Want to learn how to propagate String of Hearts? Here are 6 different ways that you can propagate this tough and versatile houseplant and make new plants! In addition, I also mention some tips on how to make String of Hearts fuller.
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The botanical name for this plant is Ceropegia woodii, but some common names include Chain of Hearts, Rosary Vine and Hearts Entangled.
Regardless, here are 6 ways that you can make a fuller plant and root some more for yourself or for a friend!
Table of Contents
6 Ways to Propagate String of Hearts
Who can resist the heart-shaped leaves of String of Hearts vine? Here are 6 different methods to propagate this beautiful plant. The best time to propagate is during the growing season, roughly Spring through late summer, when plants are actively growing.
Table of Contents
1. WATER PROPAGATION
Rooting chain of hearts in water is super easy. Simply take several cuttings that are a few inches long and place them in water. Remember that the mother plant will grow back!
Remove the leaves on the part of each cuttings that will be under water in your glass or vase. This will help to prevent rotting of those leaves and keep the water fresher.
For the part of each cutting that is not underwater, make sure you have a few leaves.
The roots will grow from the nodes, which are the locations where the leaf meets the stem. You should have at least one node, if not two, under water.
The more stem cuttings that you can take, the better! This will result in a fuller plant from the very beginning.
I had received the cuttings above in the mail from a friend, so I started with those.
Be sure to change the water at least once a week or so. If you notice the water getting murky, change it more frequently.
Place your cuttings in water in a location with bright, indirect light. Depending on your conditions, you should have roots within a few weeks!
Notice the roots growing from this cutting on the small tuber on the cutting. We will get to talking about tubers later.
Results of the water propagation method, with new roots coming out of aerial tubers
After your water propagated cuttings have roots, go ahead and plant them in soil. You don't need to wait for them to get too long. ½" long is plenty.
I wrote a whole other post on the care of Ceropegia woodii, so be sure to check it out and find out what soil blend I like to use for these plants, among many other care tips!
Propagation in soil would follow the same process as above, except you would stick the cuttings directly into soil just like in the above photo. Make sure that the pot has drainage holes in order to minimize the risk of root rot.
To increase the chances of getting your cuttings to root, you can dip each node that will go under the soil line into rooting hormone which you can easily purchase on Amazon.
Or you can buy the String of Things Soil Blend from Oh Happy Plants. They make AMAZING mixes, and you will get 10% off at checkout automatically on any product when you use my links.
Give the pot a good watering, and from that point forward, try and keep the soil barely damp to encourage rooting. For more ideas, check out my post on best soil to propagate and grow string of hearts.
3. LAYING CUTTINGS ON SOIL
This is another soil method where you can take cuttings and lay them horizontally on top of soil. Make sure that there is direct contact with the soil.
You can even use bent paperclips to gently pin the cuttings down so that they have contact with the soil.
For this method, it is helpful to increase humidity to encourage the cuttings to grow roots, otherwise the cuttings may dry up.
You can place the container or pot into a clear plastic bag and seal it up. Be sure to open the bag every few days to air it out so that mold doesn't form.
Roots will start to grow from each node.
4. CIRCLE STRANDS BACK INTO SAME POT
One method that I'm trying now is using the plant that I grew from the water propagated cuttings.
Take a look at the resulting plant after a few months. It was only a few cuttings so the plant wasn't very full.
I left the plant in its pot, took the dangling vines, circled them around on top of the soil surface, and pinned them down gently with paper clips.
Terra cotta pots have pros and cons. The small ones like in the photo above will dry out super quickly, so beware!
Wrap the delicate vines around in a circle and make sure they have contact with soil.
You can see how I did this in the short video that pops up in this post.
The paper clips are so the vines have contact with the soil.
Keep the soil barely moist to encourage rooting. For best results, keep the plant humid while it is rooting. You can place it in a closed, clear plastic bag.
Place it out of direct sun while it is in the bag so it doesn't cook! Keep it bright, indirect light and open the bag every few days to let excess moisture escape so mold doesn't form.
Once the plant is rooted and starting to grow, you can place the pot in its final growing location. A window with a few hours of direct sun will benefit this plant greatly.
5. TUBER PROPAGATION
Depending on how old your plant is, you will see tubers of various sizes all along your string of hearts vines.
Look at the various sizes of tubers in the photo above. Without cutting off the vines, you can lay the vines with the tubers on top of a pot of soil that you can set next to your plant. Partially bury the tuber.
