String of Hearts

Scientific Name: Ceropegia Woodii

Common Name: String of Hearts

String of Hearts care is easy as Ceropegia Woodii is succulent-like, meaning it can handle some neglect and doesn’t need much watering. If you are looking for a dainty, whimsical trailing houseplant that gives off some color, see if a String of Hearts plant would be good for you by reading through our care guide.

To give this String of Hearts plant the best care, it requires well-draining soil, allow the soil to dry out before watering, provide it bright indirect sunlight, temperatures ranging from 60-85F, and average humidity levels.

Quick Care Overview

Common NameString of Hearts
Scientific NameCeropegia Woodii
FamilyApocynaceae
OriginSouth Africa
Growth RateFast
IdentificationSilvery grey-green heart-shaped foliage with thin purple vines
HeightUp to 6 feet in length
SoilWell-draining soil
WaterAllow to dry out completely before watering
Temperature60-85F
SunlightBright indirect sunlight
Toxic to Cats & DogsNo
Toxic to HumansNo
PestsMealybugs, aphids, scale
DiseasesRoot rot

Below we will dive deep into this String of Hearts care guide.

String of Hearts Care

String of Hearts History

Ceropegia Woodii, otherwise known as the String of Hearts, Chain of Hearts, or Sweetheart Vine is a popular evergreen trailing succulent that is easy to care for. Heart-shaped foliage forms on cascading vines, making this plant excellent for hanging baskets. 

String of Hearts Identification

This trailing succulent presents with green-grey heart-shaped foliage attached to thin purple vines. Occasionally this succulent will flower, showing tubular magenta blooms. 

String of Hearts Growth Facts

This quick-growing succulent doesn’t require much care to create a beautiful display of unique foliage.

How Big Does a String of Hearts Get?

Ceropegia Woodii may trail up to 6 feet long if it is not kept back through pruning. 

String of Hearts Care

String of Hearts is a unique, easy to care for, exceptionally fast-growing succulent. It handles neglect well, making it a good choice for beginning houseplant growers. If you take care of this succulent, it will bloom abundantly. 

String of Hearts Soil

Ceropegia Woodii does best when planted in a well-draining growing medium suited for cacti and succulents. A commercial cacti mix will be perfect for this plant. Alternatively, you may amend commercial potting mix with perlite to increase drainage.

String of Hearts Fertilizer

Ceropegia Woodii will benefit from a regular monthly feeding of a houseplant fertilizer indicated for succulents that is not high in nitrogen. Ensure that you follow all label instructions and do not overfertilize your plant. You should not feed your String of Hearts during the cold months of fall and winter. 

String of Hearts Watering

It is important to note that while Ceropegia is drought tolerant to a certain degree, it prefers to be watered more often than many other succulents. You should allow your string of hearts to dry out entirely before rewatering, and then water your succulent deeply. Watering too frequently may lead to a range of issues such as foliage dropping, swollen leaves, and disease issues. 

String of Hearts Light Requirements

Ceropegia Woodii prefers to be grown in bright indirect light such as from an eastern or western facing window. However, too much direct sunlight may cause this plant harm. Alternatively, this plant will grow poorly if kept in low light conditions. 

String of Hearts Temperature & Humidity

As a hardy succulent, Ceropegia Woodii may tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit for brief periods, but in general, this succulent likes to remain warm. Alternatively, too intense of heat will cause this succulent stress. Average household temperature is preferable for this plant. Ceropegia Woodii does not require added humidity and will not appreciate high humidity environments, especially during dormancy.

Repotting String of Hearts

You should repot your String of Hearts plant 2-3 years in the spring. Select a container with ample drainage holes, and it is 1-2 inches larger than the previous container. When repotting, take care to be extra gentle as delicate vines may easily snap. Repot your plant, refresh the soil, tamp lightly, water thoroughly, and place in indirect light. 

String of Hearts Maintenance & Pruning

While pruning is not necessary when it comes to the string of hearts, it can be helpful to keep a tidy appearance. Use sharp, clean shears to periodically maintain the shape of this trailing vine.

String of Hearts Propagation

String of Hearts plants may be easily propagated through stem cuttings. First, select stems with at least two internodes and place them into the soil. Keep moist and place in a warm room in indirect light. Within several weeks, your cuttings should take root. Alternatively, you may root your stem cuttings in the water and subsequently plant them in the soil after roots have formed on the cuttings. Always be sure to never take more than 1/4 of the plant at a time when propagating and trimming.

How to Care for String of Hearts Ceropegia Woodii

String of Hearts Toxicity

Considered non-toxic to humans, cats, and dogs, Ceropegia Woodii is pet and human friendly!

Toxicity to Humans

String of Hearts is considered non-toxic to humans and is safe to keep around babies and small children. However, you should not consume this plant, as it is not considered edible. 

Toxicity to Cats & Dogs

Luckily, String of Hearts is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs and is safe to keep around your pet. However, for your plant’s and pet’s health, you should not allow your pet to consume any portion of this plant. 

String of Hearts Problems

String of Hearts Leaves Turning Yellow

If you notice the foliage of your String of Hearts turning yellow, it is often due to either overwatering or insufficent lighting. Ensure that you do not overwater your String of Hearts and that your plant is not left in standing water within the container’s drainage tray. 

String of Hearts Leaves Turning Brown

String of Hearts is not prone to any disease. However, it can suffer from issues related to overwatering. Ensure that you do not overwater your plant, that your plant’s container has sufficient drainage holes, and that the soil you utilize drains well. 

String of Hearts Diseases

String of Hearts is not prone to any disease. However, it can suffer from issues related to overwatering. Ensure that you do not overwater your plant, that your plant’s container has sufficient drainage holes, and that the soil you utilize drains well. 

String of Hearts Pests

Like many other indoor houseplants, String of Hearts may be affected by common pest culprits including mealybugs, aphids, scale, and more. Upon identifying a pest infestation, isolate your plant, and treat with a pesticide such as neem oil or insecticidal soap. 

FAQ

Should I Mist My String of Hearts?

String of Hearts plant needs low to average humidity, so we do not recommend misting String of Hearts plant.

How Do I Make My String of Hearts Fuller?

To create a full String of Hearts plant, give it bright indirect lighting and prune the stems back every so often to encourage a fuller-looking plant.

Why Are the Leaves Falling Off My String of Hearts Plant?

Leaf drop can happen for a variety of reasons. Be sure to use a lukewarm water when watering the plant since cold water can make leaves fall. Also be sure you’re not overwatering this plant as it has properties of a succulent, meaning it can easily be overwatered.

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