It’s low-maintenance, fast-growing, and long-lived.
To make it appear fuller, prune it periodically for bushier growth.
Vines can cascade up to 12 feet when mature.
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Soil
String of heart plants thrive in well-drained cacti potting mixes.
Although they appreciate decent fertility, the plants can become straggly-looking if the mix is overly rich.
If you are using an ordinary potting mix, it will need additions like pumice orperliteto ensure sufficient drainage.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
Too much water can result in swollen foliage, leaf drop, and the growth habit can become messy.
Let the soil dry between waterings, and then provide a deep watering.
Do not leave your string of hearts plant standing in water.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
This is a quick way to kill them; excellent drainage is vital.
If you are unsure about when to water, use amoisture meterand wait until it reads “dry.”
String of hearts plants are not fans of intense heat.
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These plants don’t appreciate high humidity in their winter dormancy phase.
Warm temperatures andgood air circulationproduce the best results.
Fertilizer
String of hearts will appreciate regular feeding with afertilizerspecifically designed for succulents.
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For the amount to use, follow product label instructions.
Cut below a node where a set of leaves grows from the stem.
Sourcing seeds is difficult.String of heart plants are usually propagatedby stem cuttings rather than through seed germination.
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The stem-cutting method is easy, and rooting and establishing new plants are generally successful.
Roots will form from the cutting in three ways.
A clear jar works best, so it’s possible for you to see root growth easily.
You’ll eventually need a small pot and potting mix.
Although they can live pot-bound, repot them when roots poke out of drainage holes.
The best time of year for repotting is summer.
Care must be taken, however, as the delicate vines can easily break.
confirm that the new pot has generous drainage holes.
A terra-cotta pot would work well as it allows moisture to escape.
Overwintering
String of hearts plants live best in 60oF to 80oF.
These plants will die in temperatures venturing lower than 40oF.
In winter months, allow the soil to dry out.
It will enter dormancy.
Gradually reintroduce plants to warmer temperatures and small amounts of water in the spring as the weather warms.
Fungi and pests can lead to black spots on the foliage.
Avoid root rot by using well-draining soil and allowing the soil to dry out completely before watering.
The flowers are a pale magenta color.
They bloom quickly outdoors but rarely indoors.
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves are commonly triggered by overwatering or cool temperatures.
Once the temperatures drop below 60oF on a consistent basis, the plant enters dormancy.
Monitor soil levels by only watering when the soil is dry about an inch below the surface.
Dropping Leaves
Another sign of overwatering is a plant losing its leaves uncharacteristically.
A lack of sunlight can also spur leaf drop.
Check the soil to confirm it’s draining.
Also, add pebbles or perlite to the ground or change pots to clay or terra-cotta.
These porous pots wick water, helping the plant manage overabundant watering.
Schedule a regular watering routine for your plant.
String of hearts plants are smaller plants.
They have fine roots that prefer shallower pots to deep pots.
No, this plant is not toxic to dogs or cats.
North Carolina State Extension.
