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Writer's pictureKhushbu Patel

Different ways you can propagate Variegated String of Hearts.

The Variegated String of Hearts, also known as Ceropegia woodii 'Variegata', is a beautiful and unique houseplant that is becoming increasingly popular among plant enthusiasts.


This trailing plant is known for its delicate heart-shaped leaves that are green with white or cream-colored edges, making it a gorgeous addition to any plant collection.


If you're interested in propagating your Variegated String of Hearts, there are a few different methods to choose from. Each method has its own benefits and considerations, so let's take a closer look at each one.

Variegated String of Hearts
Variegated String of Hearts

#1 Water Propagation


One of the most popular methods of propagating the Variegated String of Hearts is through water propagation. This method involves cutting a few leaves or vines from the mother plant and placing them in a jar or vase filled with water. Here are the steps to help you with the water propagation process:


Choose healthy cuttings:


Select a few healthy cuttings from the Variegated String of Hearts plant. Look for cuttings that have a few leaves and vines. Use a clean and sharp pair of scissors or pruners to cut the selected vines or leaves from the mother plant. Make sure the cuttings are at least 2-3 inches long.


Place the cuttings in water:


Once you have the cuttings, remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only a few leaves on the top. Fill a jar or vase with clean water and place the cuttings in it. Make sure the bottom of the cutting is submerged in the water, but avoid submerging any leaves.

VSOH - Propagation in water
VSOH - Propagation in water

Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and free from any bacteria. Make sure to rinse the cuttings before placing them back in the water.


Over time, you should start to see roots forming from the bottom of the cutting. This process can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on the plant and environmental conditions.


Transplant the cutting:


Once the roots are several inches long, you can transplant the cutting into soil or another growing medium. Make sure to handle the roots gently and avoid damaging them.


After transplanting the cutting, make sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place the pot in a warm and bright location, but out of direct sunlight.


Water propagation is a simple and easy method of propagating the Variegated String of Hearts plant. With a little patience and care, you can have a beautiful new plant to add to your collection.


#2 Sphagnum Moss Propagation


Another popular method of propagating the Variegated String of Hearts is through sphagnum moss propagation. This method involves using damp sphagnum moss and placing it in a plastic container to create a mini greenhouse.

Here are the step by step information to help you with the sphagnum moss propagation process:


Choose healthy cuttings:


Similar to what we did for water propagation you have to select a few healthy cuttings from the Variegated String of Hearts plant. Look for healthy vine with leaves that is free from any diseases or pests. Use a clean and sharp pair of scissors or pruners to cut the selected vines with leaves from the mother plant.


Butterfly method:

VSOH - How to take cutting
VSOH - How to take cutting

Remove the stems from top and bottom and keep the leaves with a node. Once you have the cuttings, it will look like a butterfly.


Place in Moist sphagnum moss:


Soak the sphagnum moss in water until it is fully saturated. Squeeze out any excess water.

Place the cuttings on the sphagnum moss and making sure the node touches the moss where the roots will form. Place the lid on the top and this will create a mini greenhouse and help to keep the sphagnum moss moist.



VSOH - Propagation in Sphagnum Moss
VSOH - Propagation in Sphagnum Moss

Place the container in a warm and bright location, but out of direct sunlight. The cutting should start to form roots within a few weeks.


While waiting for the roots to grow, check the moisture level of the sphagnum moss regularly and mist it with water if it starts to dry out. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause the cutting to rot.






Transplant the cutting:

VSOH - Newly formed roots
VSOH - Newly formed roots

Once the roots are few inches long, you can transplant the cutting into soil or another growing medium. Make sure to handle the roots gently and avoid damaging them. After transplanting the cutting, make sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place the pot in a warm and bright location, but out of direct sunlight.


Sphagnum moss propagation is a easy and straightforward method and with a little patience and care, you can successfully propagate your Variegated String of Hearts plant.



#3 Tuber Propagation


Tuber propagation is another method of propagating the Variegated String of Hearts plant. This method involves using the tubers, which are modified stems that store nutrients, to create new plants.


Here are the step by step information to help you with the tuber propagation process:


Select a healthy tubers from the Variegated String of Hearts plant. Look for tubers that are firm. Plant the tuber sections in soil, making sure to bury them at least an inch deep.

VSOH - Tuber
VSOH - Tuber

Place the pot in a warm and bright location, but out of direct sunlight. The new shoots should emerge from the eyes within a few weeks. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as this can cause the tubers to rot. Water the soil when the top inch feels dry to the touch.


Hopefully it will start to have new growth in few weeks and as it grow provide proper care, including regular watering, fertilization, and pruning as needed.



#4 Soil Propagation


Soil propagation is a traditional method of propagating plants. This method involves planting the cutting directly into soil to allow it to develop roots and grow into a new plant.


Here are the step by step information to help you with the soil propagation process:


Select a few healthy cuttings from the Variegated String of Hearts plant. Look for cuttings that have a few leaves and vines, and make sure they are free from pests. Use a clean and sharp pair of scissors or pruners to cut the selected vines or leaves from the mother plant. Make sure the cuttings are at least 2-3 inches long.

VSOH - Propagation in Soil
VSOH - Propagation in Soil

Once you have the cuttings, remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only a few leaves on the top.


Plant the cutting in soil, burying the stem at least an inch deep. Make sure the soil is well-draining and provides good aeration to the roots. Water the soil thoroughly to help settle it around the cutting. Allow any excess water to drain away.


Place the pot in a warm and bright location, but out of direct sunlight. The cutting should start to form roots within a few weeks. Water the soil when the top inch feels dry to the touch.


Provide the new plant with proper care, including regular watering, fertilization. This method is great for those who want to avoid the extra steps involved in water or sphagnum moss propagation.


Conclusion


In conclusion, No matter which method you choose, propagating your Variegated String of Hearts can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. With a little patience and care, you'll have a beautiful new plant to add to your collection.


I hope that you have found this Simplified propagation guide helpful. If you have any additional tips or questions, please leave a comment below. And don't forget to check out our Simplified plant care blogs and subscribe to our blog posts.


Thank you for reading!


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