Variegated String of Hearts

Variegated String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii) is a trailing houseplant with tiny heart-shaped leaves marbled grey-green, purple and silver, then splashed with cream. The thin stems reach 2m to 3m long, so it belongs in a hanging pot or on a high shelf where they can cascade. Also known as chain of hearts and rosary vine, it is the cream-splashed version of the plain String of Hearts.

Why you'll love it

• Cream-splashed hearts. Each small leaf carries extra splashes of cream over its grey-green, purple and silver marbling, which gives more colour than the plain form.
• 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 moisture in its leaves and tubers, 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 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 or mantel and add 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 Variegated String of Hearts in Australia

Position and climate. Bright, indirect light, such as a window with a sheer curtain. Variegated leaves hold their cream splashes best in good light, while too little light leaves the stems sparse and plain. It is frost tender, so outdoors it suits tropical, subtropical and mild warm temperate gardens under cover. In cooler places it should live indoors.

Soil. Free-draining soil. 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 pot dry out between drinks and err on the side of too little water, because soggy soil is the quickest way to lose the plant. Feed with 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 top of the pot to thicken it up.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Variegated 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.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on the page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

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
• Indoor plant tips for beginners

Common questions

How often should I water it?

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 bear tiny white flowers shaped like old-fashioned tobacco pipes, though the leaves are the real attraction.

Why is a stem growing plain green?

Low light is the usual cause. Move it somewhere brighter and trim the plain growth back to a patterned node.

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.