Light
Give it bright light. Indoors, a west- or south-facing window suits it. Good light keeps the leaves dark with crisp silver marbling. In poor light they fade to plain light green and the gaps between leaf pairs stretch out. Harsh sun can scorch the leaves, so if it goes outside for summer, move it into stronger light gradually.
Water
Water when the mix has dried out, then let the pot drain. It copes with dry soil far better than soggy soil, and overwatering is the usual way people kill it. It rests in winter, so water even less then.
Soil & pots
Use a gritty cactus and succulent mix, or potting mix with extra perlite, in a pot with a drainage hole. It likes being crowded, so repot only when you have to. A hanging pot shows off the strands best.
Temperature
Normal room temperatures suit it while it's growing. In winter, keep it somewhere that stays above about 60°F (16°C), and let it rest with less water and no fertilizer. It can't take frost.
Is string of hearts safe for pets?
Pet safety not yet confirmed. String of hearts (Ceropegia woodii) isn't on the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant lists for cats or dogs. We haven't found a reliable source yet, so keep it out of reach of pets that chew plants.
Propagation
The easiest way is with the bead-like aerial tubers that form at the leaf joints. Press one into soil while it's still attached to the vine and it roots into a new plant. Stem cuttings also root, best with gentle bottom heat.
- Find a strand with a bead-like tuber at a leaf joint.
- Set a small pot of barely moist gritty mix beside the plant and press the tuber into the surface, still attached to the vine.
- Keep the mix just moist, not wet.
- When it has rooted and started growing, in a few weeks to a few months, snip the strand to free the new plant.
Common problems
FAQ
Is string of hearts toxic to cats?
We can't say for sure. It isn't on the ASPCA's toxic or non-toxic plant lists, and we haven't found a veterinary source that rates it. Plenty of websites call it pet-safe without citing one, so hang it out of reach and call your vet if your cat eats some.
How do you propagate string of hearts?
From the bead-like tubers on the stems, or from cuttings. Press a tuber into a pot of soil while it's still attached to the vine, then cut it free once it roots. Stem cuttings root best with gentle bottom heat.
What is variegated string of hearts?
A form with cream and pink variegated leaves, sold as Ceropegia woodii f. variegata. Grow it just like the plain form, in good light.
Why is my string of hearts thin and sparse?
Usually not enough light. Long gaps between pale green leaves mean it wants a brighter spot. To fill out the top, coil a few strands over the soil so the tubers touch it and root.
Why are my string of hearts leaves turning yellow?
Most often too much water, which leads to root rot. Let the mix dry out before you water again, and water very little in winter.
Sources
- Ceropegia woodii Schltr.: Plants of the World Online, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Ceropegia woodii: North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- String of Hearts, Ceropegia woodii: Wisconsin Horticulture, UW–Madison Extension
- Ceropegia woodii (hearts on a string): RHS
- Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, Cats: ASPCA
- Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, Dogs: ASPCA