The sought-after variegated string of hearts is quite tricky to grow, especially for newcomers. But once you get the hang of it, a lustrous row of the variegated string will be a great addition to your collection of plants.
To master the art of string of hearts plant care, you must ensure well-drained soil, weekly watering, bright light, average humidity, and warm temperature.
What Is String Of Hearts?
The string of hearts plant, or scientifically known as Ceropegia Woodii Variegata, is native to Africa. Not long after its discovery, this succulent evergreen became famous worldwide as an ideal indoor houseplant.
While small in size, these climbing plants can grow their delicate vines at surprising lengths of 13 feet, reaching around your beautiful house.
The Ceropegia Woodii starts to sprout adorable green heart-shaped, patterned leaves since they are baby plants. The variegation process gives mature leaves a unique creamy pink outline.
String of Hearts: How to propagate?
How To Care For String Of Hearts?
Well-draining Soil Mixture
We highly recommend using a blend of cacti potting soil and coco coir to create a delicate surface for the firm roots to breathe. Always try watering the soil to check how well it drains. The faster, the better.
An appropriate planter is also essential in improving excess water runoff. Nothing fancy is necessary. A standard clay pot with multiple holes at the bottom will ensure your plant stays dry and cozy.
Only Water When Your Plant Is Dry
Many owners mistakenly water their Ceropegia Woodie daily. Although the vegetation needs more watering than other succulents, it is exceptionally vulnerable to overflows.
Root rot can occur with constant moisture in the soil, so only water the Woodii plant once the soil has dried out completely. On average, weekly cycles of watering would be optimal to keep your plant hydrated.
Bright Lighting For Healthy Leaves
It naturally adapts to the harsh environment of Africa, so the string of hearts’ light requirements would be high on the list.
We suggest daily sunbathes for a couple of hours to feed the heart-shaped leaves with enough nutrition. Hanging your pot close to the windows should provide lots of sunlight.
Beware that direct sunlight is harmful to the string of hearts’ delicate foliage. Take your plant in partial shade on intense mornings to keep the green color on your leaves.
Average Household Humidity Levels
The String of Hearts, like many houseplants, does not require a great deal of moisture to flourish. There are barely any demands of humidity, as long as it is below average. Your typical indoor humidity should suffice.
Different climates play a significant role in adjusting the dampness of the air. As such, a pleasant 40% to 50% average humidity is adequate.
Keep Temperature Warm
Most strings of hearts can grow comfortably in cozy 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to its affinity to hot climates, it is not a cold-hardy plant. If you raise succulents outdoors, take them inside as soon as possible.
During the winter months, make sure your string of hearts plant is protected from breezes and crank the warmer up high!
Common Problems With Variegated String Of Hearts
Overwatering The Soil
Overwatering is the most common problem with a string of hearts plants, which causes their roots to decay.
You can avoid such nuisance with a calendarized watering schedule. Mark 2 essential days: water the plant and chunky soil (a clear sign of dryness).
Garden Mealybugs
This tiny pinkish pest loves to feed on Ceropegia Woodii. Mealybugs can blend in with the darker color of variegation, making them harder to detect.
A quick solution is to rinse them away with water or kill them on the spot with some alcohol.
How To Propagate String Of Hearts?
Cutting For Propagation
This is the easiest way to propagate a string of hearts. All you need is a container, cutters, and freshwater to begin.
Start by cutting off the vine portions you wish to plant, place them in the glass, and watch as the fast-growing stems work.
As we have mentioned, keep your plantation in a warm, well-lit location so that the root may develop as fast as possible.
Tuber Propagation Technique
This string of hearts propagation method is more tricky but will allow you to reproduce plants quickly. Depending on the size of your variegated string, a tube with the size of a fingernail should be suitable.
The tuber needs to be retained on the vines while pressed deep into the soil to produce new roots.
Afterward, you can clip the vine from the mother plant after it has taken root.
Top Tips For Growing A Healthy Variegated String Of Hearts
- Keep your string of hearts under constant bright light. Morning is its active growth period, so leaving your plant under this mild sunlight can result in full heart-shaped succulent leaves with the most delicate color.
- A sprinkle of fertilizer can help your plant restore green leaves, achieving lustrous growth with little cost.
- Pruning is one string of heart care to make it appear thicker and puffier. This procedure isn’t essential except if the succulent stalks have become droopy and the leaves lose their purplish hue.
Conclusion
In summary, to take good care of your variegated string of hearts, check all of these on your list:
- Use loose, well-draining potting soil and clear out excess water.
- Only water your plant weekly when the dirt starts to appear dry.
- Ample light is your variegated string’s best friend.
- Average room temperature and humidity are the perfect conditions for thriving growth, as long as it is on the warmer side.
