There are a variety of ways that the String of Hearts plant could be dying from but the main ways will be due to overwatering, underwatering, extreme heat, extreme cold and little sunshine.
So if you feel that your string of hearts is on it’s last leg, then it is time to figure out which one of these scenarios applies to you and your plant.
Keep in mind that it is entirely possible for there to be multiple reasons at once that can be causing your plant to be dying so fixing one issue might not be enough.
But with that said, let’s take a look at each of these issues and what you can learn from them.
Overwatered String of Hearts
The most common way your string of hearts succulent is dying can be attributed to overwatering as this is also the main reason why succulents die in general.
Overwatering can shock your plant and cause rot, which ultimately leads to inefficient roots that can’t bring any water through the plant and dehydrates them in the process.
Some signs of overwatering can include yellowing leaves, the plant falling over and mushy brown roots.
Overwatering can also be caused by non quality soil that doesn’t drain well and keeps standing water for way too long.
Use this quality succulent and cactus soil instead.
So to prevent the overwatering issue with your string of hearts, consider only watering when the soil feels completely dry to the touch, which will usually take a few weeks.
A good way to water this plant is by keeping the container in the kitchen sink while you soak the plant thoroughly to make sure every inch of the plants roots get enough water.
Then just wait until the soil has dried out fully before repeating the process.
Also you don’t really need to water often during the winter, especially when the string of hearts becomes dormant.
Once a month at the most will do just fine.
String of hearts in extreme temperatures
String of hearts succulents are actually somewhat delicate and extreme temperatures in either direction can mean trouble for this plant.
You don’t want this succulent to be exposed to temperatures in the 100’s or high 90’s for very long, especially if there is no shade available.
This is just asking for your string of hearts plant leaves to get scorched which will certainly kill this plant if action isn’t taken right away.
Bring this plant indoors during these times or find a spot that has great shade for most of these days to prevent the leaves from getting burnt into oblivion.
Now on the opposite side of things, you also have to keep an eye on extreme cold temperatures and by this i mean anything under 40 degrees Fahrenheit will not be good for this plant.
Leaving a string of hearts succulent in extreme cold will cause the plant to lose it’s natural color and eventually die if left out in the cold for too long or in frozen conditions for a short amount of time.
During these times you should grow indoors or look into getting a quality mini greenhouse to protect this plant against the cold.
Little sunshine
Another cause for String of hearts dying can be from inadequate amounts of light no matter if grown indoors or even outdoors.
This is mainly a problem with indoor growth though.
If your string of hearts doesn’t get on average 4 or more hours of bright light daily then this will start the process of the plant getting weak and unsustainable growth.
Don’t worry if some days lack more than others but if lack of light is consistent then your string of hearts succulent will slowly start to die.
The first sign of lack of light will be that your plant will stretch towards the nearest light source to try and get some light.
This is known as succulent etiolation and can cause permanent stretching of the leaves on most succulents.
Other signs will include dull coloring, leaves drooping and more.
So if you think indoor growing is complicated then i would advise on using a west facing window if possible or try a quality grow light if you want to get more serious about it.
That’s all there is to it.