5 Steps to Growing Chain of Hearts
- Select a suitable sized pot with good drainage
- Add a layer of indoor plant mix to plant into
- Choose a spot in bright, indirect light
- Don't water too frequently, allow the soil to dry out between watering
- Apply a general purpose fertiliser once a month during the growing season
Follow our full guide and plant care tips to growing Chain of Hearts below.
The ever-popular Chain of Hearts gets its name from the heart shaped leaves that grow a few centimeters apart from each other along cascading stems. They are best displayed in a hanging pot or on a high shelf to show off the beautiful long vines.
Chain of Hearts is a trailing plant that can grow up to 1m in length. They usually trail between 30-60cm long.
prepare
The better the soil, the better your indoor plants will grow. Healthy soil is especially important when growing in a limited area. Choose a potting mix that is free draining like Tui Indoor Plant Mix, specially formulated with the right blend of nutrients to give your indoor plants in pots and containers the best start.
Select a container that is a suitable size for your plants. Ensure the container has enough capacity to house the roots of the plants you want to grow. Drainage is also essential, so keep this in mind when choosing your perfect pot.
plant
Check plant labels for individual planting instructions.
- Water plants thoroughly before potting and allow to drain.
- Partly fill your container with Tui Indoor Plant Mix.
- Gently take the plant from the current container, loosen the root ball and remove any loose or dead plant material and roots.
- Position the plant in the centre of the new container and fill with Tui Indoor Plant Mix up to 3cm from the top.
- Gently firm the mix around the plant. The mix should be at the same level on the plant as it was in the previous container.
- Water your plant well.
Light
The right plant in the right place is the secret to healthy indoor plants. Chain of Hearts prefer a position in bright, indirect light. They can tolerate a small amount of direct sun (which can help enhance the colour of the leaves) but don't leave them in direct sun all day.
nourish
Watering
Chain of Hearts are a semi succulent, meaning they will tolerate being dry more than being too wet. Don't water them too frequently, and allow the soil to dry out between each water. Chain of Hearts go dormant in winter so need less watering during this time.
Feeding
Tui Indoor Plant Mix contains a starter fertiliser to provide instant nutrients and prevent transplant shock, along with a controlled release fertiliser for sustained feeding for up to six months. Chain of Hearts don't require heavy feeding. In fact, too much fertiliser can harm them. Apply a liquid fertiliser like Tui Enrich Pour & Feed Indoor Plant Liquid Fertiliser once a month during spring and summer. Chain of Hearts don't require feeding in winter.
Common problems
The most common issue with Chain of Hearts is being over-watered, causing the plant to rot. It can be a good idea to keep the soil on the drier side.
Well nourished and cared for plants will be more resilient to common problems including temperature fluctuations, pests and diseases.
Pet friendly
Chain of Hearts are non-toxic and safe around pets and humans.