String of Hearts

Watering rhythm

Every 7–10 days

About this plant

String of Hearts is a succulent native to South Africa, beloved for its trailing vines of tiny heart-shaped leaves. The rosy pink new growth adds extra charm. It's remarkably tough and easy to care for, making it a favorite for hanging baskets and planters. Thanks to its drought tolerance, it's an excellent choice for beginners.

Placement & environment

Bright indirect light is ideal. Position it near a window that avoids direct sun, or under a grow light. It's a bit sensitive to cold, so keep it somewhere above 50°F (10°C). Standard indoor humidity works just fine. Year-round warmth suits it best.

Seasonal watering rhythm

Light and temperature change a plant's metabolism, so the ideal cadence shifts with the seasons.

Spring
Every 5–8 days
Summer
Every 5–8 days
Autumn
Every 7–10 days
Winter
Every 12–18 days

Watering rhythm

Water when the soil surface feels dry—that's your cue. Since the fleshy leaves store moisture, be careful not to overwater. Water at the base of the vine and go easy on misting the foliage. Soak it until water drains from the bottom, then wait until it's completely dry before watering again. This rhythm works beautifully for String of Hearts.

Common troubles

Quick lookup from symptom to likely cause and action.

Symptom	Likely cause	What to try
Leaves turn yellow and drop off	Too much water is causing the roots to rot. Succulents struggle with excess moisture, and poor-draining soil makes it worse.	Water less frequently. Check that your pot has drainage holes, and if needed, repot into succulent-specific soil. Take a peek at the roots to see if any are mushy.
Stems grow thin and leggy	Not enough light. Placing it in a dark corner or back of a shelf makes the plant stretch out searching for brightness.	Move it to somewhere brighter—aim for a spot about 20 inches from a window. Rotating it regularly helps it grow evenly.
Leaves look thin and lose their shine	The plant may be hungry or stuck in a cold spot. This often happens when it hasn't had fertilizer in a long time.	Feed with diluted liquid fertilizer once or twice a month during spring through fall. Skip feeding in winter. Try to keep the room around 60°F (15°C) or warmer.
Leaves have a white powdery coating	Scale insects, mealybugs, or powdery mildew spores may have settled on the foliage.	Gently wipe the leaves with a soft, damp cloth. If it keeps happening, spray with diluted insecticide for houseplants. Better air circulation helps prevent this too.
Vines turn black and mushy	The plant is stressed by heat and humidity combined with wet roots—especially common in winter when moisture sits around the base.	Trim away the blackened parts with clean scissors. Then improve air circulation and reduce watering frequency. Fresh growth will eventually appear, though it takes a little time.