The only thing more exciting than a picture-perfect houseplant is one that's also easy to care for – which is why the string of hearts is such a popular choice.
In April, this pretty plant is entering its active growth season, so you'll need to keep an eye on soil moisture and start watering your string of hearts more frequently. April is also an ideal time for fertilizing, propagating, and pruning – all of which will help your string of hearts to thrive in the months ahead.
While growing and caring for a string of hearts plant is straightforward, these maintenance tasks are crucial for encouraging better growth and healthy foliage. Below, experts reveal exactly what to do with your string of hearts in April. (And if you haven't already added one to your collection, you can pick up a string of hearts from The Sill.)
1. Begin Watering More Frequently
'I can’t wait for April to arrive when it comes to my string of hearts, as the warmer spring temperatures kickstart a new active growth season,' says Tenielle Jordison, Gardens Content Editor at Homes & Gardens.
Naturally, warmer weather will stir up a change in houseplants like string of hearts, which means you'll want to make sure yours has more water.
''Something to keep on top of this month is watering,' confirms Tenielle. 'Your string of hearts will be a lot thirstier than when it was dormant in winter, and these houseplants don’t enjoy prolonged drought.' Watering every 7-10 days is recommended throughout the spring and summer months.
2. Monitor Soil Moisture Levels
While regular watering is vital in April, string of hearts are brilliantly low-maintenance indoor plants, and they can, in fact, start to suffer if their soil becomes too wet.
'Native to South Africa, string of hearts are semi-succulent plants, and they should be left to dry out completely before watering again,' explains Tenielle.
A fine balance is key: 'Watering too frequently can cause root rot,' says Tenielle. 'However, don’t wait too long to top them up as it can cause shriveling and leaf drop.'
To help you strike this balance and create the perfect conditions for your string of hearts, a soil moisture meter is a brilliant investment; you can pick one up from Walmart for under $20.
3. Focus on Fertilizing
Wondering how to fertilize houseplants like string of hearts? Thankfully, it isn't a year-round task, but now is the perfect time to start.
'April provides a great opportunity to start fertilizing your string of hearts to support new growth,' says Tenielle. 'Nutrients in soil deplete over time, so it’s a good idea to feed your string of hearts with a balanced houseplant fertilizer to replenish them.'
You can find an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer like the Miracle Gro indoor liquid plant food on Amazon; Tenielle recommends 'diluting it to half-strength and feeding your string of hearts once a month through spring and summer.'
'Take care not to fertilize more frequently,' she adds. 'This could cause root burn and kill off the plant.'
4. Start Pruning
As spring arrives, there are two essential maintenance tasks that will transform your string of hearts: pruning and propagating. These tasks go hand in hand, starting with trimming off any lengthy strands before you place them back into the soil.
'You can trim your string of hearts’ long strands to give it a neater look and encourage more growth,' says Tenielle. 'Cut just below a leaf node with sharp houseplant snips.' (You can pick up multi-purpose pruning shears and snips at Amazon.)
5. Don't Forget to Propagate
When it comes to propagating your string of hearts, it couldn't be simpler; in fact, it's one of the reasons why this houseplant is so popular.
'After pruning your string of hearts, take the pieces you cut off, remove any lower leaves, and pop the ends of them back into the soil,' instructs Tenielle. 'They should root within 2-4 weeks; just make sure to provide bright light, warmth, and moisture.'
The result? 'Your string of hearts plant will look much fuller,' says Tenielle. 'You can also grow brand new plants by potting up the cuttings in their own planter.'
What to Shop
These transparent, wall-mounted containers will help you monitor root growth after propagating plants like string of hearts.
A reliable watering can is a vital part of any indoor gardening toolkit, and this one is chic, compact, and hard-wearing.
If you're looking for a pair of houseplant scissors, these are are a brilliant choice. They feature a built-in stem stripper.
Want to grow your houseplant collection even further? Check out our guide to the best indoor plants, and the best indoor succulents.
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