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Image of Ceropegia woodii (Ceropegia woodii)

Ceropegia woodii imagePhoto: Author Photo: Dr. David MidgleyCC BY-SA 2.5

Also known as: Ceropegia Woodii, Collar Of Hearts, String Of Hearts, Rosary Vine, Hearts-on-a-string, Sweetheart Vine
Native to South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe

Ceropegia woodii is an evergreen succulent trailing vine with heart-shaped leaves measuring 1-2 cm in length and width. It grows to 10 cm in height but spreads extensively, reaching 2-4 meters in length, developing a woody caudex at its base as it matures. The plant features distinctive tuber formations at stem nodes and roots, giving it a bead-like appearance. Its flowers are tubular with a unique corolla structure (3 cm long) blending off-white and pale magenta colors, with five deeper purple petals.

Plant Care Overview

Difficultyeasy
Light3-4 hours of indirect sunlight daily
WaterWhen soil is completely dry
Humiditylow

Care Guide

Essential requirements for your Ceropegia woodii

Light & Location

Light Requirements

3-4 hours of indirect sunlight daily

Light conditions can affect leaf color and growth rate. Adjust placement as needed based on your plant's response.

Water & Humidity

Watering Schedule

When soil is completely dry

Humidity Needs

low humidity

Always check soil moisture before watering. Adjust frequency based on your home's conditions.

Temperature & Environment

Temperature Range

15-27°C (59-80°F)

Native Climate

Native to South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe

Keep away from drafts, heaters, and air conditioners which can stress your plant.

Soil & Nutrition

Soil Type

Well-draining succulent/cactus mix

Fertilizer

Balanced houseplant fertilizer during growing season

Consider repotting every 1-2 years to refresh soil nutrients and accommodate growth.

Propagation

Methods to grow more Ceropegia woodii plants

Stem cuttings with tubers or leaf nodes placed in soil

Plant Info

Characteristics and background information

Plant Characteristics
Native Region

South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe

Growth Rate

moderate

Mature Size

10 cm tall, 2-4 meters long

Lifecycle

Perennial

Pet Safety

Pet safety unknown

🌸 Flowering

Indoor Blooming

This plant can produce flowers indoors when given proper care.

Bloom Season

Late summer to early autumn

Flower Description

Tubular 3 cm flowers with fused petals forming a lantern-like shape, featuring off-white and pale magenta coloration with deeper purple petal tips

Fun Fact

The original specimen sent to Kew Gardens in 1894 became the basis for Plate 7704 in Curtis's Botanical Magazine, immortalized by botanical artist Matilda Smith.

Troubleshooting

Solutions for typical issues with your Ceropegia woodii

Root rot
Symptoms

Yellowing leaves, mushy stems, and foul-smelling soil

Leaf discoloration
Symptoms

Pale green leaves instead of deep green coloration

Mealybugs
Symptoms

White cottony clusters on stems and leaf joints

Varieties

Different varieties of Ceropegia woodii

Variegated String of Hearts
Pale pink edges and creamy variegation that intensifies with bright light exposure

Cultivar with cream and pink marbled foliage

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