Last Updated on January 20, 2023 by Urska
The ceropegia woodii is a gorgeous hanging succulent plant known as a rosary vine or chain of hearts. It is frequently spotted tumbling off the bookshelves on Instagram. The newest addition of the variegated form has captivated the internet. The ceropegia family, in general, appears to be growing in popularity! In this post, we will give you valuable information on how to grow and take good care of a string of hearts plant.
Ceropegia woodii, or String of Hearts, is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding trailing plants you can cultivate indoors! It’s easy to care for, grows at a satisfactory rate, and propagates readily!
Planting String of Hearts is a great way for families to bond, especially if you’re stuck at home and need to pass the time.
If you’re new to this plant, we’d recommend starting with the standard form rather than the variegated one. It requires brighter circumstances to get a pinky color and can be finicky. We wanted to provide some ideas and tactics to help keep your hearts happy as the trend for hanging plants shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
What is String of Hearts?
The String of hearts (Ceropegia woodii) is a South African evergreen vine. Though they commonly refer to them as a succulent, it is not one.
The heart-shaped leaves that form in pairs down the long hanging vines give the plant its common name. Each leaf is dark green on top and purple underneath, with silvery or pale marbling.
‘Rosary Vine’ is another frequent name for this plant. The vines resemble a rosary because of the little aerial tubers between the leaves.
The leaves’ distinctive shape has earned them several other nicknames. Some call them ‘Hearts Entangled,’ ‘Chain of Hearts,’ and ‘Sweetheart Vine.’
Their vines can grow up to 12 feet long in the right conditions. They emerge from bulbous tubers that grow underground.
How to Grow a String of Hearts?
You’ll need to know where the String of hearts will grow best before you can learn how to care for them. They can thrive for many years if they choose the correct location.
The hardiness of Ceropegia woodii
Rosary vines are often grown as indoor plants because they are only hardy in zones 11 and higher. They cannot survive temperatures below 40°F, and frost will kill them quickly.
They can withstand short periods of cooler weather outside. But they will begin to suffer if the temperature is below 60°F for an extended time.
Where to Grow Rosary Vine
If you have the opportunity to cultivate a rosary vine outside all year, place it in a moderately shaded spot that only receives sunshine in the morning or evening. Too much direct sunlight might cause the leaves to burn.
Choose an interior location that receives lots of bright, indirect light for the rest of us. They’re popular in hanging baskets and high shelves because of their draping, cascading tendrils.
You can take them outside for the summer in milder climates to enjoy the heat and humidity. Just remember to take it inside before it becomes too chilly for them.
How to Take Care of a String of Hearts?
Light
The String of Hearts is a higher light plant. So, give it at least some direct sunlight when growing it inside. If you don’t give it enough light, the area between the leaves will expand. It will make your plant appear spindly. This plant isn’t naturally the fullest or bushiest. So, having less light will make it sparse.
So, if possible, offer this plant as much sun as you can, or at least a few hours! North-facing windows are the least desirable because they receive no direct sunlight. A window with an eastern or western orientation would be ideal.
Soil
Your String Of Hearts would be extremely happy with an equal combination of succulent and cactus mix and coco coir. A half cymbidium orchid and half succulent mix would also work well. To prevent the tubers from rotting, make sure the mixture drains well.
Make sure your Ceropegia woodii is growing in a well-drained soil mix. A blocked potting mix will almost certainly cause your plant to decay.
To use, you can buy succulent/cactus potting mix. Or, you can quickly create your optimal combination. Regular potting soil, coarse sand, and pumice/perlite are all you’ll need. You’ll be ready in no time if you put measured quantities in a container.
12-Pack Compressed Coco Coir Potting Disc
Watering
A rosary vine’s roots and leaves are excellent at holding moisture. It makes it a drought-tolerant plant that requires little water.
Make sure the potting medium is well moistened. Wait for the potting media to dry out (at least the top quarter of the potting mix should be dry) before watering again.
Please water correctly and thoroughly at all times. Failure to do so will result in a slew of problems and the death of your plant.
When growth slows or stops entirely in the winter, we recommend letting it dry up before watering again. You will wind up with many brown leaves if you wait too long. During active growth months, only allow the top quarter of the potting mix to dry out before watering again.
Finally, NEVER let this plant sit in water and NEVER grow it in pots that do not have drainage holes. That would be very unacceptable.
Fertilizer
A string of hearts does not need consistent fertilization. But an occasional feeding can re-energize them and encourage more flowering.
We should avoid chemical goods because they can cause fertilizer burn. Instead, use natural liquid fertilizer, such as compost tea or a houseplant fertilizer.
Only fertilize them in the spring and summer, then stop feeding them entirely in the fall and winter. Of course, we can use fertilizer for a healthy plant care routine. Fertilizers cannot “correct” any cultural difficulties that may exist. If you are looking for the best fertilizers for cactus and succulents, this article can help you.
Propagating
We can propagate The String of hearts in various ways. We can root cuttings and aerial tubers, separate tubers in the soil, and divide the rootball.
Clip the vines or remove the aerial tubers with a sterile set of micro snips, then dust them with rooting hormone. Place them in moistened, quick-draining soil in a warm location or on a heating pad.
You’ll know you’ve succeeded with any strategy when new vines and leaves begin to form.
Pruning
Pruning the String of hearts should not be part of your usual care regimen. But, it is an effective strategy to control the long vines and foster fuller growth.
It’s ideal for pruning rosary vines in the spring when they’re at their most active. They can take a lot of pruning, so you can cut them to any length you like.
Use a sharp, sterile pair of micro pruners or precision snips to cut the vines to the desired length.
Repotting
Chain of hearts doesn’t need to be repotted very often because they thrive in pots. It’s time to move it to a new container if roots start to emerge from the drainage holes.
Repotting is best done in the spring or summer. Choose a container 1-2″ larger than the existing one. Make sure the bottom has enough drainage holes.
It’s good to revitalize the soil by gently working in a slow-release granular fertilizer if you haven’t repotted it in a few years.
Pest Control Tips
- – A healthy Ceropegia woodii plant rarely has pest problems. But, aphids and mealybugs might cause problems on occasion.
- – We can use a natural insecticide or an artificial insecticide. Wash the leaves and vines with one teaspoon of mild liquid soap and 1 liter of water.
- – Plant bugs are also easily controlled with a neem oil spray. Particularly for long-term pest control or reoccurring infestations.
- – We can use cotton swabs coated in rubbing alcohol to eradicate bugs. It can assist in alleviating an infestation quickly.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned everything about String of hearts care, you’re ready to add one of these lovely plants to your collection. With our rosary vine growth recommendations, you’ll be able to keep any type alive and well. Happy planting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ceropegia woodii a succulent?
Ceropegia woodii isn't a succulent. Many gardeners prefer its potential to store water in its tubers and leaves as semi-succulent.
How can I make my String of hearts fuller?
Keeping your String of hearts in a bright spot with plenty of indirect light is one of the most excellent methods to make it fuller. Pruning the vines regularly to stimulate branching and bushier growth is also a good idea.
Is String of hearts challenging to maintain?
The String of heart plants is not difficult to maintain. They're low-maintenance, need few waterings, and thrive on neglect.
