String of Hearts plant or Ceropegia woodii is easy to grow and propagate. This fast growing vine type plant has small heart shaped leaves that are so stinkin cute. The vines will grow and grow until they hit the floor or you give them a trim. Along the vine, this plant can also grow white tubers that look like balls. This is one reason why it is sometimes called the rosary vine plant. Like a succulent, the String of Hearts likes bright light and water only after it has dried out completely. Sometimes it has trouble in the cold Canadian winter, but in general, it does well when there is low humidity. Supplemental light during the winter goes a long way for it’s care if you can provide it.
This plant has easily grown six feet in length over the summer growing season. String of hearts grows so easily and is such fun to care for and share with friends. String of Hearts is a great plant to care for because it doesn’t need much attention, can be trimmed, and grows back beautifully. It also looks great hanging on a shelf.
Light: String of Hearts likes quite a lot of light and even handles a bit of direct sun. Mine is about 4 or 5 feet across and faces southwest. In the afternoon, it gets direct sunlight. I try to give it more light with a grow bulb in the winter so it gets more hours of light.
Water: One of my favorite things about taking care of String of Hearts is how easy it is to know when to water it. Look at the leaves near the crown of the plant. Are they plump? Like little juicy berries? Then your plant does not need water. If they’re hard and flat and the soil is dry, it’s time to water it well. For clues, look at the older hearts. The new hearts near the ends of the strings will be flatter because they are less dense. When it’s ready, give it a good soak until water runs out the bottom of the pot. Make sure to discard of any water that collects in the cache pot or saucer. If the plant isn’t getting as much light in the winter, you may need to water it less.
Soil: I treat this plant a lot like a succulent or peperomia; it needs soil that drains well. It seems to do well in a mix of potting soil, cactus soil, and extra perlite.
Humidity: The string of hearts is great in standard household humidity. No extra fussing required. Where you might want to increase humidity levels is during propagation. Otherwise, treat this plant like a succulent. Dry air is just fine.
Fertilizer: I’m using a general houseplant fertilizer on my string of hearts every few weeks through the summer. A cactus or succulent fertilizer would also do well. Since this plant isn’t growing for me in my home during the winter, I don’t feed it. If you live somewhere where your string of hearts plant will keep growing all winter, you might want to feed it.
Toxicity: Ceropegia woodii is not poisonous, but it’s best to keep curious pets away from plants, especially new ones because you don’t know if they were sprayed before.
String of Hearts, also known as Ceropegia woodii, is a beautiful vining succulent that has captured the hearts of houseplant enthusiasts This trailing plant is beloved for its colorful, heart-shaped leaves that dangle delicately from slender stems
If you’re new to caring for String of Hearts you may be wondering – can these plants survive and thrive in water alone? Or do they require soil to live?
The good news is, String of Hearts can live in water permanently! While they traditionally grow in soil, these adaptable succulents can also live aquatically. With the right care, String of Hearts makes a gorgeous addition to aquariums, propagation jars, and other underwater displays.
In this article, we’ll provide a complete guide to caring for String of Hearts in water, covering propagation, troubleshooting, decor ideas, and more. Read on to learn everything you need to keep your trailing succulent happy and healthy!
Propagating String of Hearts in Water
Propagating succulents in water is an easy, fun way to multiply your plant collection. And String of Hearts propagates readily – you can root cuttings or tubers in water with great success. Here’s how:
Rooting Cuttings
To propagate String of Hearts from cuttings, use sharp, sterile shears to snip 3-6 inch segments off a healthy mother plant. Each cutting should have 2-3 leaves. Remove the lowest set of leaves and place the bare stem in water.
Change the water every 4-7 days to prevent rot. Rooting can take 2 to 8 weeks – be patient! Once roots are 1-2 inches long, transplant into soil or keep in water.
Rooting Tubers
You can also propagate the tuber in water, which I’ve found to also be successful. Simply place the tuber in a propagation glass with water. Roots and new shoots will begin emerging in just a few weeks. Once established, move to an aquarium or container to allow room for growth.
Caring for String of Hearts Living in Water
Caring for permanently aquatic String of Hearts isn’t too difficult, but there are a few key things to remember:
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Use clean, room temperature water. Tap water with chlorine can harm the plant. Use filtered, distilled, or rain water. Replace 1/4 of the water weekly.
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Provide ample light. String of Hearts thrives with bright, indirect light. South or west facing windows are ideal. Direct sun will scorch the leaves.
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Add liquid fertilizer once a month. Look for a balanced houseplant fertilizer. This provides nutrients that water alone lacks.
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Keep humidity above 50%. Use a pebble tray or humidifier to recreate the moist environment this tropical plant prefers.
