Ceropegia — the string of hearts, delicate trailing plant

The Ceropegia, nicknamed the "string of hearts," is one of the most elegant trailing plants available. Its slender, thread-like stems, dotted with small heart-shaped leaves, cascade down several dozen centimeters — creating a striking decorative effect when hung or placed on a high shelf.

Varieties of Ceropegia

Ceropegia woodii is the undisputed star: its dark green heart-shaped leaves marbled with silver on top and purple underneath hang from delicate violet-brown stems. With a 50 cm drop, it is the most spectacular variety when suspended. Ceropegia linearis 'Iris' offers a different look with longer, slender leaves on graceful stems. Ceropegia linearis 'Remy' stands out with thicker foliage and a slightly more compact habit. Each variety brings a unique texture and movement.

An Ideal Hanging Plant

Ceropegia shows its best when elevated. Hung in macramé, placed atop a bookshelf, or installed on a wall shelf, it creates an airy green curtain that immediately draws the eye. Its stems don’t cling or make a mess — they simply fall gracefully. Discover our other options in the hanging and trailing plants and decorative hanging plants collections, and read our guide Hanging plants: the best species to enhance your interior.

Caring for Ceropegia

Ceropegia is a semi-succulent: its fleshy leaves and underground tuber store water, making it very drought-tolerant. Water only when the soil is completely dry — in winter, once every 2 to 3 weeks is enough. Overwatering is its main enemy and causes tuber rot. Use a very well-draining substrate (cactus mix or potting soil mixed with perlite). To master watering, check out our complete watering guide.

Light Requirements

Ceropegia loves bright light, including a few hours of direct sunlight in the morning or late afternoon. An east or west-facing windowsill is perfect. In low light, the internodes stretch and the leaves become smaller and less colorful — the plant loses its compact, lush appearance. Our article Light and humidity: finding the right balance helps you find the best spot. For bright spaces, also explore our full sun plants collection.

Propagating Ceropegia

Ceropegia is incredibly easy to propagate. Cut a stem segment with at least two nodes, place it on moist soil, and roots appear within a few days. You can also propagate in water or replant the small aerial tubers that form along the stems. It’s an ideal plant for beginners to propagation and for sharing with loved ones. Our complete propagation guide details all the techniques.

Giving a Ceropegia as a Gift

With its heart-shaped leaves, Ceropegia is a perfect symbolic gift for Valentine’s Day, a couple’s anniversary, or simply to say “I’m thinking of you.” It’s also a smart gift for people without a green thumb: almost impossible to kill as long as it’s not overwatered. Find our ready-to-gift plants collection and our guide Plants to give: symbolism and meaning.

Pairing Ceropegia

Ceropegia pairs well with other trailing plants with contrasting textures: a Senecio herreianus (string of pearls) for round shapes, a Rhipsalis for fine stems, and a Pothos for dense foliage. Find these species in our Senecio, Rhipsalis, and collector plants collections. For a compact and decorative style, also explore our small indoor plants.