String of Hearts plant photo (Ceropegia woodii)
Photo: katuchka · CC BY 4.0
houseplant
Updated May 2026·Southern Africa

String of Hearts

Ceropegia woodii

String of hearts produces both seeds AND vegetative bulbils on its trailing stems — making it one of the few houseplants that can propagate itself in three completely different ways: seed, cutting, and tuber.

USDA Zones
10-12 (indoor anywhere)
Sun
bright indirect light
Water
low
Mature Size
6-12 ft trailing strands
Growth Rate
moderate
Family
Apocynaceae
Care guide

How to care for string of hearts

Water only when soil is bone-dry — the tuberous roots store weeks of moisture. Propagate the 'beads' (aerial tubers) by pressing them onto soil; each one roots into a new plant in 3 weeks.

Garden uses & design ideas

Best garden use

Use it as a living focal point near a bright window, then repeat leaf shapes with smaller companion plants so the room feels intentional.

Pair it with

Hoya, String of pearls, Sedum make easy companion choices because they share similar light, water, or visual texture needs.

Layout tip

Match it with bright indirect light exposure, group it with other low-water plants so one irrigation zone can stay lean, and check USDA zones 10-12 (indoor anywhere) before planting. Use the garden planner to test spacing around its mature size: 6-12 ft trailing strands.

Gardener note — Double-check local invasive, edible, and toxicity guidance with your county extension office before planting around pets, children, or natural areas.

Companion plants

String of Hearts grows well alongside these — similar light, water, and texture needs.

Common pests & problems

mealybugs (in tubers along the stem)root rot

Where it grows best

Native to Southern Africa; thrives in USDA hardiness zones 10-12 (indoor anywhere).

Frequently asked about string of hearts

What USDA zones does String of Hearts grow in?+

String of Hearts is hardy in USDA zones 10-12 (indoor anywhere). Outside these zones, it can usually be grown indoors or as a seasonal annual.

How much sun does String of Hearts need?+

String of Hearts prefers bright indirect light. Place it where it gets that light most of the day for best growth and vigor.

How often should I water String of Hearts?+

String of Hearts has low water needs. Allow the soil to dry between waterings. Water only when soil is bone-dry — the tuberous roots store weeks of moisture. Propagate the 'beads' (aerial tubers) by pressing them onto soil; each one roots into a new plant in 3 weeks.

How big does String of Hearts get?+

String of Hearts reaches a mature size of 6-12 ft trailing strands. Growth rate is moderate, so plan spacing accordingly when planting.

What plants grow well with String of Hearts?+

String of Hearts pairs well with Hoya, String of pearls, Sedum. These companions share similar care requirements and don't compete aggressively for resources.

What pests affect String of Hearts?+

Common String of Hearts problems include mealybugs (in tubers along the stem); root rot. Catching early signs in routine inspection prevents most damage.

✦ Free 3D garden designer

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