Photo: Sue CarnahanCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Chain of hearts Plant Care
Joinvillea plicata (Hook.f.) Newell & B.C.Stone
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's long, slender, bright green leaves are its most distinctive feature. Originally from South America, Joinvillea plicata's unique foliage makes it highly sought after by plant collectors looking to add a touch of tropical flair to their indoor gardens.
Every 10–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Chain of hearts?
Water Chain of hearts every 10–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Chain of hearts Native To?
What Is the Chain of hearts?
Chain of hearts (Joinvillea plicata) belongs to the Joinvilleaceae family within the Joinvillea genus. Chain of hearts is native to New Caledonia. Chain of hearts is also known as Rosary vine, Collar of hearts.
Chain of hearts displays a clumping, low rosette growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Chain of hearts produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Chain of hearts?
Joinvillea plicata requires watering every 10–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 10–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Chain of hearts Need?
Chain of hearts thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Chain of hearts in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Chain of hearts Prefer?
Joinvillea plicata grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Chain of hearts prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Chain of hearts?
Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Chain of hearts to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Chain of hearts?
Feed Chain of hearts every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Chain of hearts?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Chain of hearts?
Chain of hearts can be propagated through division of offsets, seeds.
Is the Chain of hearts Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Chain of hearts, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Chain of hearts?
Chain of hearts is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Chain of hearts Need?
Chain of hearts grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Chain of hearts is native to New Caledonia. In cooler regions, grow Chain of hearts as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Chain of hearts is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Joinvillea genus — compare its care with other Joinvillea species on PlantoScan.
Joinvillea is part of the Joinvilleaceae plant family — browse all Joinvilleaceae genera and species.
Chain of hearts thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Joinvillea plicata (Hook.f.) Newell & B.C.Stone, family Joinvilleaceae (first published in Taxon 16: 193 (1967)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Chain of hearts, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Sue Carnahan, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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