How to grow string of hearts
Overview
String of hearts (Ceropegia woodii) is a trailing succulent vine from the Apocynaceae family, grown for its delicate heart-shaped leaves and cascading habit. It is ideal for hanging baskets and containers, where its stems can spill over the edge. This plant thrives on neglect—too much water or heavy soil will quickly cause it to rot.
Varieties
- Ceropegia woodii 'Variegata' — Leaves have creamy-white margins and pinkish tones, popular in Australian nurseries for its striking colour.
- Ceropegia woodii 'Silver Glory' — Leaves are silvery-green with darker veins, a rare but sought-after form in NZ and Australia.
Soil Preparation
String of hearts needs a very free-draining, gritty mix with a pH of 6.0–7.0. A cactus and succulent potting mix is ideal, or make your own: 2 parts coarse sand, 1 part perlite, 1 part peat or coir. Avoid heavy clay or water-retentive soils—they will cause root rot.
Growing Guide
Position string of hearts in bright, filtered light—east or south-facing windowsills or under a verandah are ideal. Avoid direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. Use a very free-draining mix: 2 parts potting soil, 1 part coarse sand or perlite, and 1 part orchid bark. Plant tubers just below the surface, spacing 10–15 cm apart in a hanging basket. Water only when the top 2 cm of soil is dry, and let the pot dry out completely between waterings in winter.
Care
Feed monthly from spring to early autumn with a balanced liquid fertiliser (e.g., 10-10-10) diluted to half strength. Prune back leggy stems in early spring to just above a leaf node to encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves promptly to prevent rot from spreading.
Companion Planting
String of hearts pairs beautifully with other trailing succulents like burro's tail (Sedum morganianum) and string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) in mixed hanging baskets. Avoid planting near moisture-loving ferns or mint, which will keep the soil too damp and encourage tuber rot.
Common Pests & Risks
Mealybugs are the main pest—they appear as white cottony clusters on stems and leaf joints. Treat with a cotton bud dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol or spray with neem oil. Tuber rot is caused by overwatering or poor drainage; if the tubers feel soft or smell musty, cut away the affected parts and repot in dry mix. Scale insects can also appear; scrape them off with a fingernail.
Troubleshooting
Yellow leaves: overwatering or poor drainage—let soil dry out completely and check for rot. Brown leaf edges: too much direct sun or low humidity—move to brighter but filtered light. Stems going bald at the top: not enough light—relocate to a brighter spot. Leaves dropping: sudden temperature change or cold draught—move to a stable 15–25°C location. Tubers not growing: planted too deep or in heavy soil—replant just below surface in gritty mix.