String of Hearts

This houseplant is quite thirsty, so you should water it regularly, but don't overwater. Water whenever the potting mix starts to feel dry to the touch, but never allow to dry out completely. The soil should be moist but never soggy, as this can lead to root rot. Once it is established, you can reduce the amount of water you give it over the winter months.

String of Hearts prefers bright, indirect sunlight and will do its best with at least five hours of light each day. However, too much direct sunlight will scorch the leaves and cause them to become yellow and dull, so make sure to avoid exposing it directly to the strong rays of the sun. It also does just fine in lower light conditions, but growth and flowering will be slower.

Ceropegia woodii thrives in temperatures that range from 65°F to 82°F (18°C to 28°C). It is recommended that you do not expose if to temperatures that go below 55°F (13°C). When the temperature drops below freezing, keep it indoors.

String of Hearts loves humid conditions, so increasing the air moisture is always beneficial. To do this, mist the air around the plant daily, keep plants grouped together and place a humidifier next to it. In addition, you could also situate it on a humidity tray or a pebble tray filled with water where the plant will absorb the humidity rising from the saucer.

This houseplant is pretty tolerant of soil type, but generally it prefers a rich, well-draining soil mix. You can make this by combining equal parts potting mix and perlite, and adding a small amount of compost. Alternatively, you can purchase a cacti mix, as this will provide the right drainage to avoid overwatering.

String of Hearts should be fertilized twice a month during the active growth season between spring and autumn. For best results, use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half of the strength recommended on the package and apply to the soil. Avoid fertilizer during the winter rest period, as this can break the dormant period of the plant. You should also stop fertilizing if the plant shows signs of stress or yellowing, this usually means it’s been overfertilised.

String of Hearts is prone to attacks from certain pests if the air is too dry. Common pests include mealybugs, scale, aphids, spider mite and thrips. In order to prevent and control infestations, it is best to check the underside of leaves regularly. If you spot any bugs, you can wipe them off with a damp cloth or use a weak soap spray to get rid of them. If the infestation is severe, you can use an insecticidal soap.

Repotting is an essential part of upkeep for String of Hearts, as it likes to be in a snug pot to promote healthy growth. Therefore, you should repot it once a year using a well-draining potting soil. When repotting, choose a pot that is just a tiny bit bigger then its current one, and use a moss pole to tie any loose stems in for support.

String of Hearts only needs to be pruned when the stem and leaves become too leggy and unsightly. If you do decide to prune your plant, the best time to do so is in the spring. Pruning will cause the plant to produce more side shoots and encourage fuller growth. To prune, simply cut off any spindly, leggy stems with sharp scissors, and discard of them in a safe place.

Mulch is also beneficial for the String of Hearts as it helps retain moisture and prevent weeds from taking over the pot. Any type of organic mulch, such as wood chips, straw or compost, will work perfectly.

String of Hearts is incredibly easy to propagate. To do so, you can use either cuttings or stem segments. To propagate with cuttings, simply take a cutting of about 4-5cm and remove any leaves from the bottom. Then, plant it in a well-draining potting mix and water it regularly. You can also use stem segments, by cutting a stem into 2-3 sections with at least one set of leaves on each. Place the segments in a pot and water until it roots.

The String of Hearts is a trailing plant, so you will need to provide some form of support. You can either tie any loose stems to a trellis or a moss pole, or give the plant something to trail over by placing it near a bookcase, shelf or windowsill.

During the winter season when the days are shorter and the temperatures are cooler, String of Hearts requires a rest period with less watering. This doesn't mean letting the soil dry out, but rather just reducing the amount of water given to the plant and turning down the frequency. This helps the plant conserve energy for spring and summer growth.

String of Hearts is not known to be toxic or dangerous to pets or humans, so you don't have to worry about your companion animals nibbling on it.