String of Hearts
ceropegia woodii
Also known as: ["Rosary Vine","Hearts entangled"]
Overview
A trailing succulent with heart-shaped leaves and unique tubular flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["low maintenance","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Genus: | Ceropegia |
| Botanical Name: | Ceropegia woodii |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor hanging basket or shelf, outdoor in sheltered, partially shaded area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining mix of cactus soil, perlite, and a small amount of organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate, focusing on selective removal rather than heavy cutting.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily. Adjust for seasonal changes, reducing exposure in winter.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to intense light to prevent scorching. Place in a spot with filtered light, especially indoors. Outdoor placement should be in partial shade.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
bright indirect light, tolerates some direct morning sun
Avoid direct afternoon sun; rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains for filtered light.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries out completely between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-draining, sandy potting mix with perlite or pumice
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy soils; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Ideal range 65–80°F (18–27°C). Tolerates mild fluctuations but prefers stable conditions.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain moderate humidity.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; stop in dormant periods.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings (leaf or vine sections with nodes).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stem.
- Cut below node.
- Let callus.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F), high humidity (70–80%), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus soil.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic wrap.
Quick Tips
Use healthy cuttings; keep medium moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Trim back straggly stems, pinch tips to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Remove leggy growth, dead leaves, and overgrown stems to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; remove dead/damaged parts; shape growth; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2–3 cm in diameter).
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Ceropegia woodii prefers being slightly root-bound.
Checklist
Check root health; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water sparingly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water deeply until water drains from the bottom, ensuring root zone saturation. Water early in the day to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water every 7–10 days in spring/summer, reducing to every 3–4 weeks in fall/winter. Allow soil to dry completely between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves (cold), wilting or leaf drop (heat), stunted growth.
Cold Stress
Slows metabolic processes, causing root damage and leaf discoloration in prolonged cold.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate pots, avoid cold drafts, and reduce watering.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop due to excessive transpiration and dehydration.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water more frequently, and ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; rinse tools after use.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring/summer. Avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that ingest Ceropegia woodii may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause mild distress.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Ceropegia woodii by dogs can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not considered highly toxic but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicCeropegia woodii contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The plant's sap may also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Ceropegia woodii?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Q: Does Ceropegia woodii flower?
A: Yes, it produces unusual, tubular flowers that resemble tiny pitchers.
Q: Can Ceropegia woodii be grown outdoors?
A: It can be grown outdoors in warm climates but is typically kept as an indoor or greenhouse plant in cooler regions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | bright indirect light, tolerat |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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