My String of Hearts aka Ceropegia woodii

I love plants, especially vining plants. My bedroom/office space is home to several plants. All, except for one, are vining plants. My latest addition is this String of Hearts. Its scientific name is Ceropegia woodii.

I purchased my string of hearts at Patuxent Nursery. Patuxent is my favorite nursery and is about an hour’s drive away from where we live in Maryland. Now that I think about it, the last time I was at the nursery was before the government shutdown. I first learned about String of Hearts a few years ago and even purchased small cuttings on Etsy. They lasted for several months, and then they just withered away.  It’s native to southern Africa, from Zimbabwe to eastern South Africa. It’s also edible! I discovered that recently.

The weekend before I started working at my new job, my daughter and I visited Patuxent Nursery. I wanted to purchase a Wandering Jew. I adored this plant and had one that did very well. However, during the government shutdown, my plant was stuck at my job, and when I finally returned to work a few months later, although one of my co-workers watered my plant while I was furloughed, it did not survive. Since I knew Patuxent had them, it’s where I’d purchased my first one; it’s the main reason I went to the nursery. Spotting the potted String of Hearts while I was there was a bonus.

I usually name my plants; however, I still haven’t named this string of hearts nor the wandering jew that I acquired. Eventually, they’ll both have names or maybe not. Either way, they are a welcome addition to my world. I’m also happy to say that the string of hearts loves the area where it resides. It’s already grown a few inches, and it’s sprouted more new growth at the base of the pot.

 

How often do I water my String of Hearts?

The String of Hearts loves dry soil. So I just watered it last weekend. When I purchased the plant, the soil was slightly moist, so I knew that I would have to water it in about a week. I checked the soil today, and it’s slightly moist. So I’ll most likely be watering it next weekend.

 

Resource:

University of Wisconsin: Wisconsin Horticulture; String of Hearts, Ceropegia woodii

Carnivorous Plant: Pinguicula laueana x emarginata

Say hello to my little friend! A few days ago, I received this carnivorous plant in the mail. It’s a Pinguicula laueana x emarginata. Isn’t it tiny! I’ve named it Zaccheus, after the Tax collector in the Bible. He was short in stature.

Pinguicula is Latin for “little greasy one.” It’s a reference to the plants’ greasy feel. Their leaves are covered with tiny sticky hairs that catch small prey like fruit flies and gnats. The leaves also excrete a liquid of enzymes and acid that quickly dissolve the prey.

I’ve always been fascinated with carnivorous plants, but outside, of a venus fly trap (that I’d had several years ago) I really haven’t ventured into welcoming them into my home. The main reason is, I didn’t know too much about them and I won’t allow something into my space unless I can take care of it properly. Well, that has changed. I’ve read a lot about carnivorous plants, watched numerous videos and have even purchased the book, The Savage Garden by Peter D’Amoto. That book discusses carnivorous plants in detail and I’m now willing to start welcoming them into my home. From my readings, pinguicula, are some of the easier carnivorous plants to tend to, which seems like a great starting point.

I repotted the Pinguicula laueana x emarginata the same day I received it in the mail.

From my research, carnivorous plants are best suited in plastic containers, since these vessels aren’t porous like clay. I used one of my small containers that held beads. I cleaned it and punched holes in the bottom of the container and repotted my plant. I then added a small stainless steel bowl, to which I placed the plant inside. This small bowl has tiny gravel, to which I add water for moisture.

Soon, my daughter and I will be visiting a local carnivorous plant nursery. I believe it will be a fabulous experience and will be wonderful to see many of them in one place and ask questions. I’m sure we’ll be leaving with a few of our own.