Ceropegia linearis aka String Of Hearts
Taxonomy
Ceropegia linearis, also known as String of Needles, is a species of flowering plant in the family Apocynaceae native to Southern Africa. This evergreen, tuberous perennial has trailing stems that can reach up to 2m in length. The stems are sparsely covered with glossy, semi-succulent, narrowly lance-shaped leaves that grow up to 4cm long. In late summer, this plant may produce small, tubular, dark pink flowers. String of Needles is a popular houseplant, sometimes treated as a subspecies of C. linearis, called C. linearis subsp. woodii. It is known for its easy care requirements, as it thrives with very little water and does best when placed in abundant sunlight, preferably within 3 feet of a window. This plant has been recognized by the Royal Horticultural Society and has received the Award of Garden Merit.
Common names
String Of HeartsHow to care for String Of Hearts
Difficulty
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for String Of Hearts due to its easy-going nature.
Water
String Of Hearts does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
String Of Hearts loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the String Of Hearts prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it's common for String Of Hearts to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
String Of Hearts is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.
Humidity
The String Of Hearts does not necessitate supplementary humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their roots, rather than their leaves. Hence, the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants is by watering the soil.
Fertilizer
The String Of Hearts should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.
Region of origin
String Of Hearts’s native range is Africa to Southern Asia and Australia.
Flower
Yes, if you provide it with the correct amount of sunlight and water, you can witness your String Of Hearts blooming.
More info:
Wikipedia
