Decided to propagate your String of Hearts in water? You must check out this water bowl hack to root the vines faster!
One of the best trailing succulents to have in your collection, the Chain of Hearts never disappoints! Imagine having spilling vines with heart-shaped leaves that change the whole look of your living room. Priceless! And if you want more of these, you need this water bowl hack to root String of Hearts faster!
Water Bowl Hack to Root String of Hearts Vines Faster
Step 1: Choosing the Right Bowl
Since it’s a water bowl hack, the type of bowl you pick does matter. Go for a shallow one—glass or plastic works well. Fill it just one-fourth with water. You should then place this inside a large, sealed container or plastic bag.
Yes, you heard that right, and we promise there is a reason for the madness!
Make sure the container you use is clear or semi-transparent—this lets in light and helps maintain warmth and visibility without disturbing the setup too much.
Step 2: Arranging the Vines
Now comes the fun part! Don’t dunk the vines in water. Instead, coil your String of Hearts cuttings around the bowl so the nodes just touch the water surface.
Line the bowl with slightly misted sphagnum moss to hold the vines and add extra humidity—a game-changer for rooting.
Once you’re done, seal the container to lock in the moisture. But don’t forget airflow—poke a few holes to keep things fresh. Place it in bright, indirect light. And skip direct sun—these vines aren’t built for a sauna!
If you don’t have sphagnum moss, you can also use moist paper towels under the vines—it works just fine and still helps create a humid microclimate!
Step 3: The Waiting Game!
Soon, in a week or two, you’ll notice roots starting to emerge from the nodes. This hack speeds up the propagation process so much that you might even start seeing results faster than you would get when growing in soil or directly in water! Plus, the nodes not being in direct contact with water also reduces the risk of root rot.
During this time, don’t keep opening the container too often—it can disrupt the humidity levels. Just check once every few days to make sure everything looks healthy.
Step 4: Transplanting into Soil
Once you see roots sprouting and they are about one inch long, you will know it’s time to transfer the vines into soil to get established into a bushy String of Hearts.
Take out the bowl from inside the container and transplant them into a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil misted slightly till the plant is fully established. Et voila, your water bowl hack is done!
After transplanting, place the pot in a shaded spot for a few days before introducing it to bright light. This helps reduce transplant shock.
Things to Keep in Mind When Propagating String of Hearts
1. The very first thing to ensure is picking healthy vines at least 3–4 inches long. That length gives you enough to wrap around the bowl.
2. Besides that, you can use “butterfly cuttings”. These are basically the vines where you separate the leaves on either side of the stem, which has at least one node.
3. While we did discuss cuttings, it is essential that you use the correct tools to make clean cuts. Use sterilized gardening scissors or pruners and ensure that you have an inch of stem below each node.
4. Even if you are not dipping the vines or nodes completely in water, you should remove the leaves at the base of the vines to avoid contact with water. Leaves in water can rot, not just in water but also in soil.
5. If your home is too cold, consider placing the setup on a warm surface like the top of a fridge or near a warm window—but avoid heaters or drafts.
With this water bowl hack and all the tips given above, you are now fully prepared to start your String of Hearts growing journey. Let us know how it goes for you in the comments below!
