How to Grow and Care for the Helicopter Plant

The “helicopter plant” is a nickname for Ceropegia woodii, more widely known as the String of Hearts. This popular houseplant earns its name from the way it disperses its seeds. Native to Southern Africa, this trailing succulent is recognized by its long, wiry stems and heart-shaped leaves, often marbled with silver on top and purple on the underside.

The “Helicopter” Seed Phenomenon

After its small, lantern-shaped flowers are pollinated, the plant produces long, thin, horn-shaped seed pods. When these pods mature and dry, they split open.

Inside each pod are numerous flat seeds attached to a fluffy, white tuft known as a coma. This structure functions like a parachute, catching the wind and causing the seed to spin like a helicopter rotor as it descends. This wind-driven dispersal allows the plant to spread its offspring over a wider area.

Helicopter Plant Care Guide

Light

This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. An ideal location is near an east-facing window for gentle morning sun, or a few feet from a south or west-facing window. In lower light conditions, the leaves may become a paler green and the space between them will lengthen, creating a “leggy” appearance.

Soil

As a succulent, the String of Hearts is susceptible to root rot, so it requires a potting medium with excellent drainage. A commercial cactus and succulent mix is a suitable choice. You can also create your own by amending standard potting soil with materials like perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to increase aeration.

Water

Overwatering is the most common mistake with this plant. Its succulent leaves and tubers store water, making it drought-tolerant. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings by checking the top inch or two of soil. If it is dry, it is time to water, but reduce watering frequency during the winter dormant period.

Temperature and Humidity

The String of Hearts prefers average household temperatures, typically between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from temperatures that dip below 40 degrees. This plant is not demanding about humidity and does well in typical indoor environments without special misting.

Fertilizer

During the active growing season of spring and summer, you can feed your plant to encourage robust growth. A balanced, all-purpose liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength is appropriate. Fertilize once a month, but cease feeding during the fall and winter months when the plant’s growth naturally slows down. A low-nitrogen fertilizer is also a good option for this species.

How to Propagate a Helicopter Plant

One of the rewarding aspects of growing a String of Hearts is the ease with which it can be propagated. There are several effective methods for creating new plants. The most common and reliable techniques for home gardeners are stem cuttings and propagating the aerial tubers. Growing from the “helicopter” seeds is also possible, though it is a much slower process.

Stem cuttings can be taken by snipping a vine and then cutting it into segments, ensuring each piece has at least one pair of leaves. A popular technique is the “butterfly method,” where a single leaf pair with a small piece of stem is placed on top of moist soil. Another straightforward method involves the small, bead-like tubers that form along the vines, which can be pressed into a new pot of soil where they will readily take root.

Common Helicopter Plant Issues

Even with proper care, you may encounter a few common problems. Leggy growth, characterized by long, bare stems between the leaves, is a frequent issue caused by insufficient light. Moving the plant to a brighter location can help new growth become more compact. If vines become bare at the base, you can prune them back to encourage a fuller appearance at the top of the plant.

Yellowing leaves are most often a sign of overwatering. If you notice this, check the soil moisture and allow it to dry out thoroughly before watering again. Pests are not a frequent problem, but the plant can occasionally be affected by mealybugs or aphids. These can usually be managed by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by using an insecticidal soap.