How to Care for Ceropegia woodii (String of hearts)
Korean name: 하트란
A lovely plant with heart-shaped small leaves that cascade down. The leaves have a silvery marbled pattern, with green on the front and purple on the back.
Key facts
- Category: Succulent
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Difficulty: Easy
- Where to keep: indoors
- Native to: South Africa
- Growth rate: Moderate
- Pets: No known toxicity, so it is fine to keep around pets.
- Traits: heart-leaf, hanging, cute, succulent
- Also known as: String of hearts, Rosary vine
Care Guide
- Light: Bright indirect light
- Watering: Water after the soil is completely dry.
- Soil: Soil specifically for succulents
- Humidity: Dry environment
- Temperature: 15~28°C
- Fertilizer: Once every 2 months in spring and summer
Detailed care guide
String of hearts is a succulent vine with small heart-shaped leaves marked with beautiful silvery patterns. Its charming trailing stems make it a stylish choice for growing indoors.
Watering
Water only after the soil has dried out completely. Roughly once every 14 days is about right; if the leaves turn yellow or mushy, you may be giving it too much water. On the other hand, if the leaf tips turn brown, water it a bit more often.
Light
It likes bright indirect light best. If light is lacking, the stems can stretch out and grow leggy, and the leaf pattern may fade. Avoid strong direct sunlight, as it can damage the leaves.
Humidity
String of hearts tolerates dry conditions well. It grows fine without high humidity, so no special care is needed. If it's too humid, the roots can be damaged.
Temperature
It grows healthiest between 15–28°C. Growth can be affected outside this range, so avoid sudden temperature changes. Normal indoor temperature is generally enough.
A common first-timer mistake
Beginners often make the mistake of watering too often. Always check with your hand that the top layer of soil has dried out completely.
If you have pets
String of hearts has no known toxicity to pets. That said, eating too much of any plant can cause an upset stomach, so move it out of reach if your pet chews on it habitually.
Care by Season
In spring and summer, it grows vigorously in succulent soil, and fertilizing once every two months is enough. In winter, growth slows, so be more conservative with water. With the right temperature and light, it will grow well all year round.
Common Problems and Fixes
Yellow or mushy leaves can be a sign of overwatering, so water again only once the soil has dried out. Dry, browning leaf tips occur from dryness or too much light. If the stems grow long with fewer leaves, light is lacking — move it to a slightly brighter spot.
Repotting and Propagation
If the pot's soil is old and drains poorly, or the roots have filled the pot, switch to fresh soil and a new pot. Spring is the best time to repot. Cutting a portion of a long stem and placing it in water or soil will let it root and propagate.
Who It's Great For
It's a great match for anyone who wants a standout indoor plant that doesn't take up much space. It's low-maintenance, so it's manageable even with a busy schedule. It's a great recommendation for anyone new to plant care or anyone who loves succulents.
Written by AI from the care facts in this entry. Treat it as a starting point.
Common questions
How often should you water Ceropegia woodii?
Water after the soil is completely dry. Roughly every 14 days is the baseline; adjust for the season and the spot it sits in.
Where should you keep Ceropegia woodii?
It likes Bright indirect light. You can grow it indoors. Use Soil specifically for succulents.
Is Ceropegia woodii safe around pets?
No known toxicity, so it is fine to keep around pets.
Is Ceropegia woodii good for beginners?
Difficulty: Easy. It is forgiving enough for a first plant. Keep it around 15~28°C. Humidity: Dry environment. Fertilise Once every 2 months in spring and summer.