How to Care For Your String of Hearts Houseplant
String of Hearts plants, with their cascading chains of heart-shaped leaves, are a popular choice for hanging baskets. They have a simplicity that people love, as when I was selling a batch I propagated people were excited over how unique they looked in comparison to the rest of the 'standard' plants I was selling. They do require a little monitoring, trimming, and a careful balance of watering to thrive. So let me try to explain:
Light
String of hearts plants prefer bright, indirect light. Slightly away from a south-facing window is ideal. Avoid placing them in low-light conditions, as this can cause the leaves to lose their vibrant colour. I've also noticed that they thrive better when sunlight can reach the soil (and new shoots), so don't put it up too high.
Water
Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Under-watering can lead to regular dead roots quickly as they are tiny tiny. Check the soil moisture by touching the soil. If it feels dry, you can water the plant. Let any excess drain.
Soil
A well-draining potting mix is essential for string of hearts plants. You can use a pre-made potting mix or create your own by combining peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
Temperature and Humidity
String of hearts plants prefer warm temperatures between 18-27°C. They also enjoy moderate humidity. If your home's air is dry, you can increase the humidity by misting the plant regularly or placing it on a pebble tray filled with water.
Fertilizing
Feed your string of hearts plant with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer).
Pruning
Prune your string of hearts plant regularly to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. It will get really leggy and push one shoot over the rest if you let it. You can always pop the trimming back into the pot to make it bushier. Use a matchstick to create a hole for the stem and pop it back into the pot!
Troubleshooting
* Yellowing leaves: This could be a sign of overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out more between waterings.
* Brown leaf tips: This is often caused by low humidity. Mist the plant more frequently or use a humidifier.
* Leggy growth: If your string of hearts plant becomes leggy, you can pinch back the stems to encourage bushier growth.