botanical Name: Ceropegia woodii
Common Name: String of hearts, rosary vine, chain of hearts, Chinese lantern
Family: Apocynaceae
Plant Type: Succulent, vine
Hardiness Zones: 9-12 (USDA)
Sun Exposure: Partial
Soil Type: Well-drained
Soil pH: Acidic, neutral
Bloom Time: Summer, fall
Flower Color: White. red
Native Area: Africa
String of Hearts Plant Care
The string of hearts thrives in warm Mediterranean climates and bright indirect light, but it can also tolerate much sunlight exposure without the risk of sunburn.
The succulent heart-shaped leaves, with their silver markings on delicate vines, are susceptible to overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
It’s crucial to plant it in a pot with excellent drainage holes, filled with a mixture of perlite and pumice, to maintain the right moisture levels.
During the growing season, avoid pot-bound situations by repotting into a new pot if necessary, and monitor for pests like aphids and mealybugs, which can be controlled using neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Light
String of hearts can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much sunlight can cause sunburn on the delicate vines and heart-shaped leaves.
These plants prefer a bright spot in your home but be careful to ensure they have enough light without overexposure.
During the growing season, a stronger light will encourage the plant to bloom. In winter months, the light can be reduced as the plant goes into dormancy.
Soil
The string of hearts plant prefers a well-draining soil to prevent root rot, a common issue associated with overwatering. A mixture of potting soil, perlite, and pumice is ideal for this succulent.
The perlite and pumice improve the soil’s drainage properties, ensuring that the plant’s tuber, or bulbous base, doesn’t sit in moisture for too long, which can lead to rot.
The soil should also be nutrient-rich to support the growth of the delicate vines and heart-shaped leaves. Some gardeners also add a bit of sand to the mix, especially for pot-bound plants, to mimic the plant’s natural environment.
Water
Overwatering this houseplant can lead to root rot, a common issue with succulents. During the growing season, it’s crucial to let the top inch of the soil dry out between waterings to avoid this.
In the winter months, when the plant is dormant, watering should be reduced even further. The water propagation method can be used to create new plants, but be careful not to keep the nodes too moist, as this can also cause rot.
Temperature and Humidity
The string of hearts thrives in warm Mediterranean climates. It prefers temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season, and no lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter months.
This plant can tolerate dry air, but it appreciates a bit more humidity. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s essential to ensure the plant has excellent drainage.
Fertilizer
The string of hearts plant has modest fertilizer requirements. During the growing season, a light application of a balanced houseplant fertilizer once a month can support the plant’s growth.
It’s essential to avoid over-fertilization as it can lead to a buildup of salts that may cause leaf burn. During the winter months, the plant’s growth slows and it requires less fertilizer.
Always water thoroughly after fertilization to distribute the nutrients evenly around the root zone and prevent root burn.
Pruning
Pruning a string of hearts plant is best done during the growing season, usually in the warmer months. You can prune back the delicate vines if they become too long or if you want to encourage bushier growth.
When pruning, be sure to make your cuts just above the nodes, where new plants will grow. Use clean, sharp scissors to avoid causing any damage to the plant.
After pruning, you can use the removed stem cuttings to propagate a new string of heart plants using the water propagation method or butterfly method.
Overwintering
The string of hearts has specific overwintering needs. During the winter months, this delicate vine with its heart-shaped leaves and silver markings requires less watering to avoid root rot due to overwatering.
The plant should be kept in a bright spot with enough light but shielded from direct sunlight, which can cause sunburn on the foliage.
It’s also best to move your pot-bound string of hearts to a new pot with excellent drainage, adding perlite or pumice to the mix to ensure adequate moisture control.
Remember, much sunlight and warm Mediterranean climates are the ideal growing season conditions for this plant, but overwintering requires a slightly different care approach.
Types of String of Hearts
- Ceropegia woodii variegata: This variety of string of hearts, also known as variegated chain of hearts, is a charming houseplant. It features delicate vines adorned with heart-shaped leaves that are mottled with silver markings on a dark green base.
- Ceropegia woodii ‘Heartless’: Don’t let the name fool you; the ‘Heartless’ variety of string of hearts is a captivating plant with long, slender vines that lack the typical heart shape, hence its name. Instead, its foliage is more elongated, resembling the shape of a spade, earning it the nickname ‘spring of spades’.
- Ceropegia woodii ‘Silver Glory’: ‘Silver Glory’ is a unique variety of string of hearts that features a profusion of silvery, heart-shaped leaves along its delicate vines. This houseplant is a sight to behold when it blooms, revealing tiny, lantern-shaped flowers.
- Ceropegia woodii ‘Orange River’: The ‘Orange River’ variety of string of hearts is a vibrant houseplant with leaves that have a slight orange tinge. This variety, like others, enjoys bright indirect light and well-draining soil.
- Ceropegia linearis: Ceropegia linearis, also known as rosary vine, is a close relative to the string of hearts. It features slender, trailing vines with heart-shaped leaves that are slightly larger and more pronounced than other varieties. This plant is a great choice for hanging planters, where its vines can cascade freely.
How to Plant String of Hearts From Seed
Step 1: Choose the Right Pot
Choosing the right pot is crucial for your string of hearts. Opt for a pot with excellent drainage holes to avoid overwatering and root rot. The pot should be just large enough to accommodate the bulbous base of your string of hearts plant.
These plants prefer to be pot-bound, so don’t choose a new pot that’s too large.
Step 2: Prepare the Potting Mix
The string of hearts grows in rock gardens and on the sides of trees. To mimic its natural habitat, prepare a potting mix that offers excellent drainage.
A mix of perlite, pumice, and regular potting soil should do the trick. The perlite and pumice will ensure that excess moisture drains away, reducing the risk of root rot.
