A string of hearts (also known as ceropegia woodii) is a beautiful and attractive trailing plant that you can propagate indoors. It is a semi-succulent houseplant; thus it stores moisture in its leaves. It is easy to propagate and to care for; moreover, it grows at a faster rate.
Nevertheless, the string of hearts can lose their appeal after some time, but worry not! The best solution is practicing plant propagation. This gardening method enables you to cut their creepers, root them properly and create a new plant.
But how can you do this? Please continue reading this article to learn how to propagate a string of hearts to create indefinite embedded vines.
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The benefits of Propagating String of Hearts
Before proceeding with the methods used to propagate this hanging plant, what are some of the benefits of reproducing it? Well, below are some of the reasons you should know:
- To enable it fit in its environment: String of hearts often grow long. So the best thing to do is trim them if they start hitting the ground and become awkward. Then propagate the stems to prevent them from going to waste.
- Create more and new hanging plants: You can multiply your collection by propagating them without additional cash. They are great gifts for families and friends if you have enough.
- To save a dying string of hearts: These plants can die due to overwatering, mistreatment, or even over-fertilizing. The best way to keep them is to cut off the healthy stems and transplant them to create new plants through propagation.
How to Propagate String of Hearts?
This houseplant is relatively easy to reproduce; thus, this is the reason why it’s the most favorite indoor plant amongst many gardeners. Various methods are used to propagate these houseplants;
Tuber Propagation Technique
Tubers are small, round and potato-like growths on the hanging vines. To propagate the string of hearts using this method, locate the biggest aerial tuber. You have two options of propagating your houseplant after finding your desired tubers.
The first option, leave the tuber attached to the vine and hard-press it into the soil. The tuber will root and more vines will begin to sprout. The second option is to trim the tubers using sterile scissors or pruning shears. Don’t pull them because you might cause some damage.
Place the fresh-cut stem tuber in a moist potting mix and gently push it into the soil. Don’t reuse the old mix from other indoor plants to avoid transmitting pests and diseases hiding in it.
Mist your tubers to prevent them from dying and maintain the soil moisture to help them grow. Misting allows you to regulate the amount of water the tuber requires and inhibits overwatering. So long as you provide your tubers with proper care, it can take a short time before leaves sprout from the soil.
Water Propagation Method
It is easy to root the string of hearts in water because it allows you to control and observe the rooting process. Cut off small pieces of chain of hearts and place them in water in a vase or glass. Remove the leaves submerged in the vase to prevent them from rotting and to keep the water fresh.
Ensure you have leaves attached to their nodes that are above the water. The roots grow from the nodes, and it is the point where the stem meets the leaf. It is imperative to have at least two or three nodes to get more roots.
Change the water in the vase at least once or twice a week. Place your vase in a location with bright indirect sunlight. Therefore, depending on the conditions you have set for your houseplant, the roots should start sprouting in a few weeks.
After cuttings propagated in water, develop roots, plant them in the soil. The roots should be at least one or two inches long. This technique enables you to understand how to root string of hearts.
Soil Propagation Techniques
This method follows a similar process as the water propagation method. The difference is that you stick the cuttings into the soil directly. This technique is suitable when your chain of hearts has become tangled and long.
Ensure the soil covers at least some leaf nodes. And, to encourage rooting, spray the nodes touching the soil at least once or twice a day. Another way to promote the rooting process is to dip each node into the rooting hormone.
How to Successfully Propagate String of Hearts from Stem Cuttings
This technique is suitable for all houseplants with different lengths and maturities. You can create a new chain of heart houseplants by cutting a short vine. Therefore, you should locate strong and healthy vines.
Avoid vines that show signs of pests because you can transmit them to your stem cuttings. Check the nodes when taking the cutting to have a great chance of effective propagation. After locating the healthy leaves, cut off some vines having 2 to 3 nodes, using sterile scissors or pruning shears.
Fill your glass or vase with a distilled water to make propagation successful. Dip your cuttings in the water, but first, trim the foliage on the lowest nodes. Put the vase or glass in bright and indirect sunlight.
Change the water in the vase frequently, at least twice or thrice a week. This is to maintain water freshness and keep it free from harmful bacteria. Stagnant water always starts to smell, so it’s upon you to stay alert and notice it quickly.
At this point, wait for a few weeks for the roots to grow. Once the roots are a few centimetres long, transfer them into a potting mix. Ensure you place them in a high-quality potting mix for your roots to get the right nutrient mixture.
Place your root cuttings a few centimetres into the soil. Be careful to avoid damaging the newly formed delicate roots. If your vines are appropriately potted into the soil, resume your routine of caring for your string of hearts.
How to Care for Strings of Heart
The string of hearts is a delightful hanging succulent plant that enhances your living space. It is a tolerant houseplant, and it’s easy to care for. You find some basic knowledge to take care of and how to grow string of hearts in this article.
