The string of hearts or Ceropegia woodii is a house plant that has heart-shaped grey leaves with pinkish undersides and attractive mottling. This variety of succulent plants is native to South Africa and Zimbabwe and produces pinkish tubular flowers when in bloom. Although this plant might seem delicate because of its beautiful leaves, however, it is surprisingly robust and is very easy to care for.
People prefer growing the string of hearts as an indoor plant. They are usually grown as long trailing plants or as compact plants in a pot that wraps around them. This plant is preferred by many first-time plant owners because it is easy to propagate them and because they grow very quickly when properly cared for. The most common varieties are- Ceropegia woddii ‘variegata,’ Ceropegia woodii ‘Silver Glory,’ and Ceropegia woodie ‘Mini Star.’
Soil Requirements:
The string of hearts plant tends to thrive in well-drained cacti potting mixes. And although the soil must be fertile in order for them to grow properly, however, soil that is overly rich in nutrients can negatively affect the growth of the plant and make it straggly-looking. In case your garden has ordinary potting mix in the ground, then adding pumice or perlite can make it sufficiently well-drained.
Propagation Methods:
If you wish to expand the area in which you grow your string of hearts plant. Then you can try these easy propagation methods-
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After the flowers have bloomed, you’ll start to notice the growth of bead-like aerial tubers on the vine. By trimming them off the vine and planting them into the soil, you can propagate your string of hearts plant.
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You can place the cutting on the top of the soil in a new pot and allow it to rest on the surface of the soil.
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Keep the most soil and let the tuber grow roots. The tuber will begin to produce strong roots within a month.
Sunlight, Climate, and Humidity Requirements:
When growing a string of hearts indoors, make sure that the pot is kept in an area with bright light and some direct sun. You’ll notice that your plant is not getting sufficient sunlight when there are large spaces between the leaves. And when the plant is in direct sunlight for a long time, it starts drying out and turning yellow prematurely. This plant tends to thrive in humid conditions and grows extremely well between 18 to 24 degrees Celsius.
Watering:
The string of hearts is a semi-succulent plant that can cope with sporadic watering. You can water the plants really well and then not water them until the soil has dried out. If the leaves of the plant are plum, then it indicates that the plant is well-watered. And when the leaves start feeling spongy, then that indicates that it needs watering. Overwatering and underwatering can severely damage the plant and lead to premature yellowing and curling of the leaves, and even stunted plant growth.
Fertilizer:
This plant prefers regular feeding with an organic fertilizer that is specifically designed for succulents. Make sure that whichever fertilizer you end up using is not high in nitrogen as excess nitrogen can result in the plants becoming soft.
Pests and Disease Management:
The string of hearts plant attracts several pests such as mealybugs, aphids, and scale. Infestation of these pests will make the plant look unhealthy and wilt. These pests can be managed by praying insecticidal soap, neem oil, or using a steady stream of water, Fungal diseases such as mold and root rot can be avoided by ensuring that the plant is potted in well-draining soil and in a bright and warm spot.
Repotting:
It is important to repot your plant when it has outgrown its original pot. And the best time to do this is during the summer which is their active growing period as it minimizes the risk of damage.
