Ceropegia woodii, the string of hearts
Ceropegia woodii
- Exposures
- Sun, Half-shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11a (4.4°C ≤ T° < 7.2°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Genus
- Ceropegia
- Species
- Ceropegia woodii
Do you love your Curio rowleyanus, with its round leaves that look like little peas? Then you'll love Ceropegia woodii. Better known as the “chain of hearts,” this plant from the Apocynaceae family is native to South Africa.
How can you recognize the “Chain of Hearts,” Ceropegia woodii?
Ceropegia woodii is a succulent plant with a trailing habit. It can be grown as a hanging plant or on a stake.
The purple stems can grow up to two meters long. They emerge from tuberous roots and bear caudexes, which serve as water reservoirs during dry periods.
The fleshy leaves grow in pairs along the twining vines. They are heart-shaped and no more than three centimeters wide. In the botanical variety, the upper surface of the leaves is silvery-gray with green spots, and the underside is purple. However, there are also hybrids and cultivars with red or white-variegated foliage.
Flowering occurs in late summer, between August and September. The string of hearts is adorned with dark pink and black tubular flowers.
When they fade, the flowers produce pods filled with flat seeds.
Ceropegia woodii is not toxic to animals, such as dogs and cats. However, its long, trailing stems do not mix well with playful pets!
Our care tips
Behind its delicate appearance lies a robust plant. String of Hearts fears nothing, except excess water and lack of sunlight.
Watering
Succulents store water in their leaves and roots. They don't need to be watered frequently. On the contrary, too much water or poorly draining soil can rot the roots.
To avoid killing your plant, water it only when the substrate is dry two or three centimetres down in summer and completely dry during the cold seasons. Preferably use rainwater or non-calcareous water at room temperature.
Finally, make sure there's no standing water in the dish.
Misting
Chains of hearts grow in arid regions and do not like humidity. No need to spray them.
Repotting
Every year in the spring, repot your Ceropegia woodii to give it more space.
Choose a pot with drainage holes that is slightly larger than the previous one. Opt for a ceramic or terracotta pot: it promotes evaporation and prevents moisture from lingering at the bottom. Also place a layer of gravel or clay pellets at the bottom of the pot.
Chains of hearts They need a well-draining substrate, such as potting mix for cacti and succulents. Pour in a layer, plant your specimen in the center, and fill in with potting mix. Gently firm the soil so as not to damage the root system.
Fertilization
To promote the growth of your Ceropegia woodii, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.
Apply fertilizer for succulents to accelerate growth.
Prune
Prune Chain of Hearts when you want to control its shape and size. You can shorten vines with clean, sharp pruning shears.
After flowering, cut off wilted flowers flush with the stem. Also remove dried leaves.
Taking cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Locate a stem with healthy leaves and remove a ten-centimeter portion with a clean, sharp tool. Remove the lower leaf blades, leaving only the upper pair.
Immerse the lower part of your cutting in clear water at room temperature. Make sure the level remains even and the liquid clean.
Expose your cutting to light while protecting it from direct sunlight.
Expose your cutting to light while protecting it from direct sunlight.
Wintering
A period of dormancy is essential for your Chain of Hearts to bloom again.
Move your Chain of Hearts to a bright room with a temperature of 10 degrees Celsius for the plant to bloom again.
You should also reduce watering and stop fertilizing.
You should also reduce watering and stop fertilizing.
Disease / Threat
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposures
- SunHalf-shade
- Substrates
- Humus soilSandy soil
- Planting method
- In pots
- Categories
- IndoorSucculentHanging plants
- Tags
- BeginnerSmall pot
- Origin
- South Africa
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11a (4.4°C ≤ T° < 7.2°C)
- Leaf colors
- Dark greenLight greenVioletPale pink
- Flower colors
- VioletPale pink
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Find all our tips in the Monstera application
