Light: Medium to bright light is required for best growth. Light levels directly affect the plant’s leaf color and growth rate.

Temperature: 60-85 F

Humidity: medium; String of hearts can tolerate most humidity levels.

Water: String of hearts does best when the top half of the container is able to dry down. Most of the fine root system is in the top 2-3 inches potting mix, so allow the at least the top 2” to dry before watering again. You may notice that the leaves appear wilted or dehydrated when it’s time to water.

Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years into a slightly larger container (1-2” increased diameter and not depth). Use a general purpose potting mix.

Fertilizing: Either…

1. Water Application: Incorporate fertilizer into your watering cycle once per month March through September. Dilute an all purpose fertilizer (20-20-20) by half OR use your favorite fertilizer rated for houseplant use in your water.

2. Slow Release: Incorporate slow release fertilizer pellets into the top inch of potting soil every 6 months. Apply the rate indicated for indoor plants on the label. If no recommendation for houseplants is present, apply 1/4 to 1/2 the listed rate.

There are so many interesting plants in the Apocynaceae family! String of hearts is related to Hoya and has a distinctively similar care routine.

It’s also related to a favorite native—milkweed (Asclepias)—and to a favorite odd-bloomer—lifesaver plant (Huernia).

(Listed in order of commonality…)

• Root decay caused by overwatering

• Low light levels

Is string of hearts pet safe?

Yes