Cacti & Succulents

Discover the Fascinating String of Hearts Plant Care

Posted on by JAMES

If you’re seeking to expand your indoor plant collection, the intriguing string of hearts plant is a perfect choice. This unique succulent, admired by many houseplant lovers, adds a touch of elegance to any indoor garden. In the following sections, Madison Moulton, a gardening expert and passionate indoor plant enthusiast, will guide you through the process of planting, growing, and nurturing these exquisite plants.

String of Hearts, a succulent displaying succulent foliage and a captivating growth pattern, has been gaining popularity among plant enthusiasts. Its charming appearance makes it ideal for container gardens or as a trailing feature in hanging planters. The adaptability of this plant, both indoors and outdoors, with appropriate care, has made it a favorite among many.

String of Hearts, scientifically known as Ceropegia linearis subsp. woodii, belongs to the family Apocynaceae and the genus Ceropegia. It is native to Southern Africa and thrives in bright indirect light. With low watering requirements, this succulent is relatively easy to maintain, making it an excellent choice for both seasoned indoor gardeners and beginners.

String of Hearts Plant Overview
Plant Type:
Succulent
Family:
Apocynaceae
Genus:
Ceropegia
Species:
C. linearis subsp. woodii
Native Area:
Southern Africa
Exposure:
Bright indirect light
Watering Requirements:
Low
Possible Pests and Diseases
Common issues include mealybug and aphids.
Preferred Soil Type
Best suited for succulent mix.

Beginning with an Overview

Close-up of a Ceropegia woodii plant in a clay pot against a blurred background.
This charming succulent plant boasts long vines and lovely heart-shaped leaves.

Trailing succulent plants, often with ‘string of’ in their names like String of Bananas and String of Dolphins, have gained immense popularity for their unique appearance.

Among these, the endearing String of Hearts plant, known scientifically as Ceropegia woodii , goes by various common names reflecting its delightful traits, such as rosary vine and sweetheart vine.

The history of these plants traces back to Southern Africa, where they naturally thrive. The interest in them peaked when botanist John Medley Wood discovered a specimen in South Africa’s mountains, later leading to its introduction globally.

The species name, woodii, pays homage to the botanist, while the plant’s name derives from Greek words for waxy and fountain-like blooms.

Hailing from Southern Africa, Ceropegia woodii prefers arid conditions and shade, making it an ideal indoor plant thanks to its low maintenance requirements and beautiful trailing vines.

Distinctive Traits

Close-up of flowering hanging vines of the Ceropegia woodii plant on a white background.
This rapid-growing plant features long vines and pretty heart-shaped leaves.

The String of Hearts plant stands out with its long, vine-like stems adorned with adorable heart-shaped leaves. The leaves’ green and silver marbling pattern adds to its visual appeal.

Notably, some variations of this plant feature pink accents, making it a perfect present for romantic occasions.

The day brings about a unique opportunity to admire the beauty of semi-succulent leaves. These leaves are plump yet flattened, owing to their water-storing capacity. Growing on lengthy strings, they tend to expand rapidly, making them an excellent choice for hanging baskets. Alternatively, with a bit of training, they can be shaped around a structure for a more controlled appearance.

In the right conditions, these plants thrive swiftly, sometimes requiring trimming to manage their size. Interestingly, the pruned vines are incredibly simple to propagate, enabling you to cultivate numerous plants without incurring additional costs.

Planting

Close-up of a woman's hand planting a rooted tuber of a plant into a potting mix. On a wooden table there is a homemade round coconut shell flower pot with cuttings already planted, a translucent white bowl of potting mix, a garden shovel, string, and two jars of rooted cuttings. The long and thin lolls of the plant have small heart-shaped leaves. The leaves are variegated green-silver on the upper side and purple on the underside.Close-up of a woman's hand planting a rooted tuber of a plant into a potting mix. On a wooden table there is a homemade round coconut shell flower pot with cuttings already planted, a translucent white bowl of potting mix, a garden shovel, string, and two jars of rooted cuttings. The long and thin lolls of the plant have small heart-shaped leaves. The leaves are variegated green-silver on the upper side and purple on the underside.
This plant prefers to grow outdoors in warm climates or as a potted houseplant.