Roots will form from the tuber, and once it is rooted, you can cut it off from the original plant.
Finally, if you have an old plant that has lost a lot of leaves and is bare at the base, you can spruce it up.
Cut off all the vines and you can use those to propagate using one of the methods described above.
Then, you can take all the tubers in the pot and repot them into fresh potting mix. At this point, you can separate the tubers out to plant in multiple pots, or take the root system out of the pot, break up the root ball a bit, and replant into fresh soil.
Place the pot in a nice bright window and soon you will have a flush of new growth and a brand new String of Hearts plant!
If you've heard about the "butterfly method" of propagating, be sure not to miss my blog post on how to propagate using the butterfly method. My step-by-step guide shows you the most efficient method to propagate!
Propagation using the butterfly method in sphagnum moss.
This method is the best way to make the most of your plant material because you're taking individual leaf nodes and making more plants than you would by just using longer stem cuttings.
In addition, if you use clear plastic carry out containers with clear lids, the lid will help to maintain high humidity and you should get rooting rather quickly in a matter of a couple weeks!
If you have a string of hearts that is bare and need some help in becoming full again, check out my post on How to Make String of Hearts Fuller.
Have you tried propagating String of Hearts? Comment below with any questions!
Hi there! Great info in your post! I truly appreciate your assistance and education. My question is: is it normal for the string of hearts to lose flowers/petals towards the top? Mine looks identical to the one in your photo including the strangely large tubers. Otherwise, it’s beautiful and healthy below the tubers. Maybe 3 feet long but still not full. I think my soil is in check and I really don’t think I over water. Please help!
Glad you enjoyed the post Erika! I assume that you meant that your plant is losing leaves at the base of the plant. Unless you're really consistent with watering, it's easy to have this happen. It can happen both with keeping your potting mix TOO dry for too long, as well as keeping it wet for too long. You'd have to determine for yourself what happened, and you'd need to strike a balance. I know I tend to let my plants get too dry (out of laziness and being too busy) so for me, I can get a lot of leaf loss this way. I would recommend maybe letting the top quarter of the potting mix dry out, and then water. If you are consistent with this and avoid extremes, it will help keep any plant full for a much longer time. I hope this helps!
Hi! I had a very nice plant, but had to move cities, and left it behind to a friend (which i regret). Howeber, i took some cuttigs with me but only one survived. The last two nodes are in water, in the tip there is a new branch growing nicely, and in between some leaves, in their nodes. It is around 15cm long. The nodes in the water dont seem to be growing 'normal' roots (is more than two months now) instead they have a semi transparent slimy ball around. Unfortunately i dont have tubers in this last string. Do you think the slimy thing might be a collection of mini mini roots? Ive seen them with a magnifying glass but cannot really tell. What should i do? Should i keep it longer or try to lay it in a pot with soil in a bag. Im worried i will kill it (again).
Can I just pin the ends of my strands into separate pots of dirt and hope that works? I'm a bit nervous about giving my plant a haircut as I've never messed with variegated plants before
Hello fr California I just bought SOH node that was in tiny plastic pot and covered with clear ziploc to grow after a week saw tiny root do I put it in a soil already and can I used a bigger pot now to grow my Variegated SOH looks so delicate to take care off Thanks
Maybe leave it in there for a bit longer until it gets more established. It will be very sensitive to drying out if it's that small. I'd keep it in your little incubator for now 🙂
I have a thumb size tuber with long roots and 2 leaves. I want to propagate it in soil but I'm not sure how to water it? Should I keep the soil moist by spraying water everyday, or should I water it thoroughly and leave it alone?
How did the propagation into the same pot as the cuttings work out? I am wanting to make my string of hearts fuller and was wanting to try this method. Was the outcome good?
I ordered some string of hearts on etsy that got here really beat up. It only lasted 8 days and everything (tubes & leaves) basically dried out. I'm wondering, can I leave the rooted bulbs in the dirt? Do you think it would grow tubes again? Thanks!
Yes it is worth a try! Make sure that you keep it slightly moist so it can grow. Once it becomes more established, you can cut back on the watering a bit.
I successfully propagated in water but it seems like a slow process considering I only have one cutting. I can't wait to circle the strands back into the pot. Currently my strand is about 6-7 inches. Do you think I should wait a little longer before I circle the strand? Also, once successful, do I just leave the strand in a circle like that?
You can do it now if you'd like. The key is to keep it relatively moist while it's rooting. You can even put it in a clear plastic bag to keep the humidity high while it roots. Good luck!
