String of Hearts Care: The Trailing Plant with Heart-Shaped Leaves

String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii) is one of the most charming trailing plants you can grow. The vines are thin and delicate with tiny heart-shaped leaves in shades of green, silver, and pink. It is romantic, whimsical, and surprisingly easy to care for.

String of Hearts is a semi-succulent, so it stores water in its leaves and tubers. This makes it drought-tolerant and forgiving if you forget to water.

Quick Care Summary

  • Light: Bright, indirect light
  • Water: When soil is completely dry (every 2 to 3 weeks)
  • Humidity: Normal household humidity is fine
  • Growth habit: Trailing vine
  • Biggest mistake: Overwatering

Light

String of Hearts needs bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant colors and compact growth.

Best light:

  • South or west-facing window with sheer curtain
  • East-facing window
  • A few hours of gentle direct sun is okay

Signs of too little light:

  • Leggy growth (long stems, few leaves)
  • Leaves lose pink/silver coloration
  • Slower growth

Signs of too much light:

  • Leaves turn reddish or brown
  • Scorched, crispy leaves

Watering

String of Hearts is drought-tolerant. Water only when the soil is completely dry.

How to water:

  1. Check the soil (stick your finger deep into the pot)
  2. If completely dry, water thoroughly until it drains
  3. Empty the saucer

Typical schedule:

  • Spring and summer: Every 2 to 3 weeks
  • Fall and winter: Every 3 to 4 weeks

String of Hearts has tubers (bulbous roots) that store water, so it can handle long periods without watering.

Soil and Pot

Use well-draining soil.

Best soil:

  • Cactus and succulent mix
  • Or regular potting soil mixed with perlite (1:1 ratio)

Pot requirements:

  • Must have drainage holes
  • Terracotta helps wick away moisture
  • Hanging basket or high shelf

Temperature and Humidity

String of Hearts is not fussy.

  • Temperature: 60 to 80 F
  • Humidity: Normal household humidity is fine

It tolerates dry air better than most trailing plants.

Fertilizer

String of Hearts does not need much food.

  • Fertilize once in spring and once in summer
  • Use diluted liquid fertilizer (half strength)
  • Skip fertilizing in fall and winter

Pruning

String of Hearts can get very long (several feet). Prune to control length or encourage bushier growth.

How to prune:

  1. Cut back long vines
  2. Remove any damaged or yellowing leaves
  3. You can propagate the cuttings

Propagating String of Hearts

String of Hearts propagates easily from stem cuttings or tubers.

Stem cuttings:

  1. Cut a section of vine with several leaves
  2. Remove the bottom leaves
  3. Place in water or lay on top of moist soil
  4. Roots develop in 2 to 4 weeks

Tubers (aerial bulbs):

  1. Some String of Hearts produce small tubers along the vines
  2. Plant tubers in soil
  3. Water lightly until new growth appears

Common Problems

Leggy growth

Not enough light. Move to a brighter spot and prune to encourage bushier growth.

Yellow, mushy leaves

Overwatering or root rot. Let soil dry completely and reduce watering.

Leaves shriveling

Underwatering (rare) or root damage. Check soil moisture and water if completely dry.

Pests

String of Hearts is pest-resistant but can attract aphids or mealybugs. Inspect regularly.

String of Hearts Varieties

Ceropegia woodii (Classic): Green and silver heart-shaped leaves.

Ceropegia woodii ‘Variegata’: Pink, cream, and green variegated leaves. Rarer and slower growing.

Why String of Hearts Is Perfect for Beginners

  • Drought-tolerant
  • Tolerates lower humidity
  • Grows fast
  • Easy to propagate
  • Pest-resistant
  • Unique, romantic look

What To Do Next

  • If you love String of Hearts, try the variegated version for pink leaves
  • If your String of Hearts is leggy, prune it back and propagate to make it fuller
  • If you want another trailing succulent, try String of Pearls or String of Turtles
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