The String of Hearts plant, also known as Ceropegia woodii or Rosary vine, is a beautiful trailing succulent that has captured the hearts of indoor gardeners With its cascading strands of vibrant, heart-shaped leaves, it makes a gorgeous addition to any home.
If you’re new to caring for String of Hearts, you may be wondering – can this plant survive and thrive in water alone? Or does it require soil to live?
The good news is, String of Hearts can live permanently in water! While traditionally grown in soil, these adaptable succulents can also live aquatically. With the right care, String of Hearts makes a stunning underwater plant.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to successfully grow happy String of Hearts in water, including:
Why Grow String of Hearts in Water?
There are several advantages to growing String of Hearts aquatically instead of in soil:
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No risk of overwatering – String of Hearts prefers infrequent watering that’s easy to control in water.
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Beautiful decor – The trailing vines and colorful foliage look gorgeous in glass containers.
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Easy monitoring – You can easily see the roots to monitor growth in water.
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Fun propagating – Water propagating creates an endless supply of String of Hearts for yourself or to share!
How to Propagate String of Hearts in Water
Propagating succulents in water is fun and easy. Here’s how to propagate String of Hearts cuttings or tubers in water:
Rooting Cuttings
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Take 3-6 inch cuttings from a healthy mother plant, keeping 2-3 leaves.
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Remove the lowest leaves and place the bare stem in water.
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Change the water every 4-7 days. Roots will form in 2-8 weeks.
Rooting Tubers
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Place the tuber in water and roots and shoots will emerge in a few weeks.
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Move the established plant to a larger container to allow room for growth.
Caring for String of Hearts in Water
Caring for aquatic String of Hearts requires paying attention to a few key elements:
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Use room temperature filtered or distilled water. Tap water can harm the plant.
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Provide bright, indirect light from a south or west window. Avoid direct sunlight.
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Fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer to provide nutrients.
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Maintain humidity above 50%. Use a humidifier or pebble tray.
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Keep temperatures between 65-80°F. Avoid rapid temperature changes.
Follow these care tips and your underwater String of Hearts will stay healthy and beautiful cascading in water!
Ideas for Displaying String of Hearts in Water
One of the best parts of aquatic String of Hearts is how gorgeous and decorative they are! Here are some stunning ways to showcase them:
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Let vines drape over the edge of an open container or aquarium.
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Allow vines to float freely at the surface of a riparium set up.
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Display in a propagation jar or hanging bubble bowl.
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Place in a glass vessel on a tabletop or bathroom. The tranquil movement is soothing.
With its trailing habit, String of Hearts lends itself to amazing underwater displays. Get creative with vessels and decor until you find a look you love!
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Growing plants in water can come with some challenges. Here are some common issues and solutions:
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Rotting stems – Change water frequently and use a smaller vessel.
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Fading/yellowing leaves – Provide more bright, indirect light.
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Mineral buildup – Use distilled or rain water instead of tap water.
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Slow growth – Increase light and fertilization to encourage new growth.
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Leaf drop – Assess for temperature extremes, drafts, or water quality issues.
With attentive care and quick troubleshooting, you can overcome most problems and enjoy a thriving aquatic String of Hearts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change the water?
Ideally, change 25% of the water each week to replenish nutrients and prevent mineral buildup.
What kind of fertilizer should I use?
Look for liquid fertilizers formulated for aquarium plants or houseplants, used at half strength.
What size container do I need?
Allow at least 6 inches width and depth for a young plant. Provide more space as it grows.
Can String of Hearts grow fully submerged?
Yes, but leaves may be smaller above water. Allow vines to reach the surface for optimal growth.
Should I add anything besides the plant to the water?
You can add aquarium gravel or marbles for aesthetics, rinsed thoroughly first.
Enjoy the Soothing Charm of Aquatic String of Hearts
With its trailing strands of colorful, heart-shaped foliage suspended in water, String of Hearts creates a stunning aquatic plant perfect for any home. For patient growers, cultivating these beautiful succulents in water is a relaxing and rewarding experience.
Use this complete guide to set yourself up for success growing happy String of Hearts submerged in their underwater oasis. Let us know if you have any other questions – we’d love to help you care for these gorgeous semi-aquatic plants!
