How to Care for String of Hearts Plant
String of hearts plants are typically sold potted in hanging planters. Follow these steps to care for string of hearts:
1. String of hearts prefers bright indirect light. String of hearts will not survive in low light, and direct sun will scorch the leaves. Bright indirect light can lead to more variegation on the leaves. If there are large spaces between the leaves, your string of hearts may not be getting enough light.
2. Water consistently. During the spring and summer, water once or twice a week. During the fall and winter when the plant is dormant, water every two weeks. Make sure the soil is dried out in between watering. Overwatering can lead to the yellowing of leaves and root rot. String of hearts plants store water in their leaves and can survive in dry conditions, but if the leaves on your plant look wilted and deflated, it needs water.
3. String of hearts requires warm temperatures. These plants thrive in temperatures of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. String of hearts do not do well in cold winters, so make sure your plant is not exposed to temperatures below 41 degrees.
4. Add fertilizer to encourage flower growth. String of hearts doesn’t need many nutrients, but if you want to encourage more flowers, you can fertilize your plant with a houseplant fertilizer once or twice a year during its growing season in the spring and summer.
5. Give string of hearts space to grow. If a string of hearts plant outgrows its pot, transplant it into a pot that’s one to two inches bigger. Choose a potting mix that is well-draining, such as a cactus and succulent mix, or a houseplant mix combined with perlite and coco coir. Wait until the beginning of spring to repot.
How to Propagate String of Hearts Plant
String of hearts plants can be easily propagated. Follow these steps to propagate your string of hearts from cuttings:
1. Trim the plant under the nodule. After the plant flowers, you will see bead-like aerial tubers grow on the vine. If these nodules touch the soil, they will usually take root. To propagate, trim off a vine that has a tuber attached.
2. Place the tuber in the soil. Place the cutting on top of soil in a new pot. Allow it to rest on the surface of the soil.
3. Keep the soil moist. The process of rooting takes about a month, so be sure to keep the plant’s soil moist during this growth period.
