String of Hearts
Ceropegia woodii
A delicate trailing semi-succulent from southern Africa, with small silver-marbled heart-shaped leaves on wiry purple stems that can cascade over 2 m long. Produces unusual lantern-shaped pinkish-purple flowers, and tiny bead-like aerial tubers along the stems that can be potted up to make new plants. Non-toxic and very forgiving — a top pick for trailing plant beginners with pets.
Quick Facts
Distribution
Indoor (native to southern Africa)
Light
Bright indirect light — more light deepens variegation
Bloom Time
Summer–fall (small lantern-shaped flowers)
Soil
Free-draining cactus mix with added perlite
Water
When top 3–5 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant
Growing & Cultivation
Propagation
Stem cuttings (4–15 cm) in water or soil. Or pot up the tubers ('beads') that form along the stems — each one grows into a new plant.
