Ultimate Guide: How to Get Your String of Hearts to Flower

Your String Of Hearts plant looks healthy and happy, but it hasn't flowered yet! Chances are, it simply needs to catch up with the rest of the world. After all, grow lights increase the photoperiod (the number of hours of daylight) the plant receives by two to three times what they'd get outdoors during this time of year. So if you have your String Of Hearts planted outdoors, bring it in and look at the base of its stems.

The string of Hearts is a succulent perennial plant with sprawling vines. This attractive houseplant grows quickly and can last for a long time. Perfect for growing in flower baskets, the creeping vine has sticky, fleshy leaves with a marbled pattern and a unique purple shade. The plant also performs well as a soil cover when grown outside.

Also known as the Rosary Vine, this beauty has pink flowers that operate like fly traps. Tiny flies are attracted to the scent and get trapped in the violet peaks. They are released as soon as they are covered with pollen. The long, round, and tubelike blooms are attractive but not large and showy. The tiny flowers have a bulbous base, the apex having five melted petals. 

If you are thinking about a domestic plant that can bloom most of the year, the Rosary vine is the plant for you. The light-magenta flowers bloom abundantly from August throughout the autumn. Getting this beauty to bloom is not rocket science; as long as you provide the proper care, this plant may bloom all year round.

The string of Hearts Care

Generally, flowers appear on mature succulent plants; if your plant is still young, you may want to give it a bit of time. Most succulent plants require about four to six years to flower. The String of Hearts, flowers from the end of summer to the beginning of fall, with a flowering period of six weeks. Knowing how to care for your plants is essential in getting them to flower. Let’s check out some of the necessary conditions for your plant to bloom.

Light Requirements for the String of Hearts

Light is the most vital factor in flowering your String of Hearts. If you want your plant to grow massively and bloom profusely, place it where it will get bright but filtered sunlight. Dark leaves indicate that your plant is receiving a sufficient amount of light.

Low light conditions lead to pale and light green leaves. The scorching sun can result in sun-burnt leaves. In sweltering climates, go for afternoon shade. If you plant your String of Heart outside, the temperatures must be less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Expose your plants to a minimum of 3 hours of bright light each day.

Make sure your plant has morning sunlight; we recommend half a day. Proper lighting will encourage blooms. Would you please place it in a window facing east or south? Warm temperatures and extended days promote flowering. If you don’t get enough natural light, you can use grow lights.

A string of hearts outside receiving sunnlight.
Proper lighting will encourage blooms.

You can determine if your plants are getting the appropriate amount of light. Use a light meter, install a light detection application on your smart device, or perform an eye test. Then, rotate the plant occasionally for consistent growth and dust off the plants for effective photosynthesis.

The best soil for the Rosary Vine

The soil recommended for the Rosary grapevine is well-draining, preferably a cacti-potting mixture. However, the soil mix should not be rich as the plants may become leggy. If you opt for a regular potting mixture, mix with perlite or giant-grained sand for adequate drainage.

A cactus soil and equipments.
The soil recommended for the Rosary grapevine is a cacti-potting mixture.

Avoid heavy soils with large amounts of clay in them as they result in excessive moisture, which will cause root rot. You can also use an orchid blend by removing more significant pieces and adding perlite for better drainage.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for the String of Hearts

Long periods of exposure to shallow temperatures will kill your Rosary Vine. Severe heat is also bad for this succulent. Warm temperatures and good air circulation will produce the best results. During winter dormancy, do not expose your plants to high moisture levels.

High temperatures, especially in summer, determine the blossoming chemistry of the Rosaries. You can move the plants outdoors, progressively exposing them to more heat until they get used to the hot temperatures.

A young string of plant outside.
Keep your plants cool and dry during winter by moving them into an unheated room.

Keep your plants cool and dry during winter by moving them into an unheated room. The main idea is to give similar conditions to their natural habitat. In addition, ensure nighttime temperatures differ from daytime temperatures. These temperature fluctuations are what trigger flowering.

Feeding Your String of Hearts

Plant food supplies the components required for flower formation. Feed your plant regularly with specially formulated succulent fertilizers. We recommend that you feed your plant every month while the plant is in total growth. Use a diluted fertilizer that is not rich in nitrogen; opt for a phosphorus-rich option like 10-15-10 to encourage flower formation.

Reduce feeding as you approach fall because your plant will need winter rest. Do not feed the plant at this time. It is best to fertilize while the soil is wet. Gradually raise from one quarter to half the intensity. Use caution as too much fertilizer will burn your plant; follow the packaging instructions when using a liquid plant fertilizer.

Watering needs for Your String of Hearts 

Water is necessary for the development of flower buds. Unlike other succulent plants, the String of Hearts enjoys watering more frequently but detests excess water. Aerate the soil before initial watering to free up any moisture and make sure the soil is dry. Use your finger to check humidity levels. Too much water leads to swollen leaves and loose leaves.

Water your plant in slow and gradual drenches. First, moisten the soil and wait a few minutes. Then, dampen the mud once more and wait. Repeat the process 2-3 times until the soil has sufficient water.

Drain any excess water and do not leave the plant in standing water, as this will kill your plants. You can add activated charcoal as a base layer into your pot if the container has no drainage holes.

Drain any excess water and do not leave the plant in standing water, as this will kill your plants.

The added layer will lead the excess water away from the plant. Charcoal not only absorbs excess water but also removes soil impurities, removes pests, resists mold, and eliminates odors. It works best on terrariums with closed covers.

During colder months, such as fall and winter, minimize watering as your plant moves from active growth to dormancy.