For individuals residing in USDA Zones 10 and above, outdoor planting is feasible. While not tolerant to cold conditions, these plants thrive continuously in warmer climates. Their rapid growth makes them perfect for filling gaps in succulent gardens or as a ground cover.

Container planting is another option for these plants. They excel as ‘spillers’ in the popular gardening trio ‘thriller, filler, spiller’, cascading elegantly over pot edges for a striking visual effect.

When planting them alongside other species, ensure they are compatible with other succulents or semi-succulents that share similar watering needs. Matching these requirements will foster harmony among the plants, minimizing the risk of rot.

For those in USDA Zones lower than 10, overwintering indoors is necessary. Transition them to smaller containers for easier handling during this period.

Alternatively, consider initiating growth indoors to save time and space. Their widespread popularity as houseplants often lands them in indoor plant collections.

The vines emanate from tubers that should be buried upon planting. As the root systems are relatively shallow, a modest planting depth suffices outdoors. In containers, opt for smaller pots as these plants prefer slight confinement for optimal growth.

How to Grow

Cultivating String of Hearts is remarkably simple, yet their care differs from that of conventional houseplants. Proper adherence to these requirements is crucial to prevent issues like overwatering, insufficient light, and potential plant demise.

Light

A close-up of a succulent plant in a dark green flower pot on a sunlit windowsill. The plant consists of slender brown vines bearing small, heart-shaped, silver-green leaves.A close-up of a succulent plant in a dark green flower pot on a sunlit windowsill. The plant consists of slender brown vines bearing small, heart-shaped, silver-green leaves.
When growing, make sure to place the plant in an area that gets bright, indirect light.

String of Hearts thrives in sunlight, owing to their natural habitat characteristics. However, unlike desert succulents, they do not require full direct sunlight all day for optimal growth. Excessive direct sunlight can be detrimental, especially during peak temperatures.

Outdoors, opt for locations with partial or morning sun exposure to provide ample energy for growth without risking leaf scorching.

Shield the sensitive leaves from intense afternoon sun, particularly in hot climates. Midday to mid-afternoon sun exposure should be minimized.

Indoors, place the plant in a well-lit spot, avoiding direct afternoon sunlight to prevent damage while benefiting from morning and early evening sunlight.

While these succulents tolerate low-light conditions, they prefer bright, indirect light to prevent excessive stretching and leaf spacing, reducing the risk of rot.

When hanging String of Hearts, ensure the light levels are adequate by positioning them at eye level near a bright east or south-facing window for optimal growth.

Water

Close-up of a hand holding a small decorative flower pot with a Ceropegia woodii plant in front of a gray curtain. A black flower pot is placed in a colorfully decorated wicker planter. The vines of the plant are purple-brown with small variegated leaves resembling hearts. The soil is wet.Close-up of a hand holding a small decorative flower pot with a Ceropegia woodii plant in front of a gray curtain. A black flower pot is placed in a colorfully decorated wicker planter. The vines of the plant are purple-brown with small variegated leaves resembling hearts. The soil is wet.
Ceropegia woodii has the ability to store water in its leaves.

Ceropegia woodii, being a succulent, stores water in its leaves to withstand drought periods. Their unique water storage capabilities make them resilient during dry spells.

Watering Tips: The reserves can only hold so much water before becoming saturated, causing the vines to stop absorbing moisture as they prefer. Tubers are water and nutrient stores for the plant but can be prone to rotting.

Watering Schedule: It’s crucial not to overwater; ensure the soil dries out completely before watering again, especially in colder seasons. Only water approximately once a month, or even less during fall and winter.

Signs of Watering Needs: Wrinkled, shriveled leaves signal a need for water. Act promptly to avoid leaf drop. Mushy leaves, stunted growth indicate overwatering.

Proper Watering Technique: Water at the base of the plant to prevent root rot and fungal diseases.

Soil

Image
Opt for a light, sandy, well-drained soil mix for these plants.

