String of hearts (Ceropegia woodii) have a slightly different appearance than the leaves we see around us, and that’s what makes them different. They are easy to care about plants that are often found indoor.
WHAT IS STRING OF HEARTS?
Spring of Hearts is also called sweetheart vine, the collar of hearts, rosary vine, and chain of hearts. The String of Hearts belongs to the Apocynaceae family of plants. The String of Hearts requires slightly moist temperature conditions to grow efficiently.
APPEARANCE AND CHARACTERISTICS
Spring of Hearts has heart-shaped leaves with green and silver variegation on them. Spring of Hearts has feathery drooped vines, which add more attraction to the plant. Leaves of String of Hearts have a fleshy appearance, and the lower side of leaves is pink in color. Stems are of the pink or purple color of String of Hearts. Spring of Hearts is 2 to 5 cm in length and 2 to 4 meters in width.
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QUICK SUMMARY
Botanical Plant name: Ceropegia woodii (String of hearts)
Native to: South Africa.
Care: Easy to care.
Size: 2-5 cm tall, 2-4 meter widespread.
Common problems: Pests and root rot.
Toxicity: Non-toxic to both humans and pets.
HOW TO CARE FOR STRINGS OF HEARTS?
SUNLIGHT
The string of hearts should be placed in an area where it can receive plenty of bright indirect light. It prefers a small amount of direct sunlight; however, direct sunlight for too long should be avoided as it can burn the leaves. Direct light will result in dark green spots on the leaves, while indirect light will cause lighter green spots.
WATERING
The String of hearts is drought tolerant and has a succulent-like nature, so it is ideal to give drought intervals between watering the plant. Before the next watering session, ensure that the top 2 inches of the soil are completely dry. Overwatering the plant can result in root rot, so it is important to ensure that the soil is dry before watering it again. As these plants go into dormancy, it is best for the soil to dry out completely during winter.
HUMIDITY & TEMPERATURE
Being succulent in nature, the String of hearts does not require high levels of humidity. It grows well in an environment with low humidity. When placed in a very humid area, the plant should not be watered. As it is a tropical plant, it should be placed in temperatures between 70 to 85*F.
CLEANING
It is important to dust the leaves of the String of hearts often so that it can photosynthesize better. While dusting the leaves of the plant, it is also important to make sure that there is no presence of pests.
FERTILIZING & SOIL
It is ideal to fertilize the String of hearts during the growing season. Fertilizing the plant will provide it with the nutrients to grow longer vines and cause it to be resistant to pests. A water-soluble or liquid fertilizer at half the strength should be used for fertilizing.
The String of hearts is a semi-succulent plant, and it stores plenty of moisture in its leaves, so it does not need wet soil. The soil should be able to dry out completely during the periods of watering; also, it should drain well.
REPOTTING
The String of hearts is a bit root bound, so there is no need to report the plant often. The time suitable for repotting the plant is in the spring as the new growth begins. For the soil to be completely dry, it is important to use a pot that has drainage holes.
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HOW AND WHEN TO PRUNE?
There is no need for regular pruning of the spring of Hearts until the plant has some dying and worn parts. If you think vines have become too long, then prune a little to give a pleasing effect to your eyes.
Make sure you have cleaned scissors, pruners, or secateurs. Then just carefully cut the parts which are dying or died without affecting the other parts of the plant.
PROBLEMS WITH STRING OF HEARTS
Following are some problems with the String of Hearts:
- Overwatering the plant is the major problem with the String of Hearts, as overhydration leads to the decaying of roots.
- Mealybugs also play their part in damaging the plant.
- Rotting of roots is another problem of the String of Hearts.
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HOW TO PROPAGATE STRING OF HEARTS?
The String of Hearts can be propagated by following these steps.
1- Take out the vines from the pre-existing plant.
2- Remove the leaves and clean the area which you will insert into the soil.
3- Slightly water the parts of the plant directly connected to the soil.
4- Put your newly potted plant in the indirect sunlight and put it in direct sunlight for some hours of the day.
COMMON FAQs:
- HOW MUCH LIGHT DOES A STRING OF HEARTS NEED?
String of Hearts needs a lot of indirect bright sunlight and little direct sunlight.
- WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT STRING OF HEARTS?
The specialty of String of Hearts is their magenta-colored beautiful flowers which are produced even after the least care.
- IS STRING OF HEARTS GOOD INDOOR PLANTS?
String of Hearts is good indoor plant as it does not require ideal and specific environmental conditions.
- CAN A STRING OF HEARTS SURVIVE IN LOW LIGHT?
No, String of Hearts can not survive in low light.
SUMMARY
String of Hearts has a botanical name Ceropegia woodii. String of Hearts is native to South Africa. String of Hearts are ideal indoor and outdoor plants and easy to care for. String of Hearts grows up to 2 to 5 centimeters in length. String of Hearts requires a lot of indirect sunlight with little direct sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves. And String of Hearts can not survive in low light. String of Hearts survives in less moist soil. Magenta-colored flowers and heart-shaped leaves may add tremendous beauty to your house or garden. Favorable conditions for String of Hearts can be created by providing bright indirect sunlight, less humid soil, suitable temperatures, proper cleaning, fertilization, and repotting. String of Hearts is non-toxic to humans and animals.