String of Hearts - Ceropegia woodii

🌿 String of Hearts, scientifically known as Ceropegia woodii, belongs to the Apocynaceae family and originates from the rocky slopes of South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Swaziland. In its natural habitat, this trailing succulent winds through sparse vegetation, storing water in its tuberous roots to survive periods of drought. It's an excellent choice for beginner plant parents due to its forgiving nature and minimal care requirements. Here's something interesting: the heart-shaped leaves grow in pairs along delicate purple stems, and the plant produces unusual tubular flowers that trap small flies temporarily for pollination before releasing them unharmed.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This cascading vine produces delicate, thread-like stems that can grow several feet long, making it perfect for hanging baskets or elevated shelves. The leaves are small, heart-shaped, and succulent in texture, typically measuring about half an inch across. Each leaf displays a beautiful grey-green colour with silvery variegation on top and purple undersides. The foliage has a waxy, slightly glossy finish that catches light beautifully as the stems drape and trail downward.
FLOWER DETAILS
The flowers are tubular and bulbous at the base, measuring about an inch long, with a fascinating purple-pink colour that deepens toward the tips. They have a slightly hairy texture and an unusual shape that resembles tiny lanterns or vases. While not heavily fragrant, they add quirky charm to the cascading foliage. String of Hearts typically flowers during late summer and fall when conditions are right. To encourage blooming, provide bright indirect light, allow the soil to dry between waterings, and give the plant a slight temperature drop at night during autumn months.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light works best, though it tolerates some direct morning sun. Aim for 6-8 hours of light daily to maintain vibrant leaf colouration and compact growth.
💧 Water: Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. In spring and summer, water every 10-14 days. In fall and winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks. Bottom watering works well to avoid wetting the delicate stems.
🌡️ Humidity: Average household humidity of 40-50% is perfect. This plant actually prefers drier conditions and doesn't need any special humidity measures.
🪴 Soil: Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite. The soil should be gritty and fast-draining to prevent root rot.
🏺 Potting: Choose shallow pots with drainage holes, as the root system stays compact. Terracotta pots work beautifully as they allow excess moisture to evaporate. Repot only when roots fill the container, typically every 2-3 years.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate grower that produces 6-12 inches of new growth over six months under good conditions. After a year, stems can reach 2-3 feet long. Mature plants can trail 6-10 feet, though most people trim them to maintain a manageable length.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly during spring and summer with diluted succulent fertilizer at half strength. Skip fertilizing entirely in fall and winter when growth naturally slows.
🐾 Pet friendly: Yes, String of Hearts is non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a safe choice for homes with curious pets.
WHERE TO PUT IT
String of Hearts thrives in bright rooms where it can cascade from high shelves, hanging planters, or wall-mounted pots. It looks stunning in living rooms near south or west-facing windows, in sunny bedrooms, or even in bright bathrooms where it can trail elegantly. Home offices and reading nooks also work well. Avoid placing it in dark corners, windowless rooms, or areas with heavy foot traffic where the delicate trailing stems might get damaged or broken.