Choosing the Right Soil: When growing Ceropegia woodii indoors, pay attention to the soil quality as it can greatly impact plant health. These plants thrive in light and gritty succulent mixes.

Avoiding Common Soils: Refrain from using standard potting or garden soils with poor drainage, especially indoors. Opt for specialized succulent mixes to prevent root rot issues.

Outdoor Soil Requirements: Outdoor soil should also be sandy and gritty to support healthy plant growth. Test drainage beforehand, and amend with sand or bark for better drainage.

Temperature and Humidity

Image
Maintain a temperature of around 80F for optimal growth.

Temperature Guidelines: Aim to keep temperatures at approximately 80F for optimal growth, especially if outdoor temperatures drop significantly.

Humidity Considerations: String of Hearts prefers drier air over high humidity levels for better growth. Aim for around 40% humidity and avoid placing the plant in drafty areas.

Fertilizing

Image
Use a succulent fertilizer to promote blooming.

Fertilization Guidelines: While not typically required, occasional fertilization can benefit plants that have been in the same pot for years. Opt for succulent-specific fertilizers to avoid causing leaf drop.

Propagation

To propagate your String of Hearts plant, consider these techniques:

Propagating From Cuttings

Common Problems

One of the most straightforward ways to propagate String of Hearts is through cuttings. This can be done independently or as part of a pruning session, ensuring no cuttings go to waste.

Close-up of two jars of water containing many cuttings for rooting.
Select a healthy stem, cut just below a set of leaves, and place it in water to root.

Commence by selecting a robust, healthy vine. Vines in hanging planters tend to tangle quickly, so patience is key. Opt for a vine with minimal space between leaves and no signs of damage for optimal growth.

Cut the vine just below a set of leaves using shears or sharp scissors. Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, revealing at least two nodes.

Now, you have two choices: root the cuttings in water or directly in soil. Water-rooting allows progress monitoring, but they root well in soil too, providing confidence in root emergence below the soil line.

For water-rooting, place the cuttings in a glass of filtered water, ensuring the leaves do not touch the water. Transfer them to soil once the roots are one to two inches long.

To root in soil, group a few cuttings together and plant them in a small container filled with succulent soil mix, allowing some to hang over the pot edges. Water immediately to stimulate new root growth.

After root development, resume regular maintenance. Plant several vines together to create a fuller, established plant from the start.

Another popular propagation method is using aerial tubers. These small nodes on the vine resemble tiny potatoes and can be cut and rooted to grow new plants.

When tubers are small, leave them to root on the plant before trimming. Fill a pot with a succulent or lightweight propagating mix and lay the vine with the tuber along the soil, securing it for contact.

Place the pot near the parent plant and moisten the soil to encourage root growth. Once the tuber and vine have rooted in the new pot, you can separate them to grow independently.

Repotting

Close-up of a Ceropegia woodii plant in a small plastic brown pot.
Repot if growth stalls or roots emerge from drainage holes.

String of Hearts thrive in confined spaces, promoting growth and flowering. However, occasional repotting is necessary when signs of stunted growth or roots protruding from drainage holes appear.

Identify indicators such as stunted growth and roots appearing from drainage holes, or repot every three years to replenish soil nutrients and facilitate growth.

To Repot, Follow These Simple Steps:

  • Squeeze the pot sides to release the plant.
  • Gently remove the plant, avoiding damage to delicate stems.
  • Loosen and remove some old soil around the tuber.
  • Plant in a slightly larger container with succulent soil, maintaining the same level.
  • Arrange the stems along the container edges to prevent tangling.
Close-up of hanging vines of the Ceropegia woodii plant against a blurred background of a sandy brick wall. Thin vines are light brown in color, densely covered with small and attractive variegated heart-shaped leaves. The leaves have dark green, gray and pinkish tints.
Close-up of hanging vines of the Ceropegia woodii plant against a blurred background of a sandy brick wall. Thin vines are light brown in color, densely covered with small and attractive variegated heart-shaped leaves. The leaves have dark green, gray, and pinkish tints.
Ceropegia woodii may begin to drop its leaves due to stress from temperature changes or excessive watering.

