Trailing Treasure: String of Hearts

If you’re on the hunt for a charming, easy-to-care-for plant that adds a delicate touch to your indoor jungle, the String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii) should be at the top of your list. With its cascading vines and heart-shaped leaves, this trailing beauty is perfect for hanging planters or shelves, where it can show off its signature draping foliage. And if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a variegated variety, you’ll have a real showstopper with striking shades of cream, pink, and green. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about keeping your String of Hearts happy and thriving.

A Look at the Lovely Foliage

The String of Hearts, sometimes known as the "Sweetheart Vine," is beloved for its delicate, trailing stems that can reach up to several feet in length. Each vine is adorned with dainty, heart-shaped leaves that have a lovely marbled appearance. The base form of this plant boasts deep green leaves with lighter green or silvery markings. But it’s the variegated String of Hearts that really turns heads, with leaves that blend soft pinks, creams, and greens—perfect for adding a splash of subtle color to your space.

This variegation gives the plant a unique, almost whimsical look, making it a prized addition to any collection. It’s one of those plants that looks good from any angle, whether it’s cascading down a high shelf or displayed in a hanging pot. And the best part? It’s relatively easy to care for, even if you’re still working on developing your green thumb.

How to Care for Your String of Hearts

While it may look delicate, the String of Hearts is a surprisingly resilient plant. Here’s how to keep it thriving:

Light: Bright and Indirect, Please!

String of Hearts loves bright, indirect light, and it will reward you with faster growth and more vibrant leaves if it gets plenty of it. A spot near a window where it can soak up filtered sunlight is ideal. If your plant starts to look a little leggy (with lots of vine and fewer leaves), that’s a sign it could use more light. The variegated version especially needs bright light to maintain those beautiful colors, so give it a little extra sunbathing time—but keep it out of harsh, direct sunlight, which can scorch those delicate leaves.

Watering: Less is More

As a semi-succulent, the String of Hearts prefers its soil to dry out between waterings. Think of it like a long-distance relationship—better to show some love occasionally than to overwhelm it! Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry, and then let it dry out before watering again. Overwatering is one of the biggest risks with this plant, as it can lead to root rot. If the leaves start to wrinkle, that’s a sign it’s a little thirsty, but they’ll perk back up once you give it a good drink. Pro tip: Give it the "taco" test. If you fold it taco style, does it have a lot of give or does it hold its shape firmly? If it stays firm, it is probably good on water, but if it has a lot of give and folds in half pretty easy, you'll want to give it a drink!

Humidity: Not Too Picky

Unlike some tropical houseplants, the String of Hearts doesn’t demand high humidity levels. It’s perfectly happy in average indoor conditions, making it a great fit for almost any room in your home. If your home tends to be very dry, especially in winter, a little extra humidity won’t hurt, but it’s not a necessity.

Temperature: Keep It Cozy

The String of Hearts does best in temperatures between 60-80°F. It’s not a fan of the cold, so be sure to keep it away from drafty windows or air conditioning vents. If you live in a cooler climate, you might want to move your plant away from windows during the winter months.

Soil: Light and Well-Draining

A well-draining soil mix is key to keeping your String of Hearts healthy. A mix designed for succulents or cacti works well, as it allows excess water to flow through and prevents soggy roots. You can also create your own mix by combining regular potting soil with perlite or sand for better drainage.

Fertilizer: Feed Sparingly

During the growing season (spring and summer), you can feed your String of Hearts with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month. But go easy—this plant is a light feeder, and too much fertilizer can cause more harm than good. During the fall and winter, when the plant naturally slows its growth, you can skip the feeding altogether.

Propagation: Share the Love

One of the best things about the String of Hearts is how easy it is to propagate. Simply take a few cuttings from the vines, making sure each cutting has a few leaves, and place them in water or directly into soil. After a few weeks, you’ll see new roots forming, and you’ll have new plants to share with friends or add to your own collection. If you’re working with a variegated variety, just remember that keeping it in bright light will help maintain those beautiful colors as it grows.

Why the String of Hearts is a Must-Have

The String of Hearts brings a touch of romance to any plant collection with its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves. Its ability to thrive in a variety of light conditions, combined with its forgiving nature, makes it perfect for both beginners and experienced plant parents. And let’s not forget that the variegated variety adds a whole new level of beauty, with its pink-tinted leaves that look like they’ve been kissed by a watercolor brush.

Whether you’re looking to create a lush, cascading display in your home or you’re simply in need of a low-maintenance plant that can add a little charm to your space, the String of Hearts is a treasure that won’t disappoint. Give it a cozy spot with some filtered light, a little water every now and then, and watch it trail its way into your heart.