String of Hearts Care: How to Grow Ceropegia woodii Indoors and Out

The String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii) is a delicate trailing plant native to southern Africa, where it grows along rocky slopes and forest edges. This semi-succulent vine is part of the milkweed family and is beloved for its heart-shaped leaves, which hang like charms along thin purple stems. It’s easy to grow, fast to trail, and stunning when given the right conditions indoors or out.

Whether you’re after a romantic cascading look, a sculptural hanging piece, or a unique addition to a bright bathroom, String of Hearts delivers beauty with minimal effort.

Best Light for Growth and Color

This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Indoors, an east- or south-facing window is ideal.

You want to give it several hours of gentle morning sun or filtered light through a sheer curtain.

If you only have access to a west-facing window, ensure the intense afternoon rays don’t scorch the foliage.

Outdoors, it prefers dappled light or morning sun, and should be shielded from harsh midday heat.

In too much shade, it becomes leggy, and the variegation fades.

If grown under grow lights, make sure it receives 12–14 hours daily to maintain compact growth and color.

Watering Routine for Healthy Vines

String of Hearts is semi-succulent, which means it holds some water in its leaves and tubers.

It’s more tolerant of drought than overwatering, and root rot is its most common enemy.

Allow the soil to dry completely before watering again.

During the growing season (spring and summer), water thoroughly when the soil is dry—typically every 10–14 days depending on conditions.

In fall and winter, reduce watering to every 3–4 weeks or less.

Use your finger or a moisture meter to test the soil. If it’s still slightly moist, wait.

If the pot feels unusually light and the leaves begin to curl slightly, it’s time to water.

Soil for Drainage and Root Health

Fast-draining soil is critical.

A standard cactus soil or succulent mix works well, but for extra aeration, you can create your own blend using:

• 2 parts potting mix

• 1 part perlite or pumice

• 1 part orchid bark or coarse sand

This ensures roots get oxygen and prevents water from pooling around the base.

Avoid compacted or moisture-retentive soils like peat-heavy mixes, especially in closed containers.

Always pot your plant in a container with a drainage hole.

Fertilizer for Vigor and Flowers

String of Hearts doesn’t need heavy feeding, but light monthly fertilizing during spring and summer can boost growth and flowering.

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength (such as 10-10-10 like this one) or a bloom-boosting cactus feed with an NPK ratio like 2-7-7 like this one.

Avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen, which can cause soft growth and reduce blooming.

Stop feeding in the fall and winter when the plant enters dormancy.

Pruning to Shape and Strengthen

Pruning helps control the plant’s shape and encourage bushier growth.

Use clean scissors to trim vines just above a node, and new growth will often sprout from there.

Don’t discard your cuttings—propagate them in water or soil to create a fuller pot or start a second plant.

Regular pruning also helps remove any pale, leggy, or damaged stems that may have resulted from low light or overwatering.

Consider using healthy pruned cuttings to propagate new succulents as outlined in the article How to Propagate String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii): A Guide to Growing More Living Hearts.

Best Indoor Locations

String of Hearts is a perfect match for hanging baskets, tall shelves, or plant stands with room for trailing growth.

Great spots include:

• Bright living rooms near sunny windows

• Bright bathrooms with natural light and moderate humidity

• Sunrooms, enclosed patios, or home offices with indirect sun

It thrives in open, airy spaces where the vines can spread without tangling or getting bumped.

Avoid dark corners, constantly humid rooms, or high-traffic areas where the long stems can be damaged.

Growing It Outdoors

In USDA zones 10–12, String of Hearts can be grown outdoors year-round.

Use hanging baskets or raised containers in shaded patios or balconies with good airflow.

Protect it from strong wind, cold snaps, and summer downpours that can oversaturate the soil.

In cooler climates, grow it in containers and bring it indoors before nighttime temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).

Common Problems and Fixes

Yellow leaves – Usually a result of overwatering.

Check drainage and hold off on watering until soil is dry.

Stretching or thinning vines – Caused by inadequate light.

Move to a brighter spot or use supplemental lighting.

Shriveled or curling leaves – Often due to underwatering, rootbound conditions, or lack of nutrients.

No new growth – Typically caused by cold, low light, or dormancy.

Resume care when growing season starts.

Root rot – If leaves are mushy or dark and roots are black, remove damaged parts, let healthy ones dry out, and replant in dry soil.

Popular String of Hearts Varieties

There are several gorgeous forms of Ceropegia woodii that follow the same care guidelines:

• Classic String of Hearts – Green heart-shaped leaves with silver veins and purple undersides.

• Variegated String of Hearts – A collector favorite, with creamy white, green, and pink marbling. Blushes more in strong light.

• Silver Glory – Near-circular leaves with bold silver patterns and a subtle heart shape.

• String of Spades – Narrower, spade-like leaves with a similar trailing habit.

• Reverse Variegated – Rare and dramatic, with the light color in the center of the leaf and dark margins.

All forms are easy to care for and propagate, and they pair beautifully together in a mixed hanging display.

Final Thoughts

The String of Hearts is a graceful, low-maintenance plant that adapts well to indoor life and adds visual softness to any room.

Its unique heart-shaped leaves, fast-growing vines, and easy propagation make it a favorite among houseplant lovers, especially those with a bright window and a little patience.

Keep it dry, give it light, and trim it now and then—and you’ll be rewarded with a thriving tangle of living hearts for years to come.