String of Hearts typically thrives in various environments and adapts well. However, leaf drop is a sign of stress in this plant.

Temperature fluctuations are a common cause of leaf shedding. Maintaining consistent warmth is essential as String of Hearts reacts poorly to cold conditions leading to leaf loss.

Overwatering is another issue to avoid. These plants are susceptible to root rot from excess moisture. Mushy vines and leaves are indicators of this, resulting in eventual leaf drop.

Ensure the soil dries almost completely between watering to prevent root rot. It’s better to delay watering than risk overwatering these plants.

Tangling

Close-up of a girl's hands holding the tangled long vines of a plant housed in a decorative wicker planter. The flowerpot with the plant sits on a small round black coffee table next to a decorative gold candlestick. The plant has long brown-purple vines covered with heart-shaped variegated leaves. On the back blurred background is a light brown sofa with decorative yellow, gray and white and black pillows.
Close-up of a girl's hands holding the tangled long vines of a plant housed in a decorative wicker planter. The flowerpot with the plant sits on a small round black coffee table next to a decorative gold candlestick. The plant has long brown-purple vines covered with heart-shaped variegated leaves. On the back blurred background is a light brown sofa with decorative yellow, gray and white and black pillows.
Be sure to untangle the plant’s vines regularly and trim excessively long vines to keep the plant looking tidy.

String of Hearts’ fast-growing vines can become unruly and tangled. Regularly untangling and trimming long vines is crucial for maintaining the plant’s appearance.

Make detangling and trimming part of your routine care to prevent a messy or uneven plant look.

Stretching

Top view, close-up of a potted plant on a blue wooden surface. The plant has long thin vines with cute heart-shaped leaves. The leaves are variegated, a combination of dark green and light green.
Top view, close-up of a potted plant on a blue wooden surface. The plant has long thin vines with cute heart-shaped leaves. The leaves are variegated, a combination of dark green and light green.
Leggy growth can be caused by a lack of bright indoor light.

Leggy growth in String of Hearts indicates insufficient sunlight. Trim the spindly vines and relocate the plant to a brighter spot for healthier growth.

Gradually adjust the lighting conditions to prevent shock to the plant and promote denser foliage.

Small Bumps on Vines

Close-up of the hanging vines of a plant against a brown blurred background. The vines are thin, brown, covered with small heart-shaped variegated dark green leaves with light green elements. The small round bumps on the vines are the tubers for the plant to propagate.
Close-up of the hanging vines of a plant against a brown blurred background. The vines are thin, brown, covered with small heart-shaped variegated dark green leaves with light green elements. The small round bumps on the vines are the tubers for the plant to propagate.
The small brown bumps on the stems of the String of Hearts are tubers that can be used to propagate the plant.

Small bumps on String of Hearts’ vines are healthy tubers used for propagating the plant. These bumps are normal and indicate a happy plant.

Queries Addressed Regularly

What’s the necessity of pruning?

In an ideal setting, your String of Hearts grows rapidly. Vines can stretch and appear messy. Regular pruning, particularly during active growth, helps manage this. Use sharp shears to trim unbalanced vines, saving cuttings for propagation. Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant to prevent shock.

What techniques enhance fullness in String of Hearts?

To boost density in your String of Hearts, loop back vines into the pot, pinning them down. Roots will develop at nodes upon touching soil if conditions are right. Once rooted, trim ends to allow both sides to hang down naturally.

Closing Thoughts

Once you start nurturing String of Hearts, you won’t look back. They enhance indoor gardens, stand-alone displays, or hanging baskets with their gracefully cascading vines. These versatile succulents effortlessly infuse elegance into any setting, whether indoors or outdoors.

JAMES
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JAMES

James is an environmental gardener and passionate writer who holds a master's degree in agriculture. He graduated from Harvard University with a degree in environmental horticulture and has a particular interest in soil composition. Currently, James works as a researcher in plant research, where he continues to explore and advance knowledge in his field. His combined expertise in environmental gardening and soil science helps him contribute valuable insights to both academic and practical gardening communities.

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