Ceropegia woodii variegata

String of Hearts is a drought-tolerant plant and benefits from occasional drying of the top inch of soil. In the winter, water it sparingly only once it’s completely dry. During the growing season, water the plant whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Give the plant a thorough soak every two weeks or so and make sure it drains properly to prevent root rot.

String of Hearts is a very versatile plant that can tolerate a wide range of light conditions. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight, but it can be grown under artificial light. The leaves may become leggy if kept in very low light, and the plant won't bloom as heavily with too little light. Place the plant in an area with about four to six hours of direct sunlight per day.

String of Hearts does best in temperatures between 55 to 85°F (12 to 29°C). Avoid temperature extremes by keeping the plant away from drafty windows in the winter. If temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C), the leaves may start to yellow or drop, and the plant may go dormant.

Ceropegia woodii variegata prefers humid environments, though it can also tolerate dry air. If you’re in a dry climate, use a pebble tray or a humidifier to help create moisture for the plant. Inspect the plant periodically for pests like mealybugs and spider mites, which will feed off the humid environment.

Ceropegia woodii variegata does best in a succulent-style potting mix or a well-draining, sandy soil. Make sure the soil is light and airy to allow for proper drainage. A mixture of regular potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand works well. You can also add organic compost or chicken manure to increase fertility.

String of Hearts doesn’t need much additional fertilizer but can benefit from regular application of an all-purpose, organic houseplant fertilizer during the growing season (Late spring to early fall). Use a fertilizer with balanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Start fertilizing in Spring and discontinue in early fall. Avoid fertilizing in late fall and winter to prolong dormancy.

Although Ceropegia woodii variegata is generally pest-free, there are several pests that may occasionally feed on the plant. These include mealybugs, aphids, scale insects, whiteflies, and spider mites. Mealybugs are the most common pest, appearing as small, white, cotton-like blobs on the undersides of leaves. To get rid of mealybugs, spray the plant with neem oil and water every few days until the bugs are gone. You may also need to use a cotton swab dipped in an alcohol solution to get rid of hard-to-reach mealybugs.

String of Hearts benefits from being repotted about once a year. This is especially important if the plant looks root-bound or the soil has broken down and no longer drains well. Repot the plant in fresh succulent soil in late spring or summer. Increase the pot size by one size so the plant has extra room for growth.

Pruning Ceropegia woodii variegata is a great way to keep it a manageable size for our living spaces. Pruning the dead growth or excessive branching will cause the plant to become bushier and can keep it from getting too tall. Prune the plant at any time of year to shape it and to promote healthy growth.

Mulching is not necessary for Ceropegia woodii variegata, but it can help retain moisture and improve fertility. If mulching is desired, use organic materials such as pine needles, bark or compost.

String of Hearts can be propagated by stem cuttings or by division. To propagate by stem cuttings, cut a healthy stem with several nodes and place it in water until roots form. After roots form, it can be placed in soil. To propagate by division, carefully separate the runners and place them in soil. The new plants will be the same as the parent plant.

Ceropegia woodii variegata can be trained to grow up a trellis or moss pole. To do this, simply wrap the plant around the structure and secure with floral wire. You can also use a stake to support larger plants and keep them upright.

String of Hearts tends to go dormant in winter. During the winter months, the plant will have less active growth and will benefit from infrequent watering and cooler temperatures. To encourage healthy growth, keep the plants in a bright area with some indirect sunlight and water sparingly.

Ceropegia woodii variegata is not toxic to pets, however, some of the other members of the Apocynaceae family can be. If your pet ingests some of the plant, it’s best to contact a veterinarian right away for advice.