The string of hearts plant, also known by its botanical name ceropegia woodii, is one of the most beautiful and popular trailing succulents. With its cascade of heart-shaped leaves dangling from vining stems, it’s easy to see where this plant gets its common name. If you’re looking to add a string of hearts to your indoor plant collection, here’s what to know about finding one for sale and caring for it in your home.
Where to Buy a String of Hearts Plant
String of hearts plants have become quite trendy in recent years, so you can often find them at:
-
Local nurseries and garden centers – Look for robust, full hanging baskets. Inspect for signs of pests and disease.
-
Big box stores like Home Depot and Lowes – Hit or miss on plant health and selection Go frequently for newly stocked plants
-
Online stores – Shops like Etsy, Amazon and independent nurseries sell plants and ship nationwide. Read reviews and check policies carefully.
-
Plant swaps – Rehome string of hearts cheaply by trading cuttings with fellow plant lovers.
Choosing the Right String of Hearts for You
There are a few different varieties of string of hearts to choose from
-
Ceropegia woodii – The classic variety with green heart-shaped leaves on thin stems. Most common and affordable option.
-
Ceropegia woodii ‘Variegata’ – Leaves edged in white. More dramatic but needs bright light to maintain variegation.
-
Ceropegia woodii ‘Silver Glory’ – Silver-gray leaves. Stunning but also requires ample sunlight.
-
Ceropegia woodii ‘Pink’ – New pink-leafed variety. Rare and expensive but oh so gorgeous!
Caring for Your New String of Hearts at Home
Once you get your string of hearts home, here are some care tips to keep it healthy:
-
Light – Bright indirect light is best, especially for variegated varieties. South or west window ideal.
-
Water – Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Take care not to overwater.
-
Soil – Use a well-draining potting mix amended with perlite or pumice.
-
Fertilizer – Apply diluted houseplant fertilizer monthly in spring and summer.
-
Humidity – Average room humidity is fine. Mist occasionally for added moisture.
-
Temperature – 65-80°F is ideal. Can tolerate down to 50°F at night.
-
Pruning – Trim long stems to shape plant and propagate. Remove dead leaves as needed.
Displaying Your String of Hearts Plant
One of the best parts of having a string of hearts is seeing it cascade beautifully. Hang or display your plant in these ways:
-
Let it trail from a hanging basket or pot. Looks great on shelves, cabinets, and plant stands.
-
Train it up a trellis or moss pole. Stems cling with aerial roots.
-
Create a living privacy curtain. String of hearts filters light beautifully.
-
Display in a macrame or wire plant hanger. Use creative hangers to show off trailing stems.
-
Plant in a wall planter or mount on a wall-mounted frame or board. Defy gravity!
Propagating String of Hearts Plants
String of hearts are super easy to propagate! Just take 4-6 inch cuttings and stick them directly in soil. Keep them warm and moist, and they’ll root quickly.
You can also propagate in water, but transition cuttings to soil after they root to avoid rot.
To encourage bushier growth, pinch off the tip of each stem just above a leaf node and stick it back in the pot.
Troubleshooting Common String of Hearts Problems
If your string of hearts starts to struggle, here are some issues to look for:
-
Leggy growth – Needs more light. Move closer to window or under grow light.
-
Leaf drop – Could be due to overwatering, underwatering, or temperature stress. Adjust care accordingly.
-
Mealybugs – These white cottony pests suck sap. Isolate plant and use insecticidal soap spray to treat.
-
Root rot – Caused by too much moisture. Let soil dry out completely between waterings.
-
Brown leaf tips – Sign of low humidity. Increase humidity levels around plant.
With the right care and conditions, a string of hearts makes a beautiful addition to any home. Follow these tips to find and grow a happy, healthy specimen of this trailing stunner.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/growing-string-of-heart-plants-5086828-3-748f0a47b373459eaa75a1bf75d10024.jpg)
STRING OF HEARTS: SILVER GLORY! *Quick Care Tips*
FAQ
Why are String of Hearts so expensive?
Where is the best place to plant String of Hearts?
Is String of Hearts a fast growing plant?
Are String of Hearts rare?
What is a String of Hearts plant?
The String of Hearts plant, also known as Ceropegia woodii, is a creeping succulent vine native to the drier parts of southwest Africa. It is commonly called the String of Hearts due to its stems, which trail on the ground and root where they touch, forming dense mats.
How to grow a String of Hearts plant?
Grow the String of Hearts plant on a shelf or window sill and allow it to hang down. The low-maintenance String of Hearts plant, also known as Ceropegia woodii or chain-of-hearts, is a creeping succulent vine native to the drier parts of southwest Africa. To grow it, place the plant in a suitable location and let it hang.
Where do string of Hearts Grow?
The String of Hearts plant is native to southwest Africa. It grows by trailing on the ground and rooting where its stems touch, forming dense mats. The ‘Chains or Strings’ can grow up to 4 feet long. Grow this low-maintenance plant on a shelf or window sill and allow it to hang down.
What is a String of Hearts vine?
The String of Hearts vine, also known as Ceropegia woodii, is a creeping semi-succulent vine native to southwest Africa. Its stems trail on the ground, rooting where they touch and forming dense mats. The “Chains or Strings” of this vine can grow up to 4 feet long.
Do you need to fertilize a string of Hearts plant?
A String of Hearts Plant requires the use of an organic houseplant fertilizer or a slow release fertilizer during the growing season. Shop now for free shipping over $99 at Garden Goods Direct. This plant has stunning cascading heart-shaped foliage that is perfect for any bright area of your home. It doesn’t need to be fertilized during the winter dormant season.
What potting soil should I use for string of Hearts?
For a String of Hearts, we recommend using an average potting soil with sand or a succulent-mix. Avoid using soil that retains too much moisture, as this is guaranteed to kill the plant. When should I water a String of Hearts?