Variegated string of hearts plant is a beautiful and extremely famous plant among plant collectors and plant lovers.
Its popularity is mostly due to its attractive trailing habit and elegant dropping strands of heart-shaped pink crème and silver-green colored leaves.
The plant’s flowers are lantern-shaped and pink.
The plant goes by several names, including Variegated Heat Vine, Variegated String of Hearts, the Collar of Hearts, Rosary Vine, Hearts-on-a-String, and the Sweetheart Vine.
So, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant with pink vegetation, consider a variegated string of hearts.
Continue reading this comprehensive article to learn more about the plant.
Table of Contents
- 1 What type of Plant is Variegated String of Heart?
- 2 How to Care for Variegated String of Hearts
- 2.1 When and How to Water Variegated String Of Hearts
- 2.2 How Much Sunlight Do Variegated String Of Hearts Need?
- 2.3 What Climate Does Variegated String Of Hearts Like?
- 2.4 What is the Best Soil For Variegated String Of Hearts
- 2.5 Do Variegated String Of Hearts Need Fertilizer?
- 2.6 How and When Should I Prune Variegated String Of Hearts?
- 2.7 How to Propagate Variegated String of Hearts
- 2.8 How to Repot Variegated String Of Heart Plants
- 3 FAQ
- 4 Conclusions
- 5 References
What type of Plant is Variegated String of Heart?
A variegated string of hearts plant is an evergreen succulent plant that produces long, trailing shoots.
It’s tolerant of most climatic conditions and perfect for living spaces.
The plant looks amazing in a hanging basket since the leaves cascade over the edges, resulting in a spectacular visual.
This resilient plant is ideal for beginners and lazy individuals.
The scientific name of the variegated string of hearts plant is called Ceropegia woodii variegeta.
The plant is native to South Africa, Australia, and South Asia. It’s from the genus Ceropegia, a group of plants with tubular corolla with 5 or more petals.
Related post: Types of Ceropegia Succulents (String of Hearts)
How to Care for Variegated String of Hearts
The low-maintenance nature of this evergreen trailing succulent vine makes it win the hearts even more.
Here, we will look at how to take care of it.
When and How to Water Variegated String Of Hearts
The variegated string of hearts plant can withstand a little neglect in watering. Just water deeply and let the soil dry between watering.
Use your finger to check the moisture level. And if the potting mix has dried out several inches, then consider watering.
The frequency of watering depends on the weather and the growth zone. During summer, try to water your plant once or twice a week.
During winter, the plant requires less water, approximately once every 12 to 15 days.
Add a drainage hole in the plant because the plant hates standing in an overly moist potting mix.
A fast-draining potting mix comes in handy to let the excess water drain out of the post after you’ve watered the plant.
How Much Sunlight Do Variegated String Of Hearts Need?
The vines enjoy being in bright indirect sunlight. However, too much direct sun can burn variegated leaves.
It’s wise to ensure you only provide it with a few hours of direct light.
Or you can try keeping it in a well-lit spot or southwest or west-facing window.
The easiest way to see if they’re receiving enough sunlight is to observe the color of the leaves and the gaps between the leaves.
In case of less sunlight, the variegated string of hearts plant leaves will be wider apart and with a lighter color.
What Climate Does Variegated String Of Hearts Like?
Ceropegia woodii variegeta doesn’t do so well in cold, harsh climates.
So, if you live in zones that can get colder than 40° F or 4.5° C (USDA zone 10 and 11a), consider planting this plant in a container that you can bring indoors.
It does well in locations with full or partial sunlight.
Best Temperature for Variegated String Of Heart Plants
Just like most household plants, a variegated string of hearts plant thrives in the same temperatures we live in. It can withstand chill temperatures.
However, the ideal temperature range for this plant care ranges between 60 to 90 ° F.
During summer; you can keep the temperature between 80 and 85 in summer and 60 in winter.
At night try to keep the temperature above 40°F.
Since the plant has cannot tolerate cold and frost, it’s crucial to transfer it to a warmer place if the temperature falls below 40°F.
Also, when watering, don’t let the plant sit in water for longer periods.
Humidity Level Need for Variegated String Of Hearts Plants
A variegated string of pearls plant veins has no extra demands in terms of humidity. Your normal household’s humidity levels (40 -50%) will do the trick.
Nonetheless, if you have any other household plants and you have humidifiers for the plants.
Try to keep your variegated string of hearts planted away from the humidifier.
More moisture in the air means that the soil won’t dry out, which we already say is not ideal for your succulent vines.
What is the Best Soil For Variegated String Of Hearts
Mix an equal amount of succulent or cactus mixture and coco coir to make your variegated string of hearts happy.
A blend of half succulent mixes and half cymbidium orchid will all do well.
Ensure the mixture drains well to prevent the plant’s tubers from rooting.
You can top up your soil mixture with a handful of compost too and worm castings.
Do Variegated String Of Hearts Need Fertilizer?
The plant’s delicate veins don’t like heavy feeding.
If you have organic house fertilizer for house plants, dilute it and apply it to the plant once a month during summer and spring.
Avoid providing your plant with too much fertilizer since it might burn or even kill it.
The best way to judge whether to feed your plant is if your plant is actively growing.
Variegated String of Hearts plants often go dormant during winter.
So, there’s no need to feed it with fertilizer during the winter.
We personally use this slow-release fertilizer because one application lasts for months! It slowly dissolves into the soil on its own, so there’s no worry about over-fertilizing.
- LIGHT APPLICATIONS - A balanced mix of essential nutrients with low NPK...
- LASTS LONGER, FOR LESS - Easy, ready to use granular formula feeds your...
- LIQUID ALTERNATIVE - Excellent alternative to liquid fertilizer in a spray...
