String of spades plants are a great addition to any home, patio, or balcony. These unique succulents have long vines and spade-shaped leaves. Their green foliage, trailing vines, and purple flowers add a splash of color to any setting.
String of spades plants are very easy to grow and require little care. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that will bring beauty to your garden, then the string of spades is a perfect choice!
What is a String of spades plant?
The string of spades is a perennial plant with beautiful blooms and vegetated dark green leaves with lighter colored veins. The foliage often has purple tinges on the underside. These plants are called Ceropegia linearis ssp. Woodii and may also be referred to as string of hearts or rosary vines.
This plant grows long vines that are up to four feet in length. They also bloom in the spring and summer months with small pink or purple flowers. String of spades is an evergreen plant that looks great in a hanging basket or growing over the edge of a windowsill.
How to care for a String of spades plant?
Growing a string of spades plant is quite easy. They thrive in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12 but can be grown as a house plant in colder climates. These plants are relatively drought-tolerant and will do best in filtered sun. If you’re growing your string of spades indoors, be sure to provide it with plenty of natural light and enough water. Here are some tips to help you grow a thriving string of spades plant.
Sunlight and temperature requirements
String of spades plants do best in filtered sunlight. If you’re growing your plant indoors, place it near a bright window where the vines can trail down. These plants like to grow in warm climates and do well at a standard house temperature and humidity.
Watering needs
These succulents are drought-tolerant and don’t need much water to survive. During the summer months, allow the soil to dry out between watering. Water sparingly during the winter months.
Fertilizer requirements
You’ll only need to fertilize your string of spades plant once to three times a year. Use a water-soluble fertilizer that is diluted by half. Fertilize in spring, summer, and fall for best results.
Soil type
String of spades plants prefer well-draining soil. They grow naturally in sandy and rocky conditions, so avoid using rich garden soil or topsoil that holds too much moisture. String of spades also likes slightly acidic soils with a pH level between 5 and 7. Use a pH testing kit to ensure you’re providing your string of spades with the proper soil conditions.
Propagation
String of spades plants are propagated by cuttings or seeds. If you want to create more plants for your garden, simply take a cutting from the mother plant and place it in a glass of water for two weeks. Once the roots begin to grow, put the cuttings in the soil. Alternatively, dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it straight into the ground. You can also replant the seeds when they are ripe. String of spades plants reseed pretty easily and will grow new plants year after year in your yard.
Pruning
Pruning your string of spades will help the plant grow to its full potential and stop it from looking unkempt. Pruning is best done in early spring or summer. If you’re looking to propagate your string of spades, you can do so in the summer months.
Pests
String of spades plants are relatively pest-free and won’t typically be bothered by insects or other parasites. However, you should watch out for slugs and snails, which can destroy your plants.
Humidity
The string of spades doesn’t need much humidity and will grow well in most homes. You don’t need to worry about misting your plants or using a humidifier. If the leaves start to feel soft and mushy, this is an indication that you’ve been overdoing the humidity. Misting can cause the leaves to become rotten and be affected by fungal infections.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in your home or garden, then the string of spades is a perfect choice. With little care and maintenance required, this beautiful plant will add color and interest to your home, garden, patio, or balcony while requiring very little attention.
Related: String of Needles Plant