WHY have one heart when a bunch are much more rewarding? With Valentine’s just leaving I thought it was only fitting that I talked about the, Ceropegia woodii, commonly known as the string of hearts.

This trailing houseplant has individual, delicate vines with heart-shaped leaves running through that also produces petite white or pink flowers.

Although not part of the succulent family, its care system and structure is very similar as it holds water in its stems.

I find this plant very easy to look after and is even tolerant to neglect.

And it grows. String of hearts goes dormant in the winter but in its growing season it can grow and grow quick. My first string of hearts hit four foot long in its first growing year.

The downside to this plant is that it tangles really easily and you need the patience of a saint to untangle them.

You will notice that the general care card that comes with a string of heart will advise to water once a week and keep in full sun but I’ve found that not to be the case.

This is another of my favourite plants in terms of styling as its delicate appearance makes it an easy plant to place just about anywhere. I have one in every room.

  • Water once every 10 days and maybe less in winter. The string of hearts benefits from drying out in between watering. Too much water can lead to rotting.
  • Don’t keep repotting. This plant likes a snug home.
  • Propagate. Due to its fast-growing nature you might want to give it a little haircut. Cut the required length off and pop the stems in water – after three or four weeks you should have enough roots to pot back on.
  • Keep in bright, indirect light. Yes she likes the sun but she doesn’t like to burn. I found lower light also slows her growing, which some of you might like.
  • The string of hearts is not known to be toxic to animals but if you hang her too low she might look like a good toy for a cat.
  • Average household conditions are fine for this plant as it requires low humidity. If you’re planning on keeping it in a bathroom, only water sparingly.
  • Flowering happens from spring through to summer.
  • The string of hearts always arrives coiled to avoid damage in transportation. Take care when untangling, as it’s easy to snap the stems.

Lastly, enjoy. It really is a beautiful plant that will give years of success and plenty of babies.

Until next time, planters.

Plant One On Me is at 11 Upper Millergate, Bradford BD1 1SX, part of the Sunbridge Wells complex.

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