The Ceropegia woodii is a trailing succulent native to Zimbabwe, Swaziland, and other parts of South Africa.
It was named after the man who discovered it, John Medley Wood. He was a collector of native African plants and curator of the Durban Botanic Gardens.
The plant has vines with beautiful heart-shaped green and white leaves that sometimes turn pink around the edges when it flowers.
The name Ceropegia means “wax fountain.” The leaves sometimes have a waxy appearance, trailing downward like water flowing from a fountain.
It is perfect for growing in hanging baskets since it requires little maintenance.
It is an indoor plant that can be hung up outdoors in partial shade.
It is considered a houseplant, but you can put it outside on a porch on a vine or hanging from a railing.
Some of the common names of Ceropegia woodii include:
- String of Hearts
- Chain of Hearts
- Rosary Plant
- Sweetheart Vine
- Hearts Entangled
Quick Facts On Ceropegia Woodii
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Light: Indirect sunlight
- Temperature: 60° to 90° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Light water, only when dry
- Fertilizer: Balanced fertilizer in spring and fall
- Propagation: Stem cuttings in water; Leaves and roots in the soil
- Common Problems: Overwatering, root rot, brown edges on leaves, aphids, mealybugs
Ceropegia Woodii Care
How Big Does String Of Hearts Grow?
Since ceropegia woodii is a vining plant or a climber, it can be up to 12′ feet long.
It is perfectly happy in a pot cut back and groomed or hanging in a basket with the leaves and vines allowed to stream downwards.
The vines tend to wrap around each other, which is why one of the common names for this plant is “String of Hearts” or “Hearts Entangled.”
When Does String Of Hearts Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
The String of hearts plant produces small tubular flowers with a bulbous base and 5-fused petals in the summer and fall.
The flower’s petals have downward-facing hairs that trap insects attracted to the scent.
When in bloom, the petals resemble fuzzy caterpillar legs. The lightly-scented flowers attract insects and bees.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Ceropegia woodii plants prefer full sun but will tolerate partial shade.
If you’re growing your plant indoors and don’t have much light coming in through the windows, consider supplementing with artificial lights or moving your plant outside during the summer when the sunlight is stronger.
The ideal temperature range for Ceropegia woodii is 60° to 90° degrees Fahrenheit.
If you live in a hot climate and don’t have air conditioning, move your plant outdoors during summer.
If you live in a cold climate and don’t have a heated greenhouse or other structure where you can grow plants year-round, move them inside during the winter when temperatures drop below 50° degrees Fahrenheit.
They do not like cold winter temperatures, so you need to bring them indoors before temperatures drop too low.
How And When To Water And Fertilize String Of Hearts?
Ceropegia woodii plants require very little water. Water only when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Do not allow the soil to become soggy. On the other hand, do not over-water because your string of hearts plant will suffer from root rot.
Apply a balanced fertilizer once per month in spring and summer at half strength to promote healthy growth and strong roots.
During the winter months, when growth slows down considerably, you can cut back on feeding frequency and use less fertilizer (5-10-5).
What Is The Best Soil For Ceropegia Woodii And When Should You Transplant?
Ceropegia woodii plants prefer soil that drains well and has an open structure. They will not thrive in heavy soil or clay-like soil that tends to retain water.
The best soil for Ceropegia woodii retains enough moisture for the plant to survive during dry spells.
It should have a pH between 6 and 7.5, which is neutral or slightly acidic.
Make sure your pot has a drainage hole at the bottom and mix in a little sand, small pebbles, and light fertilizer with your potting soil
You should transplant it when it begins to outgrow its current pot.
Water it lightly but not again for a few days to let it rest and recover from transplanting.
Does Ceropegia Woodii Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Ceropegia woodii plants don’t require any special grooming or maintenance, but it’s important to keep them hydrated.
You can water your plant once or twice a week during hot weather and when the plant is actively growing.
Water less often during winter or if you live in a cooler climate.
The best way to water your Ceropegia woodii plant when it is young is by misting the foliage rather than watering from above because this keeps the soil from becoming too wet and helps prevent root rot.
How To Propagate String Of Hearts?
There are multiple methods for propagating the String of Hearts plant. It will grow from the following:
- Seed
- Stem cuttings
- Planting tubers
- Laying cut leaves in moss
- Rooting stems in a water glass
This is one of the easiest plants to propagate and has a high success rate with most methods.
Once it has roots, plant it in the soil, which will begin growing like the mother plant.
Rosary Plant Pests And Diseases
While rosary plants are generally disease-free, they can be affected by pests, including aphids and mealybugs.
Aphids are tiny insects that can be yellow or green with either black or red legs.
They feed on the sap within the plant’s tissue, which causes leaves to wilt and die prematurely.
Mealybugs look similar to aphids but have cottony white bodies instead of yellow or green ones.
Is The Rosary Plant Considered Toxic Or Poisonous To People, Kids, And Pets?
Ceropegia woodii is not toxic to humans or animals. It does not contain any poisonous compounds that can cause harm to you or your pets.
However, its sap can cause skin irritation and redness, so it is advisable to wear protective clothing when handling this plant.
In addition, it is advisable not to let pets eat the leaves of String of hearts because it is known to cause stomach upset.
Is The Rosary Plant Considered Invasive?
The Ceropegia woodii plant is not considered invasive because it does not spread rapidly into other parts of your yard or garden.
However, if you are concerned about this possibility, you should keep an eye on its growth rate during the first year or two after planting it so that you can prune off any unwanted growth if needed.
Suggested Hearts Entangled Plants Uses
Hearts Entangled Plants have traditionally been used as ground cover in dry areas in South Africa.
They often grow naturally alongside other plants such as Kalanchoe, Aloe Vera, and plectranthus (spurge). It was originally discovered growing over rocky areas in Africa.
It can be grown indoors as a houseplant and outdoors in pots or planted in the soil.