Plant Care Guides / Indoor
The string of hearts is a delicate trailing plant with long, thread-like stems studded with small, marbled heart-shaped leaves. It is lovely cascading from a shelf or hanging pot, and as a South African native it is well suited to our climate. It is easy to keep, as long as you do not over-water it.
This one is a proud local. Ceropegia woodii grows wild in the eastern parts of South Africa, so it is built for our conditions, and its slightly succulent leaves store water, which is why it copes so well with a dry spell. It is generally regarded as non-toxic, but as with any plant it is best not to let pets chew on it.
Bright, indirect light keeps the leaves close together and the markings strong. In low light the stems stretch and the leaves spread out and lose their silver patterning. A little gentle morning sun is fine.
Let the soil dry out almost completely between waterings, and water sparingly in winter. Like other succulents, it is far happier dry than wet, and soggy soil quickly leads to rot. Room humidity is fine.
Feed lightly with a balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength once or twice through the growing season.
Use a free-draining cactus or succulent mix. It likes a snug pot, so repot only occasionally.
Ask about availability. We keep a changing range of indoor plants, strings of hearts included. WhatsApp us to see what is in store, or pop in and we will help you choose.
