Ceropegia woodii, commonly known as String of Hearts, Chain of Hearts, or Rosary Vine, is a charming and popular semi-succulent vine admired for its delicate, trailing stems adorned with heart-shaped leaves. This attractive plant is a favorite for hanging baskets and shelves, adding a touch of whimsical elegance to indoor spaces.
 
Key Features of Ceropegia woodii (String of Hearts)
Trailing Vines: Features long, slender, purplish stems that can grow to several feet in length, creating a beautiful trailing or cascading habit.
Heart-Shaped Leaves: The leaves are small, fleshy, and distinctly heart-shaped, typically exhibiting a variegated pattern of green and silver.
Variegation: The silver markings on the leaves can vary in intensity, sometimes appearing as a subtle marbling or covering a significant portion of the leaf surface.
Aerial Tubers: Along the stems, small, bead-like tubers can form at the nodes. These tubers can develop into new plants.
Unique Flowers: Produces small, intricate, tubular flowers that are typically purplish-pink and resemble tiny vases or lanterns.
 
Care for Your String of Hearts
Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight. While it can tolerate lower light conditions, insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and less vibrant variegation. Avoid direct, intense sunlight, which can scorch the delicate leaves.
Soil: Requires a well-draining potting mix. A mix formulated for cacti and succulents is ideal.
Watering: Water moderately during the active growing season (spring and summer), allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. Be cautious of overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Reduce watering significantly during the dormant winter months.
Temperature: Prefers warm temperatures and is generally sensitive to prolonged cold.
Humidity: Tolerates average indoor humidity levels.
 
Maintenance for a Thriving Plant
Pruning: Can be pruned to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, or propagate new plants. Pruning is best done during the active growing season.
Repotting: Repot when the plant becomes root-bound, typically every 1-2 years. Choose a pot with drainage holes. Spring is a good time for repotting.
Tuber Management: The aerial tubers can be left on the plant for a unique look or planted to propagate new vines.
Pest Control: Monitor for common indoor plant pests such as mealybugs and aphids. Treat any infestations promptly.
Fertilizing: Fertilize lightly during the active growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength, every 2-4 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing.
 
Propagation Methods for String of Hearts
Stem Cuttings: A reliable method. Take stem cuttings that include a few nodes, allow the cut ends to callus for a few hours or overnight, and then plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil lightly moist until roots establish.
Tuber Propagation: The aerial tubers can be carefully removed and planted directly in moist, well-draining soil. They will often root and begin to grow into new vines.
Division: For established, bushy plants, the root ball can sometimes be carefully divided during repotting.
Water Propagation: Stem cuttings can also be rooted in water before being planted in soil.
 
Ceropegia woodii, the String of Hearts, is a delightful and easy-to-care-for trailing plant that adds a touch of delicate beauty to any indoor space. Its unique heart-shaped leaves and trailing habit make it a popular choice for plant enthusiasts of all levels.
 
 
* Picture and information intended only as a guide. Size and colours of plants will vary, not any 1 plant is exactly the same and minor variations will occur.
 
** All plants will be posted bare rooted.