How to Propagate String of Hearts – 3 Easy Methods To Try

Instead of explaining all the complicated ways to propagate your string of hearts, we narrowed it down for you to the three easiest ways to multiply this adorable plant. Let’s look at how you can successfully propagate your beautiful chain of hearts plant!

What Do You Need to Propagate String of Hearts?

Below you’ll find all the items you will need to propagate your string of hearts. The exact items may differ depending on the technique you choose.

• fresh string of hearts leaves, cuttings, or tubers
• suitably sized pot
• potting soil mix
• water
• vase or container (if you’re using the water method)
• propagation chamber (optional, for the soil method)
• rooting hormone
• a pair of scissors (sharpened and sterilized)

How to Propagate String of Hearts Using the Soil Method

Propagating string of hearts cuttings in soil will produce healthy and strong roots reasonably quickly, but it requires humidity, and you may need to purchase a propagation box to help you. Below are the steps for successfully propagating your string of hearts using the soil method.

Step 1: Take cuttings from the mother plant

Taking cuttings from your mother plant isn’t difficult, but you need to do it correctly. Rooting stem cuttings is the easiest, but you may also choose to use vines that are still attached to the mother plant.

Step 2: Prepare your soil mix

The ideal soil for a string of hearts plant is a lightweight, well-draining soil. A cactus mix is best, but you can also make your own soil. If you decide to make your own mix, you can combine equal parts coarse sand, perlite, and potting soil.

Step 3: Prepare your pot or container

Fill your container or propagation chamber with slightly damp, but not wet, soil. It would be best to fill it between three and four inches deep. Make small holes about two inches into your medium for your cuttings.

You can place many cuttings in the same container, as it would make for a fuller and bushier string of hearts plant! If you’re working with vines still attached to the mother plant, you can place your new pot with fresh soil mix directly next to the mother plant.

Step 4: Apply your rooting hormone

Gently dip the exposed leaf nodes of your cuttings into the rooting hormone. You may also dust the vines attached to the mother plant before laying them over the top of the new soil, which could help to speed things up in the rooting process.

Step 5: Place your cuttings in the new container

Place your cuttings into the holes you have made in your new pot or container, and pack the soil around them. Be sure to be very gentle and ensure the nodes are well under the surface.

If your vines are still attached, you can coil them on top of the soil in the new pot. Gently pin them down, so they remain in constant contact with the soil surface.

Step 6: Provide your cuttings with humidity

Place the lid on your propagation box, or place a lid on your pot or container. You may also use a plastic bag. Whatever you use, be sure to lift it every few days to avoid mildew or extra condensation.

Keep in mind that string of hearts needs lots of bright but indirect light during propagation, and direct sunlight could harm them. So be sure to place them on a window sill that gets lots of filtered light!

Water Propagation Method

Rooting your string of hearts in water is the easiest method of them all! It only takes a couple of short and easy steps:

Step 1: Remove lower leaves on each cutting

After you have made your cuttings a few inches long, remove the leaves on the part of each cutting that will be submerged in the water. This will help keep the water fresher for longer and help prevent the rotting of these leaves.

Remember to leave a few upper leaves on each cutting that will not be in contact with water. The roots of the cuttings will grow from the nodes, which is where the leaf meets the stem.

Step 2: Place the cuttings in clean water

Place your cuttings in a jar of water and check on them until you see new roots forming, making sure the water level doesn’t go too low. Once roots develop, transfer the cuttings to your favorite pot (make sure your pot has drainage holes) filled with your favorite potting mix.

How to Propagate String of Hearts Using the Sphagnum Moss Method

You will need a container with a clear lid and sphagnum moss for this method. Carryout containers with clear lids would be ideal for the job! You could also place your sphagnum moss in a plastic pot and place the pot in a clear plastic bag for sufficient humidity. To start, read the steps below:

Step 1: Submerge sphagnum moss in water

Place an appropriate amount of sphagnum moss in a bowl or bucket, and submerge it in warm water. Leave the moss to soak for about five minutes, but never longer than 10 minutes.

Step 2: Place the moss in your container

Take your moss out of the water and squeeze out any excess water. You can then place the moistened sphagnum moss in your container.

Step 3: Place your cuttings in the moss

Gently place each cutting so the nodes will be in constant contact with the moss, with the leaves resting on top.

Step 4: Cover the container

Lastly, using a lid or plastic bag, cover the container and place it in a location with bright indirect light. Make sure the container stays out of the direct sun, as it could hurt the cuttings.

Other “String Of” Plants

If you like the cascading nature of the “string of” plants, here are a few more to try:  most of them are succulents).

• string of pearls, also known as string of beads (senecio rowleyanus)
• string of buttons (Crassula perforata)
• string of watermelons (Curio herreanus)
• string of bananas (Curio radicans)
• string of tears (Curio citriformis)
• string of turtles (Peperomia prostrata)
• string of dolphins (Curio × peregrinus)

Knowing how to propagate your beautiful string of hearts will allow you to make more of them from a single plant! They make a beautiful gift for plant lovers, with their ability to trail and cascade down from shelves and hanging baskets. And as an added bonus, the beautiful string of hearts vine produces small, tubular flowers that resemble tiny, upside-down hearts.

Whether you’re a seasoned plant lover or just starting your indoor garden, this popular trailing plant is sure to capture your heart with its stunning beauty and easy-going nature.

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