How and When Should I Prune Variegated String Of Hearts?
The variegated string of hearts plants grown in the house can reach around two feet. However, in its natural habitat, it can reach twelve feet.
There’s no need to prune this plant.
However, if you feel the vines have gotten too long for your taste or look too leggy, or you want to propagate some cutting, then you can gladly prune it.
Otherwise, it’s just fine to let it grow.
You can also prune the variegated string of heart plant vines if some parts are dying or rotting.
When pruning, use a pair of scissors or shears to snip off the part you want to remove.
This hardy plant can tolerate harsh pruning, so don’t worry if you don’t make detailed cuts.
If you’re looking for a pair of shears, we use these pruning shears. They are not too expensive and they seem to never dull. Plus, they are easy on the hands.
- Reduce Hand Strain: These micro tip snips are made to reduces hand fatigue...
- Ultra Sharp Blades: These quality snips come with stainless steel...
- Secure, Easy to Lock: These micro tip snips feature a safe and secure...
How to Propagate Variegated String of Hearts
Propagating variegated string of hearts plant is easy.
In this section, we’ll highlight the various ways you can successfully propagate it. Let’s proceed!
Water Propagation
You can propagate the cutting in a bottle of water or plant them directly in good soil.
This is perhaps the easiest way to propagate the variegated string of hearts plant. All you need to do is to:
- Trim some hanging vines, preferably in spring
- Put the cuttings in a vase of water and remove the bottom leaves, so none gets in the water.
- Place the vase in a warm area with enough light so it can grow quickly. Remember to change the water every week to prevent it from going bad and ensure there’s enough oxygen in the water.
How fast the plant grows depends on various factors, including temperatures and light.
Soil Propagation
This method is a bit tricky. But it doesn’t mean it’s not possible. You need to:
- Cut off the vines, then remove the leaves in the side that you want to plant
- Prepare the right potting mixture, ensuring it’s airy and slightly moist.
- Ensure you’ve covered the nodes or tubers on the potting media so the roots can grow
- Place the pot with the vines in an aerated room with enough light and wait for 3-4 weeks until the cutting starts producing roots and new leaves emerge.
Check out our article post on the different kinds of succulent pots to plant your succulent plants in.
Tuber Propagation
An alternative way to propagate variegated string of hearts plant is using its tubers. As this plant ages, it forms tubers along the veins.
Find the biggest one possible, and place it onto potting soil while still on the vine.
It will grow roots, and you can finally cut it off from the mother plant.
Alternatively, you can cut the tuber from the mother plant and place it onto a potting mixture.
Cover the tuber with the soil mix and keep it in a bright area.
Also, water it weekly. In a few weeks, the tuber will begin producing roots.
Alternatively, you can also propagate the variegated string of hearts planted through seeds.
How to Repot Variegated String Of Heart Plants
The variegated string of hearts plant is one plant that loves being root-bound.
Therefore, there’s no need to repot it regularly.
And if you have to report this plant, do it in the spring, when new growth shows.
Find a pot with drainage holes to facilitate good drainage.
As a result, the soil will dry out completely. Prepare your soil mix and dampen it, then place the soil in the pot.
Related post: Ultimate Guide to Repotting Succulents
Next, take your variegated string of hearts plant and lay it on its side gently, then slid it out of its current pot.
If there are multiple plants, this would be the appropriate time to split them into different pots.
When re-potting, place the roots gently into the new pot and press lightly on the soil around the roots.
Wait for the soil to dry out completely before adding water.
FAQ
Are Variegated String Of Hearts Plants Toxic To Humans Or Pets?
No research proves that Ceropegia woodii variegate is toxic to humans or pets. Nonetheless, it’s wise not to let your kids or pets play with the plant. Also, after direct contact with the plant, wash your hands.
What Insects or Pests Are Harmful to String of Hearts Plants?
Mealybugs are the most common insects for this plant. The bugs tend to leave a sticky residue on the plants that look like cotton. The bad thing about mealybugs is that they easily spread from plant to plant. So, it’s clever to isolate the affected plant. To get rid of mealybugs, wash your variegated string of hearts plant with diluted soap, one part soap, and one part water. After washing, rub alcohol on leaves and the veins several times every two weeks. Scale and aphids also pose a threat. To clear aphids, spray cold water on the leaves, and if it’s a large infestation, dust the plant with flour. For scales, a dishwashing liquid can do the trick. Spray on the leaves and veins and wash it off afterward. Make a point of not using it during hot or sunny days since you might burn your plant away.
Why is Variegated String of Hearts so expensive?
The variegated string of hearts plant can be a little expensive, but this is partially due to the fact that its current popularity attracts a premium. Other reasons for the high price of this plant include: they’re versatile, grow super-fast, are easy to create more (propagate), and are unique, interesting, and fashionable.
Do Variegated String Of Heart Plants Blossom Flowers?
The main attraction of variegated string of hearts plants is not only the beautifully shaped leaves but also the gorgeous little pink/white or purple flowers. It flowers for months in the presence of favorable conditions, especially in spring and summer. The flowers have a chalice-like shape.
Related post: 17 Beautiful Flowering Succulents for Your Home
Conclusions
With this basic care information, you can easily care for your variegated string of hearts plant.
Bright light, well-drained soil, and a warm home are all this plant needs to thrive and grow.
Do you have a variegated string of hearts plant? If so, comment below and show us your plant!
References
Lindsey Hyland grew up in Arizona where she studied at the University of Arizona’s Controlled Environment Agriculture Center. She continued her gardening education by working on organic farms in both rural and urban settings. She started UrbanOrganicYield.com to share gardening tips and tactics. She’s happy to talk about succulents and houseplants or vegetables and herbs – or just about anything in a backyard garden or hydroponics garden.