String of hearts care: watering, light and repotting
Also called ceropegia, rosary vine · Ceropegia woodii · Apocynaceae family
25 d in winter
How often to water the string of hearts?
Allow about 12 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 25 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Its tubers store water: let the soil dry out between waterings. The more light it gets, the closer together its leaves grow.
What light does it need?
The string of hearts likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 2 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from May to July, feeding every 45 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: Trailing stems 3–6 ft (1–2 m).
Common problems
Leaves far apart on the stem
Cause: Not enough light. What to do: Move it closer to a window.
Yellow, soft leaves
Cause: Too much water. What to do: Water much less often.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the string of hearts?
About every 12 days in spring and summer, and every 25 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the string of hearts?
The string of hearts likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Should you mist the string of hearts?
There's no need: indoor air suits it. Wetting its leaves for no reason can even encourage disease.
When should you repot the string of hearts?
Every 2 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the string of hearts safe?
No toxicity is known, but no veterinary source has confirmed it: to be safe, keep the plant out of reach of pets and young children.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Yes: the string of hearts forgives a missed watering and adapts well to the home. A good plant to start with.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.