Step 3: Plant the Seeds
Planting the seeds of the string of hearts is best done during the growing season. This is usually in the spring or summer months, depending on your local climate.
Place the seeds on top of the potting mix, ensuring each has enough light exposure. Cover them lightly with a sprinkle of soil.
Step 4: Care for Your Seedlings
After planting the seeds, place your pot in a bright spot with indirect light. Direct sunlight can cause sunburn on the delicate vines of your string of hearts.
The plant needs enough light to maintain its dark green foliage and silver markings but beware of too much sunlight.
Water your seedlings sparingly. Overwatering is a common mistake that can lead to root rot. The soil should be kept lightly moist, but never soggy. During the winter months, watering can be reduced.
How to Propagate String of Hearts
Step 1: Choose the Right Plant
It’s crucial to choose a healthy plant for propagation. Look for one with dark green foliage and no signs of disease or pests like aphids or mealybugs.
Step 2: Prepare the Cuttings
The best time of year to propagate your string of hearts is during the growing season, usually in the spring or spades.
Start by identifying the nodes on the vines, these are the bulbous base where the leaves meet the stem. Using a sharp, sterile tool, cut the vines just below the nodes.
Choose stem cuttings with at least 2-3 nodes each.
Step 3: Root the Cuttings
There are two main methods for rooting your cuttings: water propagation and potting directly into soil. The water propagation method involves placing the cuttings in a jar of water, ensuring the nodes are submerged but the leaves are not.
Change the water weekly to prevent root rot. Alternatively, you can place the cuttings in a new pot filled with a well-draining mix of perlite, pumice, or succulent soil. This method requires careful attention to avoid overwatering.
Step 4: Care for the New Plants
Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be moved to a larger pot if they were in water or left to grow if they were potted. String of hearts enjoys bright indirect light but can tolerate direct sunlight in cooler climates.
However, too much sunlight can cause sunburn, curling leaves, or crispy leaves. During the winter months, reduce watering as the plant enters dormancy.
Ensure your pot has excellent drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and subsequent root rot.
How to Pot or Re-pot
Step 1: Choose the Right Pot
The string of hearts grows best in a pot that mimics its natural habitat. Choose a pot with excellent drainage holes to prevent overwatering and root rot.
The pot should be just big enough to accommodate the plant’s bulbous base and delicate vines without being too spacious as these plants prefer to be slightly pot-bound.
Step 2: Prepare the Planting Mix
String of hearts plants require a well-draining soil mix to thrive. A blend of regular potting soil, perlite, and pumice is ideal.
The perlite and pumice improve drainage and prevent water retention, reducing the risk of overwatering. The soil should have enough lightness to allow the tuberous roots to grow freely.
If you plan to propagate new plants from stem cuttings or using the water propagation method, this mix will provide the right conditions for root development.
Step 3: Pot the Plant
Before placing your string of hearts into its new pot, check the plant for any signs of disease or pests like mealybugs and aphids. Treat any infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Place the plant in the pot, spreading the vines evenly around the edges. Fill in with your soil mix, ensuring the tuber and nodes (the points where new growth emerges) are well covered.
Step 4: Aftercare
After potting, place your string of hearts in a bright spot with indirect sunlight. Too much sunlight can cause sunburn, while not enough can lead to curling or crispy leaves.
During the growing season, water when the top inch of soil is dry, but reduce watering during the winter months.
If you notice the leaves becoming dark green and losing their silver markings, this may be a sign that the plant needs exposure to stronger light.
Remember, the best time of year to pot or repot is during the growing season when the plant is most resilient.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are common pests that can infest your string of hearts plant. These small, white bugs are attracted to the soft, succulent foliage of the plant. They feed on the plant’s sap, causing the leaves to become yellow and curl.
Over time, an infested plant can become weak and stunted. If you notice a mealybug infestation, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil to eradicate the pests.
Aphids
Aphids are another common pest that can affect your string of hearts. These tiny insects suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl and the plant to become weak.
Aphids also secrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can lead to the growth of sooty mold. If you notice an aphid infestation, wash the plant with a mild soap solution and apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil as a preventative measure.
Root Rot
Root rot is a common disease that can affect your string of hearts, particularly if the plant is overwatered or the pot does not have excellent drainage. The roots become brown and mushy, and the plant’s growth is stunted.
The leaves may also become yellow or show signs of wilting. To prevent root rot, ensure your plant is potted in a well-draining soil mix, such as one containing perlite or pumice, and be careful not to overwater.
Common Plant Problems and Solutions
Brown Tips and Crispy Leaves
String of hearts can sometimes suffer from brown tips and crispy leaves. This is often a sign of overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
To prevent this, ensure your pot has excellent drainage holes and avoid letting the plant sit in water. The use of perlite or pumice in the potting mix can also improve drainage.
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves on your string of hearts plant could be due to too much sunlight. Although this plant enjoys bright indirect light, direct sunlight can cause sunburn.
Find a bright spot in your home that doesn’t get direct sun exposure for your plant. If the yellowing is severe, you might need to repot your plant into a new pot with fresh potting mix.
Slow Growth or No Bloom
If your string of hearts plant is not growing or blooming, it might not be getting enough light or it could be in its winter dormancy period.
These plants have a bulbous base or tuber that stores moisture, helping them survive the winter months.
They prefer warm Mediterranean climates and will grow best during their growing season, which is the warmer months of the year. Also, remember that these plants prefer to be pot-bound, so don’t rush to repot them into larger planters.
Leaf Curling
Leaf curling can be a sign of too little light. While string of hearts can tolerate low light conditions, they prefer stronger light to maintain their sprawling ground cover growth habit.
If your plant’s leaves are curling, try moving it to a brighter location, but avoid direct sunlight to prevent sunburn.
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