Ceropegia woodii
Common name: String of hearts · Rosary vine · Chain of hearts
Ceropegia woodii is a semi-succulent trailing vine native to southern Africa. It produces long, slender strands of small, heart-shaped, silver-marbled leaves, and unusual lantern-shaped pink-purple flowers.
Care summary
Sun
Bright, indirect light
Water
Let soil dry between waterings
Soil
Well-draining succulent mix
Hardiness
Zones 10–12
Mature height
Trailing stems up to 2–4 m (6–13 ft)
Pet safe
Generally considered non-toxic to pets
Difficulty
Easy
Propagation
Very easy to propagate from stem cuttings or the small aerial tubers that form along the strands. Lay a strand segment across moist succulent mix and pin the nodes down, or root cuttings in water, and new growth appears within a few weeks.
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.