String of Hearts Ceropegia Woodii Variegata- A Green Ornament for Home

String of Hearts, Ceropegia woodii, is just one of many species in the genus Ceropegia that are grown as ornamental houseplants. Native to southern Africa, from Zimbabwe to eastern South Africa, this tender perennial plant in the milkweed subfamily (Asclepiadoideae) of the dogbane family (Apocynaceae) is sometimes classified as C. linearis subsp. woodii. The genus name was given by Linneaus to describe his interpretation of the appearance of the flowers as fountains of wax from the words keros, meaning wax, and pege meaning fountain. Plants in this genus have many other colorful common names including bushman’s pipevine, lantern flower, necklace vine, parachute flower, and wine-glass vine. Rosary vine is another commonly used name for C. woodii, along with chain of hearts, collar of hearts, and hearts entangled (because the stems easily enmesh).

woodii, like many other species in this genus, is a straggly evergreen climber that in its native habitat would scramble up through other vegetation. The stringy, purplish stems are vining or trailing, making this best grown as a hanging plant. The stems can also be trained up a small trellis or topiary frame. The simple, opposite heart-shaped leaves are 1-2 cm wide and long. They are dark green marbled with silver on the upper surface and green to purple on the underside. In other species the leaves may be rudimentary or absent, or may be thick, fleshy and succulent. With the tangled, trailing branches that can grow several feet long hanging down, the regularly spaced leaves resemble a row of large beads. Small tubers, which look somewhat like little potatoes, form at the nodes or leaf bases along the stems – another possibility for the “beads” that give rise to the common name of rosary vine.

Ceropegia woodii variegata, are evergreen succulent lianas, that are exotic yet very 'easy to care' houseplants. These gorgeous vines have a purplish stem with heart-shaped foliage, hence; the popular name "String of Heart".

Size: 6-7 inches across as in the picture with multiple plants.

Pot Size: Grown in 6 inches plastic Pot.

The above specifications are indicative only. The actual size and color of the plant may vary.

Watering

In terms of watering keep in mind that these are succulents so "overwatering " can easily turn you into a plant killer. So, check the soil before watering them, if it's soggy then avoid watering and instead place it in such a place where the soil can get dried cause that's when they thrive best.

Potting Mix

Any well draining succulent soil mix is good for these.

Light

These delicate hearts require bright but indirect sunlight. A decent amount of direct sunlight leads to strong tinted and distinctive marbled foliage.

Initial Care (After receiving the plant)

• Leave the plant in its nursery pot. Do not think of watering it now, if the medium looks super dry then add some water.