Want your Rosary vine to grow fuller and more beautiful? Here are some less-known tricks to a long and bushier String of Hearts.
If you have a pretty String of Hearts in your home with its silvery, heart-shaped leaves and gorgeous purple undersides, you would want to show it off! To do that, you will need it to grow nice, long, and even bushy! So, here are the 9 secret tricks for a long and bushier String of Hearts.
9 Secret Tricks to a Long and Bushier String of Hearts
1. LOTS of Bright, Indirect Light
This succulent thrives on bright, indirect light. Skip the low-light corners—they’ll leave your plant leggy and slow. South-facing windows work best, but east or west-facing ones do just fine.
Tip: Stand by the window—if you can see the sky clearly, it’s bright enough. Rotate your plant weekly for even growth. Variegated types? They crave even more light to stay pink!
2. Water Must Drain Through
Like most succulents, this one stores water in both its plump leaves and underground tubers. So, don’t stick to a strict schedule—check the soil. A bushier plant holds more water and takes longer to dry.
In summer, water every 2 weeks. In winter, every 3–4 weeks. Always let excess water drain out.
3. Proper Technique when Watering
Following up on the previous point, the way you water is pretty important. This is especially applicable if you have displayed your String of Hearts high up on the ceiling as a hanging container. This setup can be slightly difficult to navigate in terms of drainage.
The best way is to get your watering can and put a big bowl or bucket directly underneath the plant. This will catch the excess water draining out. You will need to repeat this process twice a month on average.
Pro tip: Feel the leaves—if they’re firm, they’re fine. If they’re soft, they’re thirsty.
4. Don’t Forget the Soil
Good lighting and watering won’t help much if your soil stays soggy. Go for a mix that drains well—70% cactus mix, 10% potting soil, and 20% perlite or pumice works great.
Adding a handful of orchid bark boosts airflow and mimics the gritty forest floors these vines love.
5. Propagate!
If you have a long String of Hearts but it looks quite sparse, the easiest way to get it to make it look bushier, and faster is to propagate. Simply, snip them back and root the cuttings in water or soil. Cut from the middle and the vines will split, making the plant fuller.
Pro tip: Make sure each cutting has at least one node—it’s where roots sprout. Add a pinch of activated charcoal to water for cleaner, faster rooting.
6. Untangle the Vines
Now this may sound quite a simple tip at first, but hear us out! Tangled vines can block light from reaching every strand. Untangle gently, and coil them over the soil—new roots often sprout wherever they touch.
7. Pay Attention to Temperature and Humidity
Even though the String of Hearts is a hardy plant, its growth can slow down or get stunted if the temperature and humidity aren’t ideal. This plant thrives in warm conditions, ideally between 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C).
Cold drafts or sudden temperature drops can cause leaf drop and color fading, so keep them away from vents.
In terms of humidity, they like it dry, but average room humidity works. Just avoid stuffy corners. And good airflow is key.
Pro tip: Skip misting. Use a fan or pebble tray to boost humidity without soaking the leaves.
8. Feeding Your Plant
The String of Hearts may not be a heavy feeder, but a little boost now and then can make a big difference. Feed every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer with a diluted 10-10-10 or cactus fertilizer. Avoid overfeeding—it can do more harm than good.
In the fall and winter, you should hold back on fertilizing completely since the plant goes dormant. This rest period is essential for strong root development and healthier vines in the next season.
Pro tip: Always water before feeding. For blooms, switch to a phosphorus-rich formula.
9. Encourage Fuller Growth at the Top
Here’s a sneaky trick—loop the longer vines back into the soil of the same pot. Yes, just gently place a portion of the vine back on the soil surface and pin it down with a bobby pin or paperclip.
Given the right conditions, the nodes will sprout new roots and grow fresh foliage—making the top of your plant look fuller.
This little hack is especially helpful if the top of your pot looks bare but the vines are super long.
So, these were the top tricks to follow when growing the String of Hearts. Though not all might have been new to you, let us know which ones you love and have tried in the comments below!
