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Ceropegia

Common name: String of hearts · Rosary vine · Chain of hearts

Ceropegia A genus of over 200 mostly succulent climbers and trailers in the dogbane family, native to Africa, southern Asia, and Australia, and known for curiously shaped, often lantern-like flowers. The string of hearts is the familiar houseplant, with long trailing stems studded with small heart-shaped, silver-marbled leaves. Ceropegias enjoy bright light, infrequent watering, and a gritty, fast-draining mix, and they propagate easily from stem cuttings.

Care summary

Sun Bright, indirect light
Water Let soil dry between waterings
Soil Well-draining succulent mix
Hardiness
Mature height
Pet safe

Fun facts

  • It forms small tubers along its stems that can root to start new plants.
  • Its curious tubular flowers trap small insects briefly to ensure pollination.
  • Variegated forms with pink-tinged leaves are popular with collectors.
  • It grows from a woody caudex that stores water and gets larger with age.

Common problems

    • Let soil dry fully between waterings
    • Grow in gritty fast-draining mix
    • Use a pot with drainage holes
    • Move to a brighter window
    • Provide gentle morning direct sun
    • Trim and reroot leggy vines
    • Dab pests with rubbing alcohol
    • Rinse vines under running water
    • Repeat treatment weekly until clear