String of Hearts Ceropegia woodii
At a glance
- Light
- Bright indirect
- 5000–25000 lux
- Water
- Every 10–18 days
- Top 4cm of soil
- Humidity
- 30–60%
- Tolerates dry air
- Temperature
- 13–28°C
- Ideal 18–24°C
- Soil pH
- 6–7.5
- fast-draining
- Mature size
- 15 cm tall
- 200 cm wide
- Native to
- South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe
- Growth
- Moderate
- Trailing
Watering calculator
Estimate how often to water your String of Hearts based on pot size, light, and season.
Always check the top 2 cm of soil before watering. Calculator output is an estimate, not a schedule.
Diagnose a problem
Click an issue to see causes and fixes for String of Hearts.
Or use Plant Doctor — AI-powered diagnostic that picks the top 3 most likely causes with family-specific reasoning and step-by-step fixes (photo upload coming soon).
Compare with similar plants
| Trait | String of Hearts Ceropegia woodii | String of Pearls Curio rowleyanus | Hoya Hoya carnosa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright indirect | Bright indirect | Bright indirect |
| Water | 10–18 days | 14–21 days | 10–14 days |
| Pet safe | Pet-safe | Toxic to cats and dogs | Pet-safe |
| Difficulty | Easy | Moderate | Easy |
| Mature size | 15 cm | 5 cm | 200 cm |
Light requirements in detail
String of Hearts prefers bright indirect (5000–25000 lux) . Bright filtered light keeps the heart pattern crisp. Low light fades variegation and stretches the vine.
A spot 1–2 meters from a bright east or south-facing window usually fits this range. Direct afternoon sun through unfiltered glass can scorch leaves; sheer curtains help diffuse it.
Watering in detail
Water String of Hearts every 10– 18 days during the growing season, allowing Top 4cm of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter when growth slows.
This plant tolerates the occasional missed watering — err on the dry side rather than overwater.
Browse plants like String of Hearts
Frequently asked questions about String of Hearts
How often should I water String of Hearts?
Water String of Hearts every 10–18 days during the growing season, allowing Top 4cm of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency by 30–50% in winter.
What kind of light does String of Hearts need?
String of Hearts prefers bright indirect (5000–25000 lux). Bright filtered light keeps the heart pattern crisp. Low light fades variegation and stretches the vine.
Is String of Hearts toxic to cats?
String of Hearts is non-toxic to cats according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Mild stomach upset is still possible if a cat chews the leaves, but it will not cause poisoning.
Is String of Hearts toxic to dogs?
String of Hearts is non-toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Mild stomach upset is still possible if a dog chews the leaves.
How big does String of Hearts grow?
String of Hearts reaches about 15 cm tall and 200 cm wide at maturity. Growth rate is moderate.