The Ceropegia woodii, known as String of Hearts, is a popular indoor plant. This succulent vine is admired for its delicate, heart-shaped leaves that cascade down long, trailing stems, making it ideal for hanging baskets or elevated displays. Its foliage often features a marbled pattern of green, silver, and pink, with undersides sometimes exhibiting a purplish hue. Originating from Southern Africa, the String of Hearts is a relatively easy-care plant that thrives indoors.
String of Hearts Care
Light
The String of Hearts thrives in bright, indirect light. Placing the plant near a south or east-facing window is ideal, allowing it to receive ample filtered light. While it can tolerate mild direct morning sun, prolonged exposure to intense afternoon sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves, causing them to yellow or become crispy. Insufficient light leads to sparse, leggy growth with pale leaves, diminishing the plant’s characteristic appearance.
Watering
Proper watering is important for the String of Hearts, a succulent that stores water in its leaves and stems. It prefers a “soak and dry” method, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a common issue that can lead to root rot, characterized by yellowing, mushy leaves, and a soft stem base. To determine if the plant needs water, check the top two to three inches of soil; if dry, water thoroughly until it drains from the pot’s bottom.
Soil
A well-draining soil mix is important for the String of Hearts to prevent waterlogged conditions and root rot. A suitable potting mix includes components like peat moss, perlite, and coco coir, designed to facilitate drainage. A pre-made cactus or succulent potting mix also provides necessary aeration and drainage. The plant’s fine root structure suggests a preference for shallower pots over deep ones.
Temperature and Humidity
The String of Hearts prefers warm environments, with an ideal temperature range between 60°F and 80°F (15°C to 27°C). While it can tolerate brief periods of cooler temperatures, consistent exposure below 40°F (4°C) can be damaging. The plant is not sensitive to humidity and thrives in average household humidity levels, around 40-50%. Avoiding cold drafts and excessive heat sources maintains plant health.
Fertilizing
The String of Hearts is not a heavy feeder and does not require frequent fertilization. During its active growing season, a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer can be applied monthly. Dilute the fertilizer to half-strength to prevent nutrient burn. Avoid fertilization during the plant’s dormant period in fall and winter.
Propagating String of Hearts
Propagating String of Hearts is straightforward, with several successful methods. The most common approaches involve stem cuttings, rooted in water or directly in soil, and tuber division.
For water propagation, select healthy stem cuttings at least four inches long with a few nodes. Remove lower leaves to prevent rot, submerging at least two nodes in water. Place the container in a bright, warm location, changing the water weekly. Roots typically form within a few weeks; once they reach half an inch to an inch, transfer to soil.
Direct soil propagation also uses stem cuttings of similar length, ensuring nodes are present. Rooting hormone can be used, but is not always necessary. Plant cuttings in a well-draining potting mix, burying at least one node. Maintain consistent, light moisture and provide a humid environment (e.g., with a plastic bag) to encourage root development.
Another method involves the small, bead-like aerial tubers that form along the stems of mature plants. These tubers can be gently pressed onto the surface of moist, well-draining soil, either while still attached to the mother plant or after being detached. The tubers will root and grow into new plants.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
The String of Hearts is generally resilient, but common issues can arise from care adjustments. Yellowing leaves frequently indicate overwatering or consistently cool temperatures. If the soil remains wet, roots can suffer from rot, causing leaves to turn yellow, brown, or black and feel mushy. To address this, allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings and consider repotting into fresh, well-draining soil if root rot is suspected.
Conversely, shriveling or deflated leaves suggest underwatering, as the plant’s succulent leaves lose stored moisture. If the soil is dry and leaves appear wrinkled, thorough watering helps rehydrate them. Sparse growth or long spaces between leaves points to insufficient light. Moving the plant to a brighter location with indirect light encourages fuller, more compact growth.
Pests can also affect String of Hearts, with mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites being common culprits. Mealybugs appear as tiny, white, cotton-like clusters; aphids are small, pear-shaped insects found on new growth. Spider mites are minuscule, identified by fine webbing and tiny dots on leaves. Regular inspection and prompt treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil manage these pests.