Ceropegia woodii variegata, commonly known as Variegated Chain of Hearts, Rosary Vine Variegated, or String of Hearts Variegated, is a charming and highly sought-after trailing succulent prized for its delicate, heart-shaped leaves adorned with beautiful variegation. This captivating plant features long, slender vines that gracefully cascade, making it a delightful addition to hanging baskets and shelves, adding a touch of elegance and visual interest with its unique foliage.
 
Key Features of Variegated Chain of Hearts
Heart-Shaped Leaves: The most distinctive feature is its small, fleshy, heart-shaped leaves arranged oppositely along the trailing stems.
Variegation: The leaves exhibit stunning variegation, typically a mix of green, cream, and often pink hues along the edges or in patches, creating a beautiful and eye-catching display. The intensity and pattern of variegation can vary.
Trailing Vines: Features long, slender, purplish stems that can grow to several feet in length, making it ideal for hanging baskets and elevated positions.
Tuberous Roots: Develops small tubers at the nodes along the stems and at the base, which help the plant store water and nutrients.
Unique Flowers: Produces small, intricate, lantern-shaped flowers that are typically purplish-brown and somewhat hairy, though flowering may be infrequent in cultivation.
 
Care for Your Variegated Chain of Hearts
Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight to maintain its vibrant variegation. Insufficient light can lead to duller colors and leggy growth. Some gentle morning or late afternoon sun is usually tolerated. Avoid intense midday sun, which can scorch the delicate leaves.
Soil: Requires a well-draining soil mix to prevent root rot. A mix designed for cacti and succulents with added perlite or pumice is ideal.
Watering: Water thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry to the touch. Overwatering is a significant risk for this plant. Reduce watering considerably during the dormant winter months. The tubers help it tolerate some dryness.
Temperature: Prefers warm temperatures and is not frost-tolerant. Protect from freezing conditions.
Humidity: Tolerates average indoor humidity levels. Good air circulation is beneficial.
 
Maintenance for a Thriving Plant
Handling Delicate Vines: The slender vines can be somewhat fragile, so handle the plant gently.
Pruning: Pruning can be done to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, or propagate new plants. Simply trim the vines as needed.
Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot only slightly larger with good drainage. Spring is usually the best time for repotting.
Pest Control: Monitor for common houseplant pests like mealybugs and spider mites. Treat any infestations promptly with appropriate methods.
Fertilizing: Fertilize sparingly during the active growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing.
 
Propagation Methods for Variegated Chain of Hearts
Stem Cuttings: A reliable method. Take stem cuttings a few inches long, ensuring they have at least a few nodes. Allow the cut ends to callus over for a few hours or a day, then plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil lightly moist until roots establish.
Tuber Propagation: The small tubers that form along the stems or at the base can also be used for propagation. Gently remove a tuber and plant it in well-draining soil.
Layering: The long vines can also be layered directly into another pot of soil while still attached to the mother plant. Once roots have formed, the new plant can be severed.
 
Variegated Chain of Hearts is a truly charming and visually appealing trailing succulent that brings a touch of delicate beauty to indoor spaces. Its unique heart-shaped leaves with their beautiful variegation and its graceful trailing habit make it a delightful and relatively easy-to-care-for addition to any plant lover's collection.
 
 
* 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.