Choosing the Right Soil for Your Calico Hearts Plant:
What You Need to Know

Calico hearts, also known as string of hearts or Ceropegia woodii, are popular houseplants known for their unique heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines. These plants are relatively easy to care for, but choosing the right soil is crucial for their growth and health.

Understanding the Needs of Calico Hearts Plants

Before we dive into soil options, it’s important to understand the needs of calico hearts plants. These plants are native to South Africa and prefer warm, humid environments with bright indirect light. They are succulent-like plants and store water in their stems and leaves, making them drought-tolerant.

Calico hearts plants require well-draining soil that allows excess water to escape easily. They don’t do well in soil that retains too much moisture, as this can lead to root rot and other issues. The right soil will help your calico hearts plant thrive and grow new leaves and vines.

Types of Soil for Calico Hearts Plants

There are several types of soil that work well for calico hearts plants. Here are some options to consider:

Cactus or Succulent Soil

Cactus or succulent soil is a popular choice for calico hearts plants because it provides excellent drainage. This type of soil is made from a mix of sand, perlite or pumice, and peat moss or coconut coir. It’s designed to mimic the natural environment of cacti and succulents, which also thrive in dry, well-draining soil.

Cactus or succulent soil is readily available at most garden centers or online retailers. You can also make your own by mixing equal parts sand, perlite, and potting soil.

Peat-Based Soil

Peat-based soil is another option for calico hearts plants, although it’s not as ideal as cactus or succulent soil. Peat-based soil is made from decomposed sphagnum moss and is known for its water retention properties. While this can be beneficial for some plants, it can be problematic for calico hearts if the soil becomes too soggy.

If you choose to use peat-based soil, make sure to mix it with perlite or sand to improve drainage. You can also add coconut coir or vermiculite to help with moisture retention.

All-Purpose Potting Soil

All-purpose potting soil is another option for calico hearts plants, but it’s important to choose a high-quality brand that contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage. Avoid using heavy soils that contain clay or peat moss, as these can lead to waterlogged roots.

Tips for Planting Calico Hearts in the Right Soil

Now that you have an idea of what types of soil work well for calico hearts plants, here are some tips for planting them:

• Choose a well-draining pot with a drainage hole to ensure excess water can escape.
• Fill the pot with your chosen soil mix, leaving enough room at the top for the plant.
• Gently remove the calico hearts plant from its current container and loosen the roots.
• Place the plant in the new pot at the same level it was in its previous container.
• Fill in any gaps with additional soil mix and lightly tap down.
• Water thoroughly until excess water drains out the bottom of the pot.

FAQ: Common Questions About Calico Hearts Soil

How often should I water my calico hearts plant?

Calico hearts plants prefer infrequent watering and can go several weeks without water. Wait until the top inch of soil feels dry before watering thoroughly.

Can I use regular garden soil for my calico hearts plant?

No, regular garden soil is not ideal for calico hearts plants because it doesn’t provide enough drainage.

Can I use gravel at the bottom of my pot instead of a drainage hole?

No, using gravel at the bottom of your pot instead of a drainage hole can actually make drainage worse by creating a barrier between the soil and excess water.

Can I use compost instead of potting mix?

Compost alone is not recommended as it doesn’t provide enough structure or drainage for calico hearts plants. However, you can mix compost with other materials such as perlite or sand to create a suitable mix.

Do I need to fertilize my calico hearts plant?

Calico hearts plants don’t require frequent fertilization but can benefit from occasional feeding during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength every four to six weeks.

How do I know if my calico hearts plant needs repotting?

If your plant has outgrown its current container or if roots are growing out of the drainage hole, it’s time to repot. Repotting should be done every one to two years in fresh soil mix.

Choosing the right soil is key in ensuring your calico hearts plant thrives and grows strong vines and leaves. By understanding their unique needs and selecting an appropriate soil mix, you’ll be on your way to creating a healthy environment for your beloved houseplant.