String of hearts, Ceropegia woodii

Ceropegia linearis subsp. woodii

String of hearts

  • Botanical name: Ceropegia linearis subsp. woodii
  • Common name: String of hearts
  • Family: Apocynaceae

Ceropegia linearis subsp. woodii, also known as Ceropegia woodii (string of hearts) is one of the loveliest house plants, native to South Africa and Zimbabwe. It bears trailing stems of heart-shaped, grey-pink leaves with attractive mottling, and occasionally pink, tubular flowers. Older plants develop woody tubers known as ‘beads’ at the base of the plants, and occasionally on the stems, too.

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It’s perfect for growing in a hanging pot or on a shelf, from which its leaves can trail over the sides.

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How to grow Ceropegia woodii

A succulent, Ceropegia woodii does best in a free draining soil with a good degree of light, but not direct sunlight. Water regularly in summer, allowing the soil to almost completely dry out between waterings, and never let it sit in waterlogged soil. Water only very occasionally in winter.

Advice on buying Ceropegia woodii

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  • Buy as large a plant as you can afford, as this makes for the most dramatic display
  • Always check plants for signs of damage or disease before planting

Where to buy Ceropegia woodii

How to grow Ceropegia linearis

  • Plant size

    1.5m height

    10cm spread

  • Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy
  • Plant care: Brightspot-not direct sunlight, ideal for a bright conservatory

Ceropegia linearis and wildlife

Ceropegia linearis has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Ceropegia linearis poisonous?

Ceropegia linearis has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:

No reported toxicity to Birds

No reported toxicity to Cats

No reported toxicity to Dogs

No reported toxicity to Horses

No reported toxicity to Livestock

No reported toxicity to People