Plant Library

String of Hearts Care Guide

Ceropegia woodii

By the Plantshop.com Editorial Team · Updated · How we research · Report an error

String of hearts trails long purple stems with small heart-shaped, marbled leaves. It is a semi-succulent and a good alternative to string of pearls.

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Photo of a string of hearts plant (Ceropegia woodii)
Photo: Forest and Kim Starr / CC BY 3.0 us, Wikimedia Commons. Source · License

Plant profile

Light
Bright indirect light; some direct sun is fine
Water
When the soil is dry; it stores water in its leaves
Humidity
Low to average
Pets
Ceropegia woodii is not on the ASPCA list; ask your vet if unsure [ASPCA]
Difficulty
Easy
Size
Trailing 2-6 ft
Growth
Fast in good light
Free: 12-month care calendarWhen to water less, feed and repot a string of hearts, month by month.

Light

Bright indirect light; some direct sun is fine. Rotate the pot every few weeks so growth stays even.

Water

When the soil is dry; it stores water in its leaves. Always use a pot with drainage holes and empty the saucer after watering. Plants use far less water in winter.

Humidity and temperature

Humidity: low to average. Most houseplants prefer 60-80°F (16-27°C) and dislike cold drafts and heating vents.

Soil and feeding

Use a well-draining potting mix with extra grit or perlite. Feed lightly in spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength; skip feeding in winter.

Our tip

Sparse vines mean too little light; give it a brighter window.

Common problems

Pets

Ceropegia woodii is not on the ASPCA list; ask your vet if unsure. Check the ASPCA plant list. If a pet chews it and shows symptoms, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Check any plant in our Pet-Safe Plant Checker.

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Free download

Free 12-month plant care calendar

Keeping a string of hearts happy all year? Get our free month-by-month calendar: when to water less, when to feed, when to repot, and the seasonal notes for all 71 plants in our library.

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Sources

  1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants
  2. NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Ceropegia woodii
  3. RHS: Houseplants, how to grow and care
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