Hi! I have tried propagating these from single leaves. The leaves have grown tiny Tubers and roots from the tubers. My question is will these eventually begin to grow Strings or will they just remain a rooted leaf? Thank you!
Thanks so much for these tips! Our much loved SOH plant took a tumble and all but one of the stems broke so we’re trying several of the methods you’ve advised to hopefully create new plants from the destruction...anyway it’s been fun to make a start.
I put verigated leaves into a pot in a seed raising container a few months ago.
They have grown a tuber and roots for atleast a month now but no new shoots.
Will it ever happen???
@Raffaele, how long does it usually take for tubers to grow? I have a strand of variegated SOH. It has small roots but there are some growth but super slow!
Hi Rosanna, it really depends a lot of your conditions (warmth, humidity, moisture, etc)! And unfortunately the variegated SOH is even slower because it is less vigorous than the non-variegated.
Another method is from seed. I got some nice long cuttings from an Etsy seller that included several blooms, and eventually one of the blooms set seed (in two long spike-shaped pods that together formed a “V” on the vine). Over several months (I presume took longer because it was now winter) the seed pods matured and one finally split open, revealing little brown seeds with milkweed-type “feathers” attached. I took a clear plastic bottle, cut it in half, filled the bottom with a couple inches of cactus potting soil, watered it completely, pushed the seeds down on top of the wet soil, and put plastic wrap over the top (poked a couple holes in it to allow a bit of fresh air in). Put it in dappled sun and crossed my fingers. Happy to report that not even a week later I have two little sprouts already! Thanks for your blog, I hope to propagate from cuttings when they get long enough :}
Do you by any chance have a picture of the verigated string of hearts seeds? I just bought some online from an etsy seller it says ships from the US which I hope is true but I dont know what the seeds look like and would love to be able to know when I see them if they are the real deal.
Thank you so much for the help.
Laura
@Laura Burton, I do! I actually bought a SOH recently and it arrived yesterday. Well today I woke up and she had over a dozen seeds. Email me at glammedbycrystal@gmail.com and I can share the picture. Or you can request to follow me on Instagram @peacelove_shoes to see a picture. ?
Hi there! Great info in your post! I truly appreciate your assistance and education. My question is: is it normal for the string of hearts to lose flowers/petals towards the top? Mine looks identical to the one in your photo including the strangely large tubers. Otherwise, it’s beautiful and healthy below the tubers. Maybe 3 feet long but still not full. I think my soil is in check and I really don’t think I over water. Please help!
Glad you enjoyed the post Erika! I assume that you meant that your plant is losing leaves at the base of the plant. Unless you're really consistent with watering, it's easy to have this happen. It can happen both with keeping your potting mix TOO dry for too long, as well as keeping it wet for too long. You'd have to determine for yourself what happened, and you'd need to strike a balance. I know I tend to let my plants get too dry (out of laziness and being too busy) so for me, I can get a lot of leaf loss this way. I would recommend maybe letting the top quarter of the potting mix dry out, and then water. If you are consistent with this and avoid extremes, it will help keep any plant full for a much longer time. I hope this helps!
Hi! I had a very nice plant, but had to move cities, and left it behind to a friend (which i regret). Howeber, i took some cuttigs with me but only one survived. The last two nodes are in water, in the tip there is a new branch growing nicely, and in between some leaves, in their nodes. It is around 15cm long. The nodes in the water dont seem to be growing 'normal' roots (is more than two months now) instead they have a semi transparent slimy ball around. Unfortunately i dont have tubers in this last string. Do you think the slimy thing might be a collection of mini mini roots? Ive seen them with a magnifying glass but cannot really tell. What should i do? Should i keep it longer or try to lay it in a pot with soil in a bag. Im worried i will kill it (again).
Hi Lulu! I would have to see a photo to best help.
Can I just pin the ends of my strands into separate pots of dirt and hope that works? I'm a bit nervous about giving my plant a haircut as I've never messed with variegated plants before
Hi Emily. Yes absolutely! They will root that way as well. Keep it a little more moist than you think though in order to encourage rooting.
Hi Raffaelle. Can we propagate from a tuber using the water method as well?
Hi Virginia! It should work!
Hello fr California I just bought SOH node that was in tiny plastic pot and covered with clear ziploc to grow after a week saw tiny root do I put it in a soil already and can I used a bigger pot now to grow my Variegated SOH looks so delicate to take care off Thanks
Maybe leave it in there for a bit longer until it gets more established. It will be very sensitive to drying out if it's that small. I'd keep it in your little incubator for now 🙂
Thank you so much for the details and the pics! Trying 2 of the methods described now 🙂
You're very welcome, and good luck Abby!
