Overwatered String of Hearts – Signs and Step-by-Step Solution

In this article, the readers will be acknowledged for how to know about the Overwatered String of Hearts, its Signs, and Step-by-Step solutions. The string of heart plants that are scientifically called Ceropegia woodii, are perfect hanging plants, trailing vines that are attractive enough due to their heart-shaped variegated leaves. These plants are semi-succulent and can tolerate little dry conditions but get affected if they are overwatered.

Key takeaways:

• The scientific name of a string of heart plants is ceropegia.
• These vines are popular for their easy-to-grow nature and the beauty they add as houseplants.
• It’s better that you take action for the overwatered string of hearts otherwise these plants are severely damaged and can not be saved later on.
• The plants show some signs and symptoms of being overwatered and they should not be ignored.

Whether the early symptoms or the late signs check them and treat them accordingly. Let’s dig into the whole information.

What do overwatered strings of hearts look like? 

The overwatered string of hearts gets limp in appearance and shows yellowing of leaves, their curling, and drooping as well. The heart of strings gets easily affected by excess water in the soil which causes root rot and edema in the string of heart plants. Though other causes can lead to overwatering of a string of hearts, not just excess overwatering. The excess humidity around, poor drainage, seasonal rainfall, pot size issue, or the bad draining ability of the pot can all lead to an overwatered string of hearts. 

Signs of an Overwatered String of Hearts 

Yellowing or browning of leaves 

The leaves of a string of hearts are usually dark green and the yellowing of leaves will happen if there is too much water in the soil, diluted nutrients will not be effective. Though in many cases the roots are unable to absorb the nutrients due to water standing for long around the roots. Iron deficiency is the lead cause of the yellowing of leaves in a string of hearts due to being overwatered and washing the nutrients with it as well through the drainage holes.

Edema 

Edema in strings of hearts is noticed by the presence of red, black, or brown spots on the leaves. Edema happens due to overwatering in these plants. As the plants are semi-succulent they absorb water but excess water will make them swell enough and harm the tissues. The weak tissues will reveal brown spots or red spots. These blisters pop as they are well enough. 

Wilted leaves 

The wilted leaves of the string of hearts indicate that the plant is near the dying stage. The root is severely spread and damages the roots. The string of hearts shows the droopy leaves and the mushy types due to the waterlogged soil. The roots getting suffocated leads to the wilting of leaves. This is an alarming symptom. 

For more such plant related-articles, you may also read, Overwatered Spider Plant -Signs and Step-by-Step Solution

Root rot

The root rot in a string of heart plants is due to overwatered soil, which is well draining and stays soggy for a long time. The roots get mushy as well. The unpleasant smell coming can be a sign that root rot has occurred. The color of the roots changes to dark and black color. 

Dropping of leaves 

The leaves first start to wilt and if ignored and still overwatered then the leaves will drop on a large scale. The root rot makes the root incapable to perform the function properly and the leaves start to wilt as nutrients and water don’t reach the plant parts, especially the leaves. The leaves will curl or wilt to save water loss. If not revived the leaves will fall. 

How to revive the overwatered string of hearts? 

It is important that you follow these measures to save your overwatered string of hearts. The plants can be revived if the roots are not severely damaged but if the roots are so much affected and destroyed then the roots need to be removed. 

Stop giving excess water

You need to stop watering the string of hearts right now. The overwatered string of hearts needs some time to get dried otherwise the tissues will be extremely spoiled and unable to revive. Let the excess water get washed or drained before watering. The soil needs to be dried before watering. Check if the water is standing near the stem of the plants or in the soil. Improve the drainage by adding sandy soil. 

Reduce the humidity 

The reason that the string of hearts is overwatered involves humidity issues as well. Reduce the humidity so that the wetness of the leaves can be moved. You need to move the plant to the spot where the humidity is low like the outside porch, away from the bathroom or kitchen. To decrease the humidity you can also use an air dryer to lower moisture in the surroundings. 

Repot the plants 

The root rot needs to be examined and that can be done by removing the plant from the pot. Examine for root rot and remove the plant from the container or the ground. If there is root rot, cut the rotted roots using pruning shears or scissors, let the roots dry, and repot the plant using a good potting mix. 

Use a good pot and potting soil 

The soil you use must have better drainage than the previously used soil. Discard the old soil. Use a pot that has good drainage holes and is of good size, not too small and not too short. The potting soil should have a good amount of nutrients so make sure to add little sand for improving drainage and fertilizer to add nutrients to the soil for the string of hearts. 

Wrapping up the context

The strings of hearts are the natural strings close to the hearts of gardeners and we believe they are close to yours as well. It is okay that you have mistakenly overwatered them, but you need to take a look at all the measures and signs that you should know to save your string of hearts as soon as possible. We hope you like this article and found it helpful. Happy planting! 

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