Ceropegia Woodii Variegated Chain of Hearts

Bring soft colour and trailing texture to your home with Ceropegia woodii ‘Variegated’, better known as the Variegated String of Hearts. This popular trailing succulent vine produces small heart-shaped leaves with a mix of green, cream and blush-pink tones.

The slender stems can gradually cascade from hanging baskets, shelves and raised containers, making this an excellent choice when you want a plant that adds movement without taking up much floor space.

Its ability to store water in its leaves and tubers means it does not need frequent watering, making it a good option for Australian homes and other warm, bright environments.

What Makes Variegated String of Hearts Special?

Heart-Shaped Variegated Leaves

The small leaves feature attractive combinations of green, cream and pink. The amount of variegation can vary naturally between plants and may become more pronounced with suitable light.

Long Trailing Vines

The thin stems can grow into long cascading strands. Displaying the plant in a hanging basket or elevated pot allows the vines to fall naturally.

Compact Root System

Despite its potentially long trailing growth, the plant does not require a large container. A suitably sized pot with good drainage is usually enough.

Easy-Care Succulent

Variegated String of Hearts prefers drying out between waterings and generally handles dry indoor conditions well.

Where to Display It

This trailing plant is particularly suited to:

• Hanging baskets
• High shelves
• Decorative pots
• Indoor plant stands
• Bright windows
• Balconies and patios
• Mixed trailing plant displays

Its cascading stems can also be allowed to drape naturally over the edge of a shelf or container.

Care Guide

Light:
Provide bright, indirect light. Gentle morning sun can help maintain good growth and attractive variegation. Avoid suddenly placing the plant in intense afternoon sun.

Water:
Allow the growing medium to dry well before watering again. Water thoroughly, then allow excess water to drain away.

Soil:
Use a loose, free-draining cactus or succulent mix. A pot with drainage holes is essential.

Temperature:
Prefers warm conditions and should be protected from frost and prolonged cold.

Humidity:
It generally handles normal indoor humidity well. Good airflow is more important than high humidity.

Fertiliser:
A diluted succulent fertiliser can be applied occasionally during active growth. Heavy feeding is unnecessary.

Propagation

Ceropegia woodii can be propagated from stem cuttings and other suitable sections of the plant. Its trailing stems make it relatively easy to produce new plants when conditions are warm and bright.

Natural Variegation

Variegation can differ from one plant to another. Some leaves may show more cream or pink, while others can be predominantly green.

Good light helps support healthy growth and can improve the appearance of the variegated foliage. Avoid excessive direct sun, particularly during very hot weather, as the lighter parts of the leaves can be more sensitive.

Common & Alternative Names

Botanical name: Ceropegia woodii ‘Variegated’
Common names: Variegated String of Hearts, String of Hearts
Plant type: Trailing succulent vine
Family: Apocynaceae

5 Uncommon FAQs

Why are some leaves on my Variegated String of Hearts completely green?

Natural variation is common. Individual leaves can have different levels of variegation, and light conditions can also influence how the colours develop.

Why are the vines becoming widely spaced?

Long gaps between leaves can occur when the plant is receiving insufficient light. Moving it gradually to a brighter position can encourage more compact growth.

Can I cut back very long String of Hearts vines?

Yes. Trimming overly long or sparse vines can help keep the plant manageable. Healthy cuttings can also be used for propagation.

What are the small bead-like structures on the vines?

Ceropegia woodii can produce small tubers along its stems. These structures are one of the plant's natural ways of storing energy and can be involved in propagation.

Is Variegated String of Hearts suitable for a bathroom?

It can be grown in a bathroom if the room receives enough bright natural light and has reasonable airflow. A consistently dark or very damp bathroom is not ideal.

What You Will Receive

This Variegated String of Hearts has been grown in a 130mm nursery pot, which provides a useful guide when choosing a decorative pot.

The plant is shipped bare rooted without the nursery pot or soil to help with safe and economical transport.

Each plant is naturally different. Vine length, leaf size, variegation, colour and overall growth pattern may vary from the photographs shown.