String of Hearts Care Guide

Instructions

Soil Preference:

1. String of Hearts prefer well draining soil. The roots will rot quickly if they sit in moist soil.
2. A mix of cactus potting mix and perlite will keep the roots happiest.
3. Make sure your pot has drainage at the bottom. Do not use a pot with no drainage hole for this plant.
4. A heavy soil potting mix is not recommended for String of Heart plants.

Pot Size and Type:

1. The String of Hearts plant can grow in many different kinds of pots, I like to plant mine in ceramic pots with a drainage hole.
2. Repot every second year or when roots come out the drainage holes on the pot bottom To the next pot size up. Don't jump to a huge pot from a small one. Just go to the next size up pot.

Lighting:

1. The String of Hearts will grow best in bright indirect light.
2. This plant will do best in a West or South facing window.
3. Make sure the String of Hearts plant isn't sitting in constant direct sunlight, the leaves can get burnt.

Watering:

1. Water your String of hearts plant when the soil is dry at least an inch down. These plants are typically drough resistant and can withstand longer periods of dryness compared to other houseplants.
2. A good test to tell if it needs watering is the leaves. If the heart shaped leaves close to the base of the plant get soft and wrinkly, then the plant needs a good watering.
3. Watering is best done on a regular schedule so the plant is not over or under watered. Both can cause stress on the plant.
4. The recomendation for watering is every 2-3 weeks.
5. In dormant winter months reduce watering to when the soil is dry.
6. Never let this plant get wet feet. Overwatering causes yellowing leaves, root rot and attract fungus gnats to your plant.

How to Fertilize:

1. Apply a good quality fertilizer (linked in materials) monthly through Spring and summer.
2. Decrease feedings by late Fall and allow the String of Hearts plant to rest through the winter months.

Temperature:

1. The String of Hearts plant will do best in temperatures between 60-85 degrees Farenheit.
2. If it is warm outside during the summer, you can put this plant outside. However, take care not to let the leaves get burned from constant sun.

Pests:

1. The String of Hearts plant is a hardy resilient plant. However all plants can get attacked by pests.
2. Stress by longterm overwatering, poor light, extreme temperatures and soil conditions are contributors to plant stress..
3. Spider mites, mealy bugs, scale, thrips and whitefly are the most common houseplant pests you will see.
4. Read our post on How to get rid of aphids and other pests with our homemade pesticide soap recipe or neems oil.
5. To minimize the possibility of pests be sure to check all nursery plants before bringing them home.
6. Quarantine all new plants until you are sure no pests live in them.

How to Propagate:

Be sure to read our post on How to Propagate the String Of Hearts for more information.

1. Cut vine off the plant using sterile scissors
2. Place vine in water cut side down
3. Place near a window with bright indirect light
4. After several weeks roots will grow
5. Plant in soil when roots are 2-3 inches long
6. If you want to propagate in soil, cut off at one of the tubers hanging off the vine.
7. Place tuber directly in moist soil and a new vine will grow.