Upcoming Events: Moss Art Thursday Sept. 24th @ 6pm / Plant Stake Stained Glass Workshop Sunday Sept. 27th @ 2pm / Moss Art Thursday Oct. 1st @ 6 pm / Intro to Stained Glass October 3rd @ 2 pm
Variegated String of Hearts is a delicate trailing succulent prized for its small, heart-shaped leaves patterned in green, cream, white, and soft pink. The leaves grow in pairs along thin, cascading vines and often develop stronger pink or rosy tones when grown in brighter light. Its long, graceful stems make it especially attractive in hanging baskets or on shelves where the vines can cascade freely.
The proper botanical name is Ceropegia woodii ‘Variegata’, commonly called Variegated String of Hearts or Variegated Rosary Vine. It is a variegated form of Ceropegia woodii, a species native to southern Africa. The plant produces small tubers along its roots and sometimes along mature vines, which store water and contribute to its ability to tolerate periods of dryness.
Variegated String of Hearts does best in bright, indirect light with some gentle direct sunlight. Plenty of light helps maintain its cream and pink coloration and encourages compact spacing between leaves. Insufficient light can cause greener foliage and long, sparse sections of vine. Gentle morning or late-afternoon sun is beneficial, but gradually acclimate the plant to stronger sunlight to prevent scorching.
Allow the potting mix to dry thoroughly between waterings, then water deeply and allow all excess water to drain. Its succulent leaves and tubers store moisture, so it is much more tolerant of occasional dryness than consistently wet soil. Overwatering is one of the most common causes of problems with String of Hearts.
Use a very well-draining, airy succulent potting mix in a container with drainage. A mixture containing cactus or succulent soil with additional perlite, pumice, or other coarse amendments works well. Avoid dense soil that remains wet for extended periods.
Variegated String of Hearts prefers warm temperatures and low to moderate humidity. Average household humidity is generally suitable, and excessive humidity is unnecessary. Good airflow helps the potting mix dry appropriately between waterings.
This plant develops a fast-growing, cascading growth habit, with mature vines capable of becoming several feet long. Pruning longer vines can encourage branching and create a fuller plant. Cuttings are also relatively easy to propagate, and the small aerial tubers that sometimes develop along the vines can be placed against moist potting mix to produce new growth.
Variegated String of Hearts can also produce unusual small, tubular flowers that are typically pinkish-purple with darker tips. While the flowers are less showy than the foliage, their distinctive lantern-like shape adds another interesting feature to mature plants.
Variegated String of Hearts is generally considered pet-friendly and non-toxic to cats and dogs. Its long trailing vines can still be tempting for pets to play with or chew, and consuming large amounts of any plant material may cause mild digestive upset, so keeping the vines out of easy reach is recommended.
Upcoming Events: Moss Art Thursday Sept. 24th @ 6pm / Plant Stake Stained Glass Workshop Sunday Sept. 27th @ 2pm / Moss Art Thursday Oct. 1st @ 6 pm / Intro to Stained Glass October 3rd @ 2 pm