I have a thumb size tuber with long roots and 2 leaves. I want to propagate it in soil but I'm not sure how to water it? Should I keep the soil moist by spraying water everyday, or should I water it thoroughly and leave it alone?
I would water it thoroughly and let the surface dry a bit before watering again.
How did the propagation into the same pot as the cuttings work out? I am wanting to make my string of hearts fuller and was wanting to try this method. Was the outcome good?
Hi there! Yes it was good, but I also placed the pot into a clear plastic bag for a while to keep the humidity high and keep the medium more moist.
I ordered some string of hearts on etsy that got here really beat up. It only lasted 8 days and everything (tubes & leaves) basically dried out. I'm wondering, can I leave the rooted bulbs in the dirt? Do you think it would grow tubes again? Thanks!
Yes it is worth a try! Make sure that you keep it slightly moist so it can grow. Once it becomes more established, you can cut back on the watering a bit.
I successfully propagated in water but it seems like a slow process considering I only have one cutting. I can't wait to circle the strands back into the pot. Currently my strand is about 6-7 inches. Do you think I should wait a little longer before I circle the strand? Also, once successful, do I just leave the strand in a circle like that?
You can do it now if you'd like. The key is to keep it relatively moist while it's rooting. You can even put it in a clear plastic bag to keep the humidity high while it roots. Good luck!
Hi! I have tried propagating these from single leaves. The leaves have grown tiny Tubers and roots from the tubers. My question is will these eventually begin to grow Strings or will they just remain a rooted leaf? Thank you!
That's great news that they grew tubers! They should grow new "strings" eventually! It may take a bit of time so be patient 🙂
Thanks so much for these tips! Our much loved SOH plant took a tumble and all but one of the stems broke so we’re trying several of the methods you’ve advised to hopefully create new plants from the destruction...anyway it’s been fun to make a start.
You're very welcome and good luck! Keep me updated! 🙂
Can I propagate tubers in water?
You probably can, but I would recommend soil instead so they don't rot.
I put verigated leaves into a pot in a seed raising container a few months ago.
They have grown a tuber and roots for atleast a month now but no new shoots.
Will it ever happen???
Many variegated plants are notoriously slow unfortunately! If you have tubers, then you're well on your way. What kind of light are you giving them?
@Raffaele, how long does it usually take for tubers to grow? I have a strand of variegated SOH. It has small roots but there are some growth but super slow!
Hi Rosanna, it really depends a lot of your conditions (warmth, humidity, moisture, etc)! And unfortunately the variegated SOH is even slower because it is less vigorous than the non-variegated.
Another method is from seed. I got some nice long cuttings from an Etsy seller that included several blooms, and eventually one of the blooms set seed (in two long spike-shaped pods that together formed a “V” on the vine). Over several months (I presume took longer because it was now winter) the seed pods matured and one finally split open, revealing little brown seeds with milkweed-type “feathers” attached. I took a clear plastic bottle, cut it in half, filled the bottom with a couple inches of cactus potting soil, watered it completely, pushed the seeds down on top of the wet soil, and put plastic wrap over the top (poked a couple holes in it to allow a bit of fresh air in). Put it in dappled sun and crossed my fingers. Happy to report that not even a week later I have two little sprouts already! Thanks for your blog, I hope to propagate from cuttings when they get long enough :}
Ah yes! I didn't include seed just because it's not really a common way to grow these plants, but I'm glad you experimented and are having success!
Do you by any chance have a picture of the verigated string of hearts seeds? I just bought some online from an etsy seller it says ships from the US which I hope is true but I dont know what the seeds look like and would love to be able to know when I see them if they are the real deal.
Thank you so much for the help.
Laura
Hi Laura! I unfortunately don't know...
@Laura Burton, I do! I actually bought a SOH recently and it arrived yesterday. Well today I woke up and she had over a dozen seeds. Email me at glammedbycrystal@gmail.com and I can share the picture. Or you can request to follow me on Instagram @peacelove_shoes to see a picture. ?
Hi Raffaele, which video are you referring to re: paper clip propagation? Nothing pops up for me on this post.
Hi Kim. It's a video that should pop up on top of the website. Maybe you have a blocker that prevents you from seeing it.
@Raffaele, I can't see it either and I've turned off adblock
Hm, I'm not sure what the issue is.