String of Hearts
Ceropegia woodii
An elegant trailing semi-succulent characterized by its thin, purple-toned vines adorned with fleshy, heart-shaped leaves. Each leaf features a distinctive silver-marbled pattern on the top and a deep magenta underside. Native to South Africa, it is a resilient and fast-growing plant that produces unique, tube-like purple flowers resembling lanterns.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Low
Difficulty
Easy
Humidity
Moderate
Pet Friendly
Ceropegia woodii is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, making it an excellent choice for pet owners.
Care Guide
Light: Provide plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. A few hours of morning sun is beneficial, but harsh afternoon rays can burn the delicate foliage. If the plant gets too little light, the spacing between leaves will increase and the silver variegation will fade. ### Watering: Use the soak and dry method. Allow the potting medium to dry out completely before watering thoroughly. The leaves will feel slightly soft and flexible when the plant needs moisture. Overwatering is the most common cause of failure, leading to root rot. ### Soil: A well-draining cactus or succulent mix is essential. You can improve standard potting soil by adding perlite, pumice, or orchid bark. ### Temperature: Keep the plant in temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 50 degrees. ### Seasonal Tips: In winter, growth slows down significantly. Reduce watering to once every 3 to 4 weeks and stop fertilizing until new growth appears in the spring.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer
Soil
Well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix with perlite
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
2 to 12 feet long
Growth Rate
Fast
Propagation
Stem cuttings in water, soil layering, or planting the small aerial tubers (bulbils) that grow along the stems.