Potting and Repotting Rosary Vine 

Report your rosary vine after a few years because the plant does well in crowded containers. The best time to repot your plant is in the spring before the active growing phase when the plants burst with energy.

Repot your plant upon noticing the following signs:

  • Stiff and matted roots on the top layer of your soil
  • The roots are emerging from the drainage holes
  • Your String of Hearts dries out fast, and you need to water it more frequently.

Before repotting, first, find a well-draining succulent mix and humidify it. We recommend a blend of succulent mix and pumice. Pumice increases the drainage and aeration of your mixture, preventing root rot.

Carefully remove the plant from its original container since the vines are delicate. You can press the edges of the pot or run a knife inside to help extract the plant. Loosen the root ball before planting to allow new roots to grow.

Transplant into a container of similar depth. If the pot has more than one plant, separate them so that each plant will have sufficient space to spread its roots.

Choose plastic pots because they are non-absorbent and do not hold too much water. Provide new soil and trim some roots and leaves. 

Pruning

Pruning is not required, but you may cut off excess growth using sterile shears. Cut to the desired length under a knot, at which point a set of leaves grows from the stem. You do not have to remove stem cuttings, but you can use them to propagate new plants.

Additional Care

Inspect the underside of the leaves and keep track of pests. They compromise the health of your plant, but they will prevent your flowers from flourishing. Although the Rosary vine can overcome most of the problems, watch out for straps between the foliage and stems, which could indicate the presence of spider mites. Treat any infestation at once; alternatively, increase the humidity in your home.

String of heart plant flower.
The string of heart has a beauty pink flowers that operate like fly traps.

After Care for a Flowering Plant 

Once you have successfully flowered your String of Hearts, follow these additional steps to prolong the flowering period:

  • Add more fertilizer as blossoming consumes a lot of energy. For example, if you typically feed your plant on a quarter strength, you can increase to half strength and reduce once the flowers start to fade.
  • Expose your plant to plenty of sunlight. 
  • Give your plant more water at this stage and reduce watering once the flowers cease to bloom.
  • Keep the humidity low if you don’t want your flowers to wither fast.

The Bottom Line

Vase-shaped flowers are sure to draw attention. Whether you want to showcase the hearty plants or enjoy the distinctive flowers all year round, this beautiful indoor plant is a must-have. Give your plant time, and don’t forget that the most important factor is location.

Last update on 2023-12-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

read this next

Venus flytrap
Venus Flytraps are intriguing and rewarding plants to grow. While the plant is small, it can grow very large and will constantly surprise you with it’s appetite for flies, gnats and other unsuspecting insects.
The plant will be burned by direct sunlight but it can survive in a partial shade. Thus, if you want to grow the plant out in your garden, it is important to make sure that the area you will be planting this in does not have a strong sunlight. Otherwise, without proper sun protection for the plant, it will burn.
Cacti are great for landscaping because they’re so easy to take care of and are super unique to look at. Choosing the best outdoor cactus will depend on a number of things, here you will find 10 of the best outdoor cacti species
Jade plants are popular houseplants because they are so easy to take care of. Jade plants can survive almost all kinds of treatment, but often, jade plants do not grow as fast as expected. Make sure your jade plant receives the right amount of light, water and fertilizer for it to grow better. This ultimate guide will help you learn how to care for your jade plant.
The Kalanchoe plant is well know for its beautiful, long lasting blooms. As time goes by, the stems will often dry up and break off naturally at their base or between where they are connected to the leaves. Most people assume that when this happens it means the plant is dead. The secret to keeping your plants healthy and growing is knowing how to take a cutting off one of these dried up stems and getting it re-planted.
A bonsai plant repotted.
Bonsai is the art of growing miniature trees and plants in pots. Even if you’re new to bonsai, this book will show you how easy it is to create your own plantings. Learn how to bring a bonsai seedling or tree back to health, choose the right pot and soil, prune properly and more!
Cacti Vs. Succulents: If you’re new to the world of succulents, or are looking to purchase your first piece, it may be helpful to compare the two most common types of fleshy stemmed plants. Though they are similar in appearance, cactus vs. succulent stems have distinct visual differences that set them apart.
If you follow the steps in this article, your cactus should be in the proper environment for blooming. However, the best way to ensure that your plant is going to bloom is to buy one that already has a bloom present
Looking for a complicated, yet interesting cactus for your garden? The Jumping cholla Cactus should be part of your list. These low-maintenance plants are not only fast growing but also lenient to the busy and forgetful lot.
Euphorbia plants are some of the most interesting, eye-catching succulents available. With their unique look and feel, these plants make great focal points in gardens, beds, and containers.
String of pearls in a pot exposed to sunlight.
String of Pearls does not need direct sunlight for it to thrive. In fact, this plant does well in a shady area. String of Pearls will grow better if it has indirect sunlight, or even partial shade during the hottest hours of the day.
A close up open terrarium.
Want to know the secret to keeping your terrariums vibrant and healthy? It all comes down to mastering the art of watering. Discover the key watering methods that will ensure your terrarium thrives. From misting to bottom watering, this guide will provide you with the knowledge you need to maintain the perfect moisture levels in your terrarium.
Taking care of an Echeveria plant comes with the most challenging part — watering. This is because Echeveria plants are more active during summer than winter which means they require different water method during these seasons. Follow these golden rules to help you cultivate your own Echeveria plant.

Receive the latest news

Get Our Cacti Newsletter

Stay updated with the latest facts, tips, advice, and more!

Your privacy is important to us.