String of Hearts Ceropegia linearis subsp. woodii

Water

The String of Hearts (Ceropegia linearis subsp. woodii) should be watered approximately once every week to ten days, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. It's advisable to use the soak and dry method, watering the plant thoroughly until excess water drains out, without leaving the pot in standing water. As a succulent, it's very drought-tolerant, so it's better to underwater than overwater. During active growth in spring and summer, you may need to water more frequently, while in the cooler, dormant months, you can reduce watering to once every two or three weeks. Typically, about 8-16 ounces of water per watering should suffice, depending on the size of the pot and the environment's humidity levels.

Light

The String of Hearts prefers bright, indirect light to flourish but can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially if it's the soft morning light. A spot near a north or east-facing window would be ideal, where it can receive plenty of light without the harsh intensity of the midday sun. However, too much direct sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves, so care should be taken to avoid placing it in a south-facing window without any shade during the peak afternoon hours.

Temperature

The String of Hearts thrives in temperature conditions between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive in temperatures as low as 40 degrees, but growth will slow down considerably. It's important to protect the plant from temperatures below 40 degrees, as it can suffer damage from frost. The ideal temperature range for this plant's healthy growth is around the 70s Fahrenheit, providing a warm environment without being too hot or too cold.

Pruning

Pruning the String of Hearts is mainly done to maintain its shape, encourage fuller growth, or remove dead or damaged vines. The best time to prune is in the spring before new growth begins. It doesn't need frequent pruning; once or twice a year is usually sufficient. Always use clean, sharp scissors to make precise cuts, and you can propagate the cuttings if desired to create new plants.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

String of Hearts prefers a well-draining potting mix composed of part potting soil, part perlite or pumice for aeration, and part orchid bark for added drainage. The best pH range for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.5.

Repotting

String of Hearts should be repotted every couple of years or when the plant has outgrown its current pot to encourage growth and refresh the soil. It's best to repot in spring or early summer.

Humidity & Misting

String of Hearts thrives in average household humidity levels, but can benefit from slightly higher humidity; aiming for 40-50% humidity is ideal for this plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and water sparingly.

• Outdoor

  Hang in partial shade, protect from cold, water moderately.

• Hardiness zone

  10-12 USDA

Life cycle

The life of Ceropegia woodii, commonly known as String of Hearts, begins with seed germination where warmth, light, and moisture trigger the development of the plant from a seed. Following germination, seedlings establish themselves, developing a system of vines and heart-shaped leaves characteristic of this species. As it matures, the plant exhibits rapid vine growth under ideal conditions of bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. During its growth phase, the String of Hearts may produce tubers on its vines, which can fall to the soil and grow into new plants. This plant flowers intermittently throughout the year, producing small, lantern-shaped flowers that are pollinated by flies attracted to their unique structure and scent. After pollination and seed set, the life cycle can continue if seeds disperse and find suitable conditions for germination, repeating the process of growth and reproduction.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagating String of Hearts, or Ceropegia linearis subsp. woodii, is through stem cuttings, particularly in spring or summer when the plant is in its active growth phase. To do this, take a healthy stem of about 4 to 6 inches long (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) that includes several leaves. Allow the cut end to callous over for a few hours or overnight to prevent rot. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that the nodes (where the leaves meet the stem) are buried, as these are where roots will develop. Water the soil lightly but consistently, keeping it moist but not soggy, to encourage rooting. In a few weeks, the cutting should establish roots, allowing it to grow into a new String of Hearts plant.