String of hearts (Ceropegia woodii)
Care, watering, light and tips for String of hearts on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 10 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About String of hearts
Ceropegia woodii, commonly known as String of Hearts or Rosary Vine, is a trailing succulent plant native to South Africa. It's characterized by its long, slender purple stems adorned with small, heart-shaped succulent leaves, featuring a silvery pattern on the upper side and purple on the underside. It's ideal for hanging baskets or high shelves, where its stems can cascade gracefully.
Native range
South Africa and Zimbabwe
Care tips
It thrives in bright, indirect light; intense direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot, especially during winter. Use a well-draining potting mix, preferably one formulated for cacti and succulents. A common mistake is overwatering, which is the leading cause of this plant's demise.
How to save a dying String of hearts
- Warning signs
- Soft, wrinkled, and flaccid leaves (underwatering); yellowish or black stems (overwatering).
- First aid
- For underwatering, submerge pot in warm water until bubbles stop. For overwatering, check roots, cut rot, and repot in dry substrate.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and poor drainage, leading to root and stem rot. Also, insufficient light.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes! It's resilient. With healthy cuttings and repotting, it usually recovers.