Fall in Love with the String of Hearts: The Perfect Succulent for Your Sweetheart

Looking for a plant that’s as beautiful as it is easy to care for? Meet the string of hearts, the perfect gift for your sweetheart or a stunning addition to your home decor.

With its tiny, heart-shaped leaves and quirky pink flowers, this succulent is sure to win your heart.

Read on to see why this amazing succulent is perfect for your home.

Why You’ll Love the String of Hearts

The string of hearts boasts mottled sage-green and silver leaves, with variegated varieties edged in eye-catching pink. Its vines are not just visually appealing but also produce unique pink flowers that resemble flamingoes.

This plant is perfect for creating vertical interest both indoors and outdoors, making it a versatile choice for any plant lover.

Light and Temperature

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String of hearts, like many succulents, prefers bright light but not direct sunlight.

Outdoors, plant it in a bright area with dappled shade, or in a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade.

Indoors, place it near a north or east-facing window, or a few feet away from a south or west-facing window. Adjust the location based on the plant’s response to the light.

Hardiness and Humidity

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Native to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, the string of hearts is not cold-hardy and prefers temperatures from the low 80s to the 60s.

It can tolerate brief dips to around freezing but thrives best in USDA zone 10 or warmer.

This succulent is drought-tolerant and does fine with standard household humidity levels.

Non-Toxic and Pet-Friendly

A great houseplant for homes with pets and children, the string of hearts is non-toxic.

In South Africa, its stems and tubers were even used in traditional Zulu medicine.

Growth and Flowers

During its primary growth season (spring through fall), the string of hearts can add several feet in length. Its purplish-pink flowers bloom sporadically throughout the year, attracting hummingbirds when grown outdoors.

Planting and Care

Where to Plant

Indigenous to rocky ledges in South Africa, string of hearts thrives in loamy, well-draining soil.

Outdoors, it’s perfect for rock gardens or trailing down rock walls.

In colder climates, plant it in a pot and move it indoors during cooler months.

Container and Soil

Use a pot with good drainage holes and a well-draining soil mix, such as cactus mix. A DIY soil mix can include equal parts of potting soil, sharp sand, and a gritty amendment like perlite or pumice.

Read our guide on choosing a suitable pot for your succulents here.

Watering

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot and pests. Use the “soak and dry” method, letting the soil dry out several inches before rewatering. Water more during the growing season and less during winter dormancy.

We have an in depth guide on watering your succulents here.

Fertilizing

Fertilize once a month during the growing season with an organic fertilizer meant for cacti or succulents, diluted to half strength.

>> We recommend this Succulent Plant Food.

Dealing with Pests and Diseases

Proper growing conditions prevent most issues. Overwatering can cause yellowing leaves, root rot, and pests like aphids or mealybugs. Treat pests with isopropyl alcohol, soapy water, or neem oil.

Propagation Tips

String of hearts can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or tubers. Cuttings are easiest:

• Water Method: Place stem cuttings in water until roots form, then plant in soil.
• Soil Method: Allow cut ends to callus, then plant in moist, well-draining soil.

Using Tubers

Press tubers into the soil while still attached to the mother plant, or plant them separately in a new pot to grow roots.

Wrap Up

Add a touch of love to your home with the string of hearts. Its delicate, trailing foliage and charming flowers make it a must-have for any plant enthusiast. Share this guide with friends and family to spread the love for this enchanting succulent!