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HouseplantsCactus SucculentConservatory Greenhouse

Ceropegia linearis subsp. woodii

hearts on a string

An evergreen tuberous perennial with long trailing stems to 1m or more, bearing small, heart-shaped, grey-patterned leaves purple beneath, and lantern-shaped pink and purple tubular flowers 2cm long

Other common names
heart vine
hearts entangled
see morerosary plant
string of hearts
sweetheart vine
rosary vine
Synonyms
Ceropegia woodii
Ceropegia hastata
see moreCeropegia schoenlandii
Ceropegia barbertonensis
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver Purple
Summer Purple Pink Green Grey Silver Purple
Autumn Green Grey Silver Purple
Winter Green Grey Silver Purple
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical details
Family
Apocynaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Trailing
Genus

Ceropegia can be evergreen or semi-evergreen, erect, climbing to trailing, usually succulent, perennials with opposite leaves and curioously shaped flowers in summer, sometimes followed by cylindrical fruits containing silky tufted seeds

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Zimbabwe to S Africa

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in cactus compost. Water moderately when in growth and apply a low nitrogen liquid fertiliser 2 or 3 times. Keep plants dry at other times

Propagation

Propagate by seed at 19-24°C (66-75°F) in early spring or propagate from stem bulbils. Alternatively take stem cuttings, 10-15cm (4-6in) long in early summer, root in a cactus compost at 22-25°C (72-77°F), and keep moist

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Vulnerable to mealybugs, aphids and scale insects

Diseases

Vulnerable to basal rot if too wet in winter

Get involved

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