Care of the indoor plant Ceropegia woodii or String of hearts |
The genus Ceropegia, family Apocynaceae, comprises 160 species of perennial plants native to the Canary Islands, Africa, Asia and Australia. Some species are: Ceropegia woodii, Ceropegia elegans, Ceropegia africana, Ceropegia dichotoma, Ceropegia gardneri, Ceropegia sandersonii. Common names: Chain of hearts, Collar of hearts, String of hearts, Rosary vine, Sweetheart vine. This species is native to South Africa, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe. They are plants with tuberous roots of a climbing or hanging habit. The leaves are heart-shaped, fleshy, and pale green, sometimes with white, purple, or brown spots. The curious flowers appear to be made of wax and bloom at different times, depending on the ambient temperature. String of hearts are used as indoor plants in hanging pots. Ceropegia woodii needs a light exposure but avoiding direct sun. The soil can be a substrate for indoor plants with 1/3 of coarse sand. Transplant when the plant has no flowers. Water sparingly at the rate of 1 glass of water weekly. Fertilize in spring with liquid organic fertilizer. Chain of hearts is a plant resistant to pests and diseases. Rosary vine propagates easily by rooting a branch in water or sand or by dividing the tubers. |
Images of the indoor plant Ceropegia woodii or String of hearts |