Ceropegia woodii

Botanical Name — Ceropegia woodii

Common Name —  String of hearts or Rosary vine

Plant Family — Asclepiadaceae

Background

Ceropegia woodii is native to temperate regions of Southern Africa. They are an evergreen succulent trailing vine that are often grown in hanging baskets since they grow long trailing branches. The species name Woodii honors John Medley Wood, who collected native African plants.

Growth Requirements

Sun

• String of hearts grow best in bright indirect light. Avoid the leaves from receiving too much direct light since that can burn them.
• An ideal spot is a few feet back from a south or west-facing window.

Temperature/ Humidity 

• Ceropegia woodii like room temperatures around 65 to 80 F.  Night time temperatures can go down to 60 F.  They like to be warm and are not cold tolerant.  

• They like moderate humidity (40%-50%), but this is not essential. They will do fine in a normal household environment.

Water

• Water thoroughly when the soil is dry about half way down the pot.  They can be easily over watered so err on the side of underwatering. 

Soil/Roots

• These succulent plants prefer a gritty, well-draining mix. A cactus or succulent soil would work great. Soil mixtures can be amended with sand or fine pumice up to 50% to improve grittiness and drainage. 

Flowering

• The Ceropegia woodii blooms interesting small inverted vase-like magenta flowers with five purple petals fused at the ends. Blooms appear in late summer through fall. 

Fertilization

• These plants do not require fertilizer though it can be added to give container grown plants a boost or to supplement poor soil. Apply a water-soluble, cacti fertilizer monthly during spring and summer, diluted at half strength. 

Propagation

• Ceropegia Woodii plants propagate reliably from stem cuttings. Use a clean sharp knife to remove a healthy branch.   Allow it to dry out for a couple of days, and then place the cutting in well-draining soil. Water when the soil is completely dry. Cuttings can take a month or two to root, forming small round tubercles.

Health

Diseases

• Watch out for common pests: mealy bugs.
• Overwatering can cause root rot. 

Maintenance (pruning, legginess, repotting)

• Repot when the plant is rootbound, moving it to a pot just 1 inch wider if needed.  Handle this plant with care since the branches are delicate and will break off easily. 
• Can prune if too long.

Toxicity

• Ceropegia Woodii are non toxic to humans and pets.