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Avoid sudden temperature changes. Keep String of Hearts between 65-80°F. Rapid temperature swings can shock the plant.
Follow these simple care guidelines and your String of Hearts will cascade beautifully in its aquatic environment! Monitor for signs of stress like browning leaves or mushy stems and adjust care as needed.
Decorating With String of Hearts in Water
A major perk of aquatic String of Hearts is how lovely and decorative they are! Here are some stunning ways to showcase floating vines of heart-shaped foliage:
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Drape them over the edge of an open aquarium or glass vase for a flowing, romantic look.
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Let vines float freely at the surface of a riparium setup among other partially submerged plants.
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Place a small tuber in a propagation jar and allow the emerging plant to fill the vessel.
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Plant in a hanging bubble bowl and enjoy aerial roots that dangle below the water line.
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Adorn a tabletop or bathroom with a glass container of String of Hearts. The tranquil movement of vines swaying in water is soothing.
String of Hearts’ vining growth habit and vibrant leaves let you get really creative with underwater displays! Play with different vessels and decor combinations until you find a look you love.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Aquatic String of Hearts
Caring for houseplants in water comes with some unique challenges. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
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Rotting stems – If the stems turn brown or mushy, the plant is getting too much water. Move to a smaller vessel or change water more frequently.
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Fading/yellowing leaves – This is usually a sign of too little light. Gradually acclimate to brighter conditions.
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Mineral buildup – Hard water deposits appear white and crusty on leaves. Use distilled or rain water to prevent.
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Slow growth – Increase light exposure and fertilization to encourage new leaves and vines.
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Leaf drop – Drafty spots, temperature extremes, or water quality issues can cause leaf loss. Assess growing conditions and make adjustments.
With attentive care and quick troubleshooting, you can overcome most hurdles and enjoy a thriving aquatic String of Hearts.
Frequently Asked Questions About String of Hearts in Water
If you’re considering transferring your String of Hearts to an aquarium or water container, here are answers to some common questions:
How often should I change the water?
Change 25% of the water each week. This prevents mineral buildup and replenishes nutrients.
What kind of fertilizer should I use?
Look for aquarium plant fertilizers or balanced liquid houseplant foods applied at half strength.
How big of a container do I need?
Allow at least 6 inches width and depth for a young plant. Provide more space as vines lengthen.
Can I grow String of Hearts fully submerged?
Yes! But leaves may be smaller than above water. Allow vines to reach the surface to maximize growth.
Should I add anything besides the plant?
You can add aquarium gravel or marbles for a nice aesthetic. Just rinse well before adding to avoid muddying the water.
Enjoy the Soothing Beauty of Aquatic String of Hearts
With sweeping strands of vivid foliage in water, String of Hearts creates a stunning aquatic display in any home. For plant parents up for the challenge, cultivating these trailing succulents in water is a rewarding and relaxing endeavor.
Following the tips covered in this guide will set you up for success growing happy String of Hearts submerged in their very own underwater oasis. Let us know if you have any other questions – we’d love to help you care for these semiaquatic beauties!
How to Propagate String of Hearts
Snip the strings and remove the leaves closest to the cut end from the stem. Place in water for about 3-4 weeks. Be sure to change the water once a week so it stays fresh and oxygenated. Once you see roots that are 2 to 3 inches in length you can plant into soil. Since the roots used to water, don’t let the soil dry out for about two weeks. This will give the roots time to adjust. Water propagating is a fun way to share rooted cuttings with a friend!.
Troubleshooting String of Hearts
Generally there are few issues with this plant. It’s strong, vigorous and hearty but I have overcome several issues.
Dropping leaves: There are many reasons plants drop their leaves. Most of the time, it’s because they can’t get water to them because the soil is too dry or there are problems with the roots or stems. If your plant sits dry for too long, it may drop leaves as it can’t hydrate them. If your plant is overwatered and the roots become damaged or rotten, it can also drop leaves.
Small leaves or few stems: If your plant has fewer strings and more vines than leaves, it probably needs more light. It won’t put energy into growing foliage it can’t keep alive. I find that here in Canada, in the winter this plant can struggle with the short days. I supplement lighting with a grow light and it has made all the difference.
A lot of people don’t like how this plant looks when it only has leaves on the vines and not on top of the pot. This will happen over time if the top of the pot is not receiving sunlight. Make sure the plant isn’t too deep in the pot. the leaves should be above the rim so they get sun. Also make sure the plant is not hanging too high. If there isn’t enough light coming in through the window, you might start to lose your hair. Not to worry though, it can easily be fixed through propagation! See below.