2023 How To Grow And Care Million Hearts: Expert Latest Advice

Choosing the Right Location for Million Hearts

Million Hearts care requires light but not direct sunlight. Place the plant in a space that receives bright, indirect light for at least five to six hours daily to promote growth. East or north-facing windows are ideal choices as they filter light while providing adequate luminosity. As an epiphyte, Sinningia speciosa also prefers higher humidity levels so mist the leaves occasionally.
More comprehensive information and care guidelines can be read here.

care million hearts, soil, 2 men in green and blue suit action figures — *Photo by* *Claus Jensen* / *Unsplash*

Providing Optimal Soil Conditions

Million Hearts thrive in loose, well-draining soil mixes that retain adequate moisture. They prefer soil with rich organic matter to supply the nutrients needed for healthy growth.

To achieve the proper soil conditions:

Use a commercial potting mix specifically formulated for epiphytic plants, which contains ingredients like orchid bark, tree fern fiber and perlite.
Add additional organic materials like compost, peat moss or sphagnum moss to improve the soil’s ability to retain moisture while allowing for adequate drainage. About 30% to 50% additional organic matter is recommended.
Incorporate perlite or pumice into the soil mix to aid drainage. Aim for 20% to 50% of the total volume, with higher percentages for clay-based soils.
Maintain a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Add dolomitic lime to raise the pH and chelated iron to offset iron deficiencies that can result from alkaline soil pH levels. Test the soil pH using a meter specifically made for soil testing.

An ideal potting mix for Million Hearts will consist of:

40-50% orchid bark
20-30% sphagnum moss or peat moss
20-30% perlite or pumice
Optimal pH range: 6.0 to 6.5

care million hearts, plant, green leaves with water droplets — *Photo by* *Tim Krisztian* / *Unsplash*

Watering and Fertilizing Million Hearts

Proper watering and fertilizing is key to keeping Million Hearts healthy and attractive.

Watering: These plants prefer to be kept slightly moist, but they cannot tolerate soggy or waterlogged conditions for long.

Water thoroughly whenever the top 1 to 2 inches of soil is dry. This may be anywhere from once a week in the summer to once every 2 to 3 weeks in the winter.
Lift the pot to gauge the soil weight before and after watering to determine the right amount. Light pots indicate the need for water.
Check the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked. Good drainage holesare critical for avoiding root rot.
Avoid getting water on the leaves. Use a saucer or tray under the pot and water at the soil line instead.

Fertilizing:

Feed Million Hearts monthly from spring through summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half or quarter strength.
In the fall and winter, fertilize every other month or skip fertilizing altogether.
Signs of nutrient deficiencies include:
- Yellowing older leaves
- Stunted growth
- Flower or bud drop

The following chart summarizes the watering and feeding schedule:

	Spring	Summer	Fall	Winter
Watering	Once/week	Once/week	Once every 10-14 days	Once every 2-3 weeks
Fertilizing	Monthly	Monthly	Every other month	Skip

care million hearts, leaves, low light photography of green leafed plant — *Photo by* *Daniel Öberg* / *Unsplash*

Pruning and Propagation Techniques for Healthy Plants

Regular pruning and propagation helps Million Hearts plants stay compact, full and encourages new growth.

Pruning:

Use sterile pruning shears or scissors to trim Million Hearts as needed.
Remove damaged, diseased or dead foliage to improve the plant’s appearance.
Cut stem shoots back to maintain the plant’s shape and size. This encourages branching and denser growth.
Prune immediately after flowering to promote another flush of blooms.

Propagation:

Million Hearts plants can easily be propagated through stem cuttings:

Take 4 to 6 inch stem cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems.
Remove lower leaves leaving the top 2 to 3 leaves intact.
Dip the stem cuttings in rooting hormone powder.
Plant the cuttings in a well-draining seed-starting mix or perlite.
Maintain high humidity levels around 80% by placing the cuttings on a humidity tray or covering with a plastic bag.
Provide indirect bright light and temperatures around 70 to 75 °F.

Use these tips for fast and reliable propagation:

Take cuttings early in the morning from new stem growth
Change out the perlite or seed-starting mix every 2 weeks to prevent disease
Check that the soil remains moist but not soggy
Roots should develop within 4 to 6 weeks.

care million hearts, leaves, a close up of a green palm leaf — *Photo by* *David Clode* / *Unsplash*

More Helpful Guide

Frequently Asked Question

What lifestyle changes does Million Hearts recommend to improve cardiovascular health?

Million Hearts recommends quitting smoking, being physically active, eating healthy, and maintaining a healthy weight to improve cardiovascular health.

What resources does Million Hearts provide to healthcare professionals?

Million Hearts provides healthcare professionals with evidence-based protocols, toolkits, continuing education, and resources to improve cardiovascular care.

What can restaurants do to support the Million Hearts initiative?

Restaurants can support Million Hearts by promoting healthy menu options, reducing sodium and trans fats, implementing smoke-free policies, and limiting portion sizes.