Chain of Hearts Plant Guides

Essential Chain of Hearts Plant Tips

Native to South Africa, the Chain of Hearts plant (Ceropegia woodii) thrives in warm, sunny environments. It's a succulent vine, which means it can tolerate drought and prefers less frequent watering. The leaves are small, heart-shaped, and often have a marbled pattern, giving them a unique and attractive appearance.

Buying Chain of Hearts Plants in New Zealand

The Plant Company prides itself on growing and sourcing the best plants for our customers. Strict quality standards mean that only the best Chain of Hearts plants will ever be dispatched. We have a wide variety of New Zealand grown plants that absolutely thrive in New Zealand’s climate. Each plant is packed with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in at its nursery. Our impressive Google Rating is testament to how well we perform so you can shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

How do you make the Chain of Hearts thicker?

To make your Chain of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii) appear thicker and fuller, follow these proven techniques:

• Loop the vines back into the pot – Take long trailing stems and gently coil them on top of the soil. Pin them down at nodes using floral pins or hairpins. These nodes will develop roots and sprout new growth, increasing density.
• Use cuttings to replant – Cut healthy vines and plant the segments with nodes directly into the same pot. This will create new root points and encourage bushier growth.
• Prune strategically – Trim overly long or leggy vines just above a node. Pruning encourages branching from the cut point, helping the plant grow denser.
• Provide bright, indirect light – Strong, consistent light promotes compact and healthy leaf growth. Low light can make the plant stretch and appear sparse.
• Feed during the growing season – Use a diluted, balanced liquid fertiliser every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer to stimulate healthy new vines and foliage.

How to Care for Your Chain of Hearts

Proper care is essential for keeping your Chain of Hearts plant healthy and thriving. Here’s what you need to know:

Light Requirements

• Chain of Hearts plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight. They can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can scorch their delicate leaves. If you’re growing your plant indoors, place it near a window where it can receive plenty of light without being exposed to harsh midday sun.

Watering Needs

• As a succulent, the Chain of Hearts plant prefers dry conditions. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. During the growing season (spring and summer), you can water more frequently, but reduce watering in the winter when the plant's growth slows down.

Soil and Potting

• Use a well-draining potting mix, ideally one designed for succulents or cacti. This will help prevent water from pooling around the roots and causing rot. Additionally, choose a pot with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

Temperature and Humidity

• Chain of Hearts plants thrive in warm temperatures between 18°C and 24°C. They can tolerate cooler temperatures, but avoid exposing them to frost. While they prefer drier air, they can adapt to average indoor humidity levels.

Fertilizing

• During the growing season, you can feed your Chain of Hearts plant with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer once a month. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months when the plant is dormant.

Common Issues and Solutions

Even with the best care, you may encounter some common problems with your Chain of Hearts plant. Here are a few and how to address them:

Yellowing Leaves

• If the leaves of your Chain of Hearts plant start to yellow, it could be due to overwatering. Ensure that the soil dries out completely between waterings and that your pot has adequate drainage.

Leggy Growth

• Leggy growth, where the vines become long and sparse, may occur if your plant isn't receiving enough light. Move it to a brighter location to encourage fuller growth.

Pests

• Keep an eye out for common pests like mealybugs or aphids. If you notice any, treat your plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent further damage.

How to Propagate Chain of Hearts

Propagation is a great way to expand your collection or share plants with friends. The Chain of Hearts plant can be easily propagated through stem cuttings. Here’s how:

• Select a Healthy Vine: Choose a healthy, mature vine with several leaves.
• Cut a Section: Using clean scissors or pruning shears, cut a section of the vine that has at least a few nodes (the points where leaves attach to the stem).
• Prepare the Cuttings: Remove the leaves from the lower nodes, leaving a few leaves at the top.
• Plant the Cuttings: Place the cuttings in a pot with moist, well-draining soil. You can also propagate in water by placing the cuttings in a jar with enough water to cover the nodes.
• Provide Light and Water: Place the cuttings in a warm, bright location and keep the soil or water moist. Roots should develop in a few weeks, after which you can transplant the cuttings to a pot.

Why Choose a Chain of Hearts?

The Chain of Hearts is an easy-to-care-for plant that requires minimal maintenance, making it perfect for busy individuals or those new to plant care. Its trailing vines can grow quite long, making it ideal for hanging baskets or high shelves where the vines can cascade down beautifully.