String of hearts plant4/28/2023 ![]() Just place the tuber on top of a sand-perlite mixture in a separate pot and cover with a thin layer of fine sand (1). If the stem is long enough, there is no need to cut it right away. Aside from the underground tubers that can be divided, aerial tubers grow along the stem and if propagating using this method, it is recommended to allow the tuber to root first.Ī tuber of about 2cm diameter is required. Propagating Ceropegias is best done during summer, when the plant is in active growth stage. ![]() Most of the time, these problems arise because of an improper watering practice so as much as possible, provide only the water required by the plant (2). If there is a mild infestation, manual removal is enough or application of household grade insecticide. Pests and DiseasesĪside from the occasional aphids, scale insect, and mealy bug attacks and the root rot disease, the string of hearts does not have a lot of pests and diseases. Mist it during hot summer days and when it goes dormant in winter, water the plant sparingly (3). The plant is not heat or frost tolerant so keep them from extreme temperatures. Grow them indoors where temperature ranges between 25-30✬. String of hearts naturally grows in rocky areas of forests so they prefer warm temperature and humid conditions. Allowing the soil to dry in-between waterings is best for the string of hearts (3).Ī well-draining soil is key to prevent its roots from standing water which does not only cause root rot but the infestation of woolly aphids as well (1). The leaves are considered succulent, able to store enough moisture to keep the plant going so this plant can tolerate drought more than wet. WaterĬeropegia only requires average watering. It is also important to note that while the string of hearts grow well in a semi-shaded condition, other growth factors such as watering should be modified to prevent problems. The colors and markings on the leaves are darker and prominent with strong light and tend to lighten under shade. Sudden exposure to strong light may cause sunburn so it is advisable to introduce brighter light gradually to avoid this. How to Grow and Care for String of Hearts LightĬommon in many types of house plants is their preference for bright, indirect sunlight and string of hearts is no different. In the wild, the tubers from many Ceropegia plants are actually used as survival food and source of water (1). ![]() It is aesthetically appealing, grows well indoors, and easy to maintain but the leaves and stems are also traditionally used to induce vomiting and treat poisoning. String of hearts is an effective trailing house plant. What are the Uses of String of Hearts and is it Toxic? During its latter years, the plant will decrease in vigor but throughout its lifetime, it can produce over a thousand plants from cuttings, seeds, and tubers (3). Given the right growing condition, a single plant of string of pearls can grow and live up to 25 years. What is the Lifespan of String of Hearts? They look like tiny purplish-white vases with long necks and sitting atop are downward-facing hair that traps insects helping the plant pollinate (2). Throughout the year but mainly in summer and fall, the string of hearts produce odd but attractive flowers. The tuber can produce new stems and roots and is one of the successful ways to propagate a string of hearts (1). They are a way for the plant to store food for regrowth as well as for reproduction. This cascading growth is best appreciated when planted in a hanging pot.Īlong the stems are nodes where small potato-like tubers may grow. These leaves initially grow close together but as the slender stems elongate, the leaves move further apart, enhancing the stringy appearance of the plant. The Variegated String of Hearts have more pronounced markings on the leaves and brighter tinge. This evergreen plant is native to South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Eswantini, growing naturally on cliff edges and embedded in rock crevices (1).Ī member of the dogbane family, the string of hearts plant has characteristically small heart-shaped dark green leaves with heavy white veins and purple-tinged margins. More commonly known as string of hearts, other names include rosary vine, hearts entangled, sweetheart vine, and chain of hearts. ![]() woodii is the formal name given to this plant by Carolus Linnaeus, describing the “fountain of wax” appearance of the flowers. How to Grow and Care for String of HeartsĬeropegia linearis subsp.What are the Uses of String of Hearts and is it Toxic?.What is the Lifespan of String of Hearts?.
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