String of Hearts

String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii) is a trailing houseplant with fine stems strung with tiny heart-shaped leaves in grey-green, purple and silver. The stems can reach 2m to 3m long, so it belongs in a hanging pot or on a high shelf where it can cascade. Also known as chain of hearts and rosary vine, it is one of our most popular indoor plants.

Why you'll love it

• Heart-shaped leaves. Small, marbled leaves in grey-green, purple and silver look carefully made, yet they are simply how the plant grows.
• Cascading growth. Stems trail 2m to 3m, so one plant can fill a hanging pot or spill down a bookshelf.
• Forgiving about water. It stores water in its leaves and roots, so it copes with a missed week better than a drowned pot.
• Fits any bright spot. Bright, indirect light is all it needs, which suits most rooms near a window.
• Gentle around pets. String of hearts is generally regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Where it works best

Hanging baskets. Plant two or three to a 20cm to 25cm hanging pot for a fuller curtain, and hang it where the stems can drop freely.

Shelves and high ledges. Stems cascade over the edge of a shelf, mantel or the top of a wardrobe, adding movement to a still room.

Bright rooms and covered patios. Keep it near a bright window indoors, or in a frost free covered spot outdoors in warm climates.

Growing String of Hearts in Australia

Position and climate. Bright, indirect light, such as a window with a sheer curtain. Too little light leaves the stems sparse, and strong direct sun can scorch the leaves. It is frost tender, so outdoors it suits tropical, subtropical and mild warm temperate gardens under cover, and in cooler places it should live indoors.

Soil. A free-draining mix. A cactus and succulent mix, or potting mix with coarse sand or perlite added, works well. Choose a pot with drainage holes.

Water and feed. Let the soil dry out between waterings and take care not to overwater, because a waterlogged pot is the quickest way to lose the plant. Apply a general fertiliser twice a year to encourage growth.

Pruning. Trim long, straggly stems back to a node to keep the plant full, and tuck the cuttings into the pot to thicken the top.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell String of Hearts as tube stock, in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. A tube is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, with short stems at first that lengthen as it settles. The potted sizes arrive with more growth already made and give a fuller hanging pot sooner.

Our tube stock is supplied by our grower, so it comes and goes. If the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none at the moment: press the notify button on this page and we will email you the day it returns.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Indoor plants
• Pet friendly indoor plants
• How to keep your indoor plants alive
• How to repot your plants

Common questions

How often should I water String of Hearts?

Water only when the soil has dried out, then water thoroughly and let the pot drain. Give it less in winter, and if in doubt, wait a day.

Will it flower?

Mature plants occasionally produce tiny white flowers shaped like an old-fashioned pipe. The leaves are the main attraction.

Why are the leaves far apart on the stem?

Gaps usually point to too little light. Move it somewhere brighter and trim back the sparse stems.

Is it safe for pets?

It is generally regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs, though it is still best to hang it out of reach of chewing pets.