![]() Growing a chain of hearts outdoors can be a little bit trickier, as you’ll need to make sure it’s protected from wind, as well as very bright direct light. Obviously, it’s entirely up to you where you plant your chain of hearts, but it always looks wonderful draped through the bannister, trailing down into the hall. Stairs in most homes offer dappled light from nearby bright windows, as well as ventilation and air flow as the air we breathe out and the heat of our homes naturally causes upward movement of air past the staircase. ![]() It’s also important to plant them somewhere visible, rather than hidden away, so you can clearly observe leaf colour changes and know when to water.įor me, that means one place, and one place only… the stairs. Ventilation is key, allowing natural air flow, and a mix of carbon dioxide and oxygen to pass it by. When it comes to finding the right spot for your chain of hearts, it’s all about light. Indoors, frosted glass helps to filter light, while outdoors, covered verandas, or overhanging trees offer ideal conditions for chain of hearts. Think of the canopy of trees, or overhanging vegetation in nature that would shade it, and try to recreate that. Light RequirementsĬhain of hearts like bright but indirect light. When you water your chain of hearts plant, water deeply, not by regularly sprinkling, and never if the soil is still moist. The leaves change to pink from their usual grey-green as they deplete their water reserves, signalling that it’s time to water the plant. That means waiting for the leaves to just start turning pink. Watering NeedsĬhain of hearts should be allowed to dry out between every water. It is an epiphytic or lithophytic plant, meaning it naturally grows in crevices in rocks or trees, finding water where it can, and storing it in its small, succulent leaves, so potting compost should be well drained, and nutrient retentive. Ideal Conditions for Planting Chain of Hearts Soil & Potting Mix stapeliiformis.Įach has distinct traits, and some have been the subject of intensive breeding, creating unusual and distinct cultivars. There are thousands of species known around the world, but just a handful are sold regularly in cultivation. In most parts of Australia, it can be grown both indoors and out, but is rarely grown as an ornamental because most imported species offer more delicate charm, and more versatile use both indoors and out. It is strictly an epiphytic plant, growing on trees in humid, dappled light conditions. Each individual leaf is about the size of an adult’s palm, sometimes with speckled variegations. Native Ceropegia Species (Ceropegia cumingiana)Ĭeropegia cumingiana is the only native Australian species of chain of hearts. And a handful in good garden centres too. There aren’t many commonly available cultivars of chain of hearts, but of the several-hundred species known, you should be able to find at least a dozen of them for sale from collectors and breeders online. Organic sprays based on natural pyrethrum or plant oils can also help to control mealybugs and red spider mites.9 Best Varieties of Chain of Hearts to Grow at Home To treat a heavy attack of spider mites, try a biological control, which you can order online. Alternatively, you may be able to wipe off mealybugs with a damp cloth. If the bugs are only affecting a few stems, the easiest solution for the fast-growing string-of-hearts is to remove any affected growth to prevent an infestation. Mealybugs are woodlice-like creatures that hide beneath a fluffy white coating while the tiny spider mite causes white mottled patches on the foliage. Mealybugs and red spider mites occasionally cause problems, so check your plants regularly for signs of these sap-sucking insects, which may distort or discolor the leaves. The easy-care string-of-hearts suffers from few other problems and is rarely attacked by pests or diseases. Adam adds: 'Underwatering is not as common a problem, but if the plant is left to dry out completely in summer, it can rapidly defoliate.' Give it a good drink, so that the potting soil is moist through, and then leave it to drain before putting it back on display. When it’s time to water the plant, place it in the sink. To avoid this, plant your succulent in a pot with drainage holes and a removable base or saucer (there are lots available on Amazon). ![]() Soggy potting soil can lead to yellowing of the leaves and root rot, which could potentially kill your plant. The most common problem with a string-of-hearts is overwatering. (Image credit: Sarun T./Alamy Stock Photo) Key problems with string-of-hearts
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