String of hearts (Ceropegia woodii) is certainly one of the most unique houseplants in my collection. The long, beautiful strands elegantly drape over any surface, adding a unique aesthetic to the home.
String of hearts is also known as “chain of hearts” or “rosary vine.” There is no question where these names came from. The plant itself looks exactly like a chain of hearts, and the variegated string of hearts is quite stunning.
These plants are very resilient and make a very nice hanging plant. My first chain of hearts plant was purchased online where it suffered extreme cold damage. After just a couple months, you would have never known it went through so much stress.
In addition to being tough, these plants are relatively easy to propagate. Whether you are looking to make more plants to give away, or simply looking to add fullness to your existing plant, propagation is the way to do this.
There are a few ways you can propagate your string of hearts, and I will go over the different methods in this article with a step-by-step guide.
When to propagate string of hearts
In my experience, this plant is best trimmed for cutting during the active growing season (during the summer months). You always want to take stem cuttings off of a healthy, growing plant. The spring or summer is best.
You can still successfully propagate any plant during the cooler winter months, as long as optimal conditions are met.
1. Propagating string of hearts in water
This is my favorite method for propagating string of hearts, and I find it to be the easiest method as well. I usually give this plant a “haircut” regularly, but I hate letting any cuttings go to waste! Water propagation allows you to see the roots as they form.
- Step 1: Trim a few cuttings from the bottom of your mother plant. Each cutting should be several inches long so they will not fall completely into the water. Be sure there are a few nodes (where the leaf meets the stem) on each cutting as well. See photo below.
- Step 2: Remove the lower leaves of the cutting.
- Step 3: Place the cuttings in a glass of water in bright light, being sure the lower nodes are submerged. This is where the roots will grow from. Change the water on a weekly basis.
- Step 4: In a couple of weeks, you will see roots beginning to form. When the roots reach a couple inches long, you can place them in soil to grow. After transplanting, keep the soil consistently moist so the roots can establish.
2. Propagating string of hearts in soil
Another propagation method is using soil, sphagnum moss, or another medium to grow roots from your string of hearts cuttings.
While I prefer to use the water method, this method also works, although it is a bit more messy. However, you do not need to transplant the water roots into soil which is the main benefit of this method.
- Step 1: Trim your cuttings from your main plant the same way you would for water propagation. Each cutting should be long enough that it has at least 2-3 nodes.
- Step 2: Remove the lower leaves of your cutting. You do not want to bury any leaves in the soil.
- Step 3: Place the cuttings into your pre-moistened soil mixture or moss. You may want to cover the plant with a clear plastic bag that has a few holes in it. This will help maintain the humidity levels around the cutting.
- Step 4: Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soaking wet) in a room temperature location. You should see new growth within a month. Be sure the plant is kept in a well-lit location (bright indirect light) with well-draining soil.
Tip: Any good potting mix will work for soil propagation. As long as you keep it consistently moist (not waterlogged), it should grow just fine. You do not need to overthink the type of soil you are using for the cuttings.
3. Tuber propagation
Small, aerial tubers on mature plants easily root and make new string of hearts plants. This method is incredibly simple and a great way to help create a fuller plant.
- Step 1: Simply press the tuber (while it is still attached to the plant) into soil. One way to do this is to “circle the plant” in its own pot on top of the soil.
- Step 2: Let the plant grow in a well-lit location with adequate warmth and moisture. You should see root growth within a few weeks.
If you have a plant that has lost many of its leaves, this is a great way to bring it back to life. Bury the tubers in well-moistened soil and let the plant regrow in a warm, bright location.
String of hearts propagation tips
- As with any houseplant, be sure not to overwater your string of hearts or the cuttings. You run the risk of root rot if your soil is too waterlogged.
- Be sure your pot has drainage holes if you are using the soil propagation method.
- Your cutting should be placed in a well-lit location. If the cutting does not receive enough light, it will not grow strong roots.
- It can take a long time for these plants to grow roots. But, if you don’t see anything happening after a month, you can assume the propagation was not successful.
As you can see, there are a few different ways to propagate this houseplant. However, there is no “best” method, as it will depend on your plant and what is easiest for you. With the right conditions, it is a very simple process no matter which propagation technique you choose.
I hope this guide helps you understand the rooting process for successful propagation. The string of hearts is a wonderful addition to any plant collection, and I encourage you to propagate it and share with friends and family.