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String of Hearts

Ceropegia woodii

a heart shaped object with a chain attached to it

A charming trailing succulent with delicate heart-shaped leaves in silver-green with purple undersides that cascade beautifully from hanging baskets or shelves. The thin, wiry stems can grow several feet long and develop small bulbils that can be used for easy propagation. This romantic plant blooms with tiny tubular purple flowers and has become incredibly popular on social media for its photogenic trailing habit.

Sun

Dappled Sunlight

☀️

Zones

10–12

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

2-3 feet or longer

📏

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day). Soil: Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Layering, Seed, Stem Cutting.

Harvesting

Horn-shaped seed pod. The seeds are flat and have a pappus. They are dispersed by the wind.

Storage & Preservation

String of Hearts doesn't require post-harvest storage like edible plants. For propagation material, freshly harvested stems and bulbils should be used immediately or stored for 1-2 weeks in a cool, dry location (60-70°F) to allow cut surfaces to callus before planting. Place them in a paper envelope rather than sealed plastic to prevent moisture buildup. Once rooted, String of Hearts is a permanent houseplant requiring no preservation. Mature plants in pots can be stored in dormancy during winter by drastically reducing water and keeping them in a cool location (50-60°F). In spring, gradually increase water and move back to bright light to resume active growth. For long-term plant storage during travel or relocation, place in bright indirect light with minimal water for 2-4 weeks while maintaining moderate humidity.

History & Origin

Origin: Zimbabwe to South Africa

Advantages

+Attracts: Hummingbirds
+Fast-growing
+Low maintenance

Companion Plants

The best companions for String of Hearts share the same hands-off watering schedule. Jade Plant, Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, and Haworthia all want their soil to dry out completely between waterings — grouping them means you're not accidentally overwatering one plant to satisfy another. String of Pearls pairs naturally for the same reason, and the two trailing vines together in a mixed hanging planter look good without either one suffering. Similar light needs (bright to dappled indirect) help too; none of these are fighting each other for the best window spot.

Boston Fern, Peace Lily, and Calathea are the problem pairings, and the reason is purely practical: all three need consistently damp soil, and Calathea and Peace Lily often want regular misting on top of that. There's no watering cadence that keeps a moisture-loving fern alive and also keeps Ceropegia roots from rotting. One of them loses no matter what you do, so just keep them on separate shelves.

Plant Together

Jade Plant

Similar watering and light requirements, both prefer well-draining soil

Pothos

Complementary growth habits with trailing vines, similar indirect light needs

Snake Plant

Both tolerate neglect and low humidity, similar drought tolerance

ZZ Plant

Compatible watering schedules and both thrive in bright indirect light

String of Pearls

Nearly identical care requirements and complementary trailing appearance

Rubber Plant

Both prefer bright indirect light and infrequent watering

Haworthia

Similar succulent care needs and both prefer well-draining soil mix

Peperomia

Compatible light and humidity requirements, both sensitive to overwatering

Keep Apart

Boston Fern

Requires high humidity and frequent watering which can cause root rot in String of Hearts

Peace Lily

Needs consistently moist soil and high humidity, opposite of succulent requirements

Calathea

Requires high humidity and frequent misting which promotes fungal issues in succulents

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good resistance with proper care

Common Pests

Aphids, spider mites, mealybugs

Diseases

Root rot from overwatering, stem rot in overly humid conditions

Troubleshooting String of Hearts

What you'll see, why it happens, and what to do about it.

Leaves shriveling and looking deflated, but soil is already dry

Likely Causes

Root rot (Pythium spp. or Fusarium spp.) from a previous overwatering episode — roots are gone, so the plant can't drink even when it's thirsty
Pot-bound roots with no viable soil left to hold moisture

What to Do

1.Unpot the plant and inspect the roots — healthy roots are white or tan, rotted ones are brown, mushy, and smell bad; trim all the rotted material with clean scissors
2.Repot into fresh, fast-draining cactus mix and a pot with a drainage hole; don't water for 5-7 days to let cut roots callous
3.If most of the root system is gone, take 4-5 inch stem cuttings and propagate fresh rather than trying to save the original plant

Tiny white cottony clusters at leaf nodes or where stems meet the soil line

Likely Causes

Mealybugs (Pseudococcus longispinus or Planococcus citri) — common on indoor succulents, spread easily from new plants brought home without a quarantine period

What to Do

1.Dab individual clusters with a cotton swab soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol — kills on contact without harming the plant
2.Follow up with a spray of neem oil diluted to 2% (about 2.5 tbsp per gallon of water) every 7 days for 3 weeks to catch any eggs that hatch
3.Move the plant away from other houseplants until you've gone two full weeks without seeing new activity

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water my String of Hearts?▼

Water when the soil is completely dry to the touch—typically every 7-10 days in spring and summer, and every 2-3 weeks in fall and winter. The plant stores water in its leaves and stems and is far more tolerant of underwatering than overwatering. During humid seasons or in humid climates, water even less frequently. Always check soil moisture before watering; if there's any dampness below the surface, wait another few days.

Can I grow String of Hearts in low light?▼

Yes, String of Hearts tolerates lower light better than most succulents, making it suitable for offices or north-facing windows. However, it will thrive and display vibrant purple leaf undersides with bright, indirect light. In inadequate light, growth becomes weak and leggy, and the distinctive purple coloration fades. Aim for several hours of bright, indirect light daily for the best appearance and growth.

How do I propagate String of Hearts from bulbils?▼

Look for small bulbils (tiny bulb-like structures) that form naturally along the stems. Gently twist them free when mature. Press the bulbils lightly onto moist succulent soil so they make contact with the soil surface but aren't buried. Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil barely moist for 2-3 weeks until roots develop. Once rooted, reduce watering to standard succulent frequency. Success rate is extremely high—most bulbils will root and develop into new plants.

Why are my String of Hearts leaves droopy or shriveled?▼

Shriveled leaves indicate underwatering—the plant is drawing water from its stored reserves. Check soil moisture and water thoroughly. However, droopy, mushy leaves with a soft stem indicate overwatering and root rot. Stop watering immediately, remove the plant from its pot, and trim away any black, rotted roots. Repot in completely fresh, dry succulent soil and don't water for 5-7 days, then resume careful watering. Root rot is reversible if caught early.

Is String of Hearts toxic to pets?▼

No, String of Hearts is non-toxic to cats and dogs. It can be safely displayed in pet households without concern, though cats may occasionally nibble trailing vines out of curiosity. If ingested in large quantities, it may cause mild digestive upset, but it poses no serious toxicity risk. Always choose non-toxic plants for homes with curious pets.

When do String of Hearts bloom, and do the flowers smell?▼

String of Hearts blooms primarily in spring and early summer, producing tiny tubular purple flowers along the stems. The flowers have a subtle, sweet fragrance that's pleasant but not overpowering. Blooming is a sign of a healthy, mature plant receiving adequate light. Flowers typically last several weeks, and the plant may produce a second smaller flush of blooms in fall if conditions remain favorable.