Sunlight
Subject your houseplant to bright indirect sunlight. Place them in the south or west-facing window with sufficient light. When you are growing them indoors, then give them direct light.
If the plants don’t get enough light, the leaves become wide with some gaps in between; thus, it becomes spindly. So, if you intend to grow your chain of hearts indoors, place them along a bright window. And, keep the room temperature around 80 to 85 degrees Celsius.
Watering
The string of hearts is a succulent plant, and it stores water in the leaves. Therefore, allow the soil to dry between watering. Use your finger to feel the soil moisture before watering the plant. Moisten the potting medium and wait for it to dry before watering again.
Trimming/Pruning
Prune the vines that are growing too long and leggy. Use clean and sterile pruning shears to prune the vines to your preferred length. Apart from trimming, remove dead leaves regularly by gently plucking them off.
Repotting
The best time to transplant your string of hearts is during summer. Because this is their active growing period with minimal risks, use high quality and well-drained pot during the repot. When repotting your chain of hearts, place them in well-drained soil, given that they originate from dry regions and do well in water.
Fertilizing
During the growing season of the houseplant, apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at least once. These plants don’t need regular fertilizing, especially during winter, which is their dormant growth period.
The Best Propagation Stations for Plant Cuttings
The propagation stations reviewed below are the best to enable you know how to propagate a string of hearts:
1. VBgree Hanging Glass Plant Propagation
VBgree Hanging Glass Planter is an amazing hanging design for plant cuttings. You can hang it from the wall or ceiling and enjoy watching your string of hearts grow roots. It has 8 glass bottles on one rope, 50-inch strings, 2-sizeable wall planters and 7 glass bottles of 2-inches on another rope.
It is great for propagating chains of hearts and others like monster plants. Lucky bamboo. You should have a wall space and limited surface.
2. Mealivos Plant Terrarium
It is made of the best high-quality glass, and removable strong glass vases are incredibly convenient for cleaning and refilling water. It comes with 5 clear glass tubes, which is an attractive way to display your string of hearts.
It is also constructed with a natural wood log. It has a simple look that is ideal for various plant cuttings such as mint, a string of hearts, lucky bamboo, herbs, etc. It comes with a wooden frame and test tubes.
3. Sziqiqi Glass Propagation Station
Sziqiqi Glass Propagation Station is a suitable combination of iron and glass; hence it adds a greening nature to your home. It has minimalism and a perfect design for flowers, cuttings, and air plants.
It has three different heights with a piece of jute. It is compatible with any style décor such as organic, modern, rustic, and wall décor. You can propagate your string of hearts by hanging it from the ceiling and reminiscent light fixtures.
4. Mkono Wall Hanging Glass Planter
Mkono Wall Hanging Glass Planter is perfect for propagating plant cuttings. The slim and sleek design glass container creates enough room for plant roots, and it is visible; hence you can observe growth conditions. It has a simple look, such as a natural wood rack combined with 5 test tubes.
The minimalist look is ideal for most plants. It has a desktop stand for various shows. The test tube has a diameter of 1 and 8cm in height, and it comes with natural wood log, high-quality glass. The strong removable glass is perfect for refilling and cleaning.
5. Feitore Glass Planter Bulb Vase
Feitore Glass Planter Bulb Vase is suitable for small table-top spaces. This propagation is made asymmetrical design that does not occupy much indoor space. This propagation comes with a pre-assembled wooden base with a height of 8-inches long.
The shape and stability of the glass allow you to grow a variety of plant cuttings. It has a cleaning kit and materials, enabling you to carry and clean it without breaking. This plant is excellent for various plant cuttings and looks attractive in homes and offices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Strings of Hearts
How long does it take for my string of heart root cuttings to grow?
The propagation of the chain of hearts is relatively quick. So, you should expect to notice some roots sprouting after a few weeks. Although it is unpredictable, thus you should give it the necessary care and be patient.
What is the perfect time to propagate my string of hearts?
Spring is the best time to propagate these houseplants. Although you can be successful growing them in cold months, they will experience slow growth, and your cuttings risk dying before rooting.
What type of soil should I use to propagate my chain of hearts?
It is recommended to use a high-quality potting mix. This will ensure your houseplant gets the correct mix of nutrients. Purchase a mix that contains perlite because it helps with proper drainage and soil aeration, hence preventing overwatering.
Why are the leaves on the string of hearts cutting turning pale and yellow?
If the newly formed leaves are pale and yellow indicates that they are receiving excess direct sunlight. Therefore, place your plant in bright indirect sunlight.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to propagate a string of hearts through the methods mentioned above, you should find this article helpful. Sometimes you should be patient and let the propagation take place. Nevertheless, with the proper environment and care, you have no difficulties propagating a string of heart plants.
