Propagating String of Hearts with the Butterfly Method

Cerropegia woodii, or “string of hearts plant,” is a lovely trailing succulent with heart-shaped leaves on stems that grow in a vine-like fashion. It has become a very popular houseplant because of its beautiful leaves and easy care needs. Taking cuttings from a string of hearts you already have at home is a simple and free way to get more plants.

One of the most common propagation techniques for string of hearts is the butterfly method. This method involves making small, individual cuttings from the mother plant and planting them directly into soil or another propagating medium Here is a step-by-step guide on how to propagate string of hearts using the butterfly method

What You’ll Need

• A healthy string of hearts mother plant
• Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears
• Well-draining potting mix
• Small pots or containers
• Clear plastic bags (optional)
• Bobby pins, fork, or plant weights (optional)

Step 1: Take Cuttings

Find some healthy strands on your mother plant that are at least 3–4 inches long. Carefully cut these strands off with clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Cut each pair of round, heart-shaped leaves on both sides, leaving about 1/2 inch of stem on either side of each pair. This is the butterfly method. This will create small, individual cuttings that resemble butterfly wings.

Step 2. Prepare the Soil

Fill your small pots or containers most of the way with a well-draining potting mix. Avoid regular garden soil, as it can be too heavy and retain too much moisture. A cactus or succulent mix amended with extra perlite works great.

Before putting the cuttings in, make sure the potting mix is dry. You don’t want it to be wet or saturated.

Step 3. Stick in the Cuttings

Gently stick each individual cutting into the potting mix so the leaves are above the soil and the cut end is in the soil. Space the cuttings 1-2 inches apart.

You can also lay the cuttings on top of the dry soil. However, anchoring the ends in the soil helps prevent them from shifting around and drying out.

Step 4. Provide Humidity

String of hearts cuttings do best in a humid environment while they root. Create humidity by placing the pot inside a clear plastic bag and sealing it, or use a propagation dome if you have one.

Make sure the plastic doesn’t directly touch the leaves. Open the bag for a few hours every 2-3 days to refresh the air.

Step 5. Wait for Roots

Keep the potting mix dry, only watering occasionally with a spray bottle if it becomes completely bone dry. You should start to see tiny white roots forming at the cut ends in 2-3 weeks.

Once the cuttings have rooted, transition them to regular watering, letting the soil dry out between waterings. Remove the plastic bag once roots have formed.

Tips for Success

• Take cuttings from the healthiest, most vibrant parts of the mother plant. Avoid woody or bare stems.

• Keep the cuttings in bright, indirect light as they root. Low light will cause weak, leggy growth.

• Anchoring the cuttings with bobby pins, a fork, or weights can help prevent them from dislodging.

• Avoid overwatering, which can lead to rot. Wait for signs of roots before increasing water.

• Pinch off any flowers that form on cuttings so the plant can focus energy on root growth.

In just a few weeks, your string of hearts cuttings should have roots and be ready to pot up individually or add back to your mother plant for a fuller appearance! The butterfly method is an easy way to get more of these trailing beauties to enhance your indoor garden.