String of hearts, or rosary vine, is happiest tumbling off a shelf or hanging pot. It’s part-succulent, so it stores water in its leaves and asks very little of you — bright light and the odd drink is really all it wants. Bonus: it’s non-toxic and roots almost too easily.
About string of hearts
Ceropegia woodii comes from southern Africa, where it scrambles over rocks in bright, dry conditions. The silvery, marbled hearts and purple-tinged stems can trail well over a metre indoors. Given enough light it may even produce curious little pink, lantern-shaped flowers.
How much light does my string of hearts need?
The brighter the better. A spot with plenty of light — including a few hours of soft morning or late-afternoon sun — keeps the leaves close together and their markings strong. In low light the stems stretch, the gaps between leaves grow and the colour fades.
How often should I water my string of hearts?
Treat it like a succulent: water thoroughly, then let the soil dry out almost completely before the next drink — often every couple of weeks in summer and rarely in winter. The tubers and leaves store water, so overwatering and soggy soil is the one thing that will kill it. Soft, mushy stems mean too much water.
What's the best soil for my string of hearts?
Use a free-draining mix — a cactus and succulent compost, or ordinary peat-free compost loosened with plenty of grit or perlite. Always use a pot with drainage holes so water can escape freely.
What's the best temperature for my string of hearts?
Average room temperature between 15 and 25°C suits it well. It can handle warmth but dislikes the cold, so keep it above about 10°C and away from draughty windows in winter.
How do I propagate string of hearts?
Wonderfully easily. Lay a length of stem on top of moist compost and the nodes will root where they touch, or drop cuttings in water for a couple of weeks until roots appear. The little tubers (‘beads’) that form along the stems can be potted up too.
When should I repot my string of hearts?
It’s happy being a little snug, so only repot every two or three years when the tubers fill the pot. Move up just one size in spring — too large a pot holds damp soil the roots won’t like.
