It belongs to the beautiful lands of South Africa, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe. The string of hearts can be grown outdoors in tropical and subtropical climates. However, you can also plant them indoors, on the west- or south-facing portions; the ultimate goal is to provide enough light for them to grow.

About Ceropegia 

In 1881, Ceropegia Woodii, was first encountered by John Medley Wood while exploring Groenberg Mountain in Natal. Found at an elevation of 1800 feet, he stumbled upon this species of plant hanging from rocks. Ceropegis is also known as chain of hearts, the collar of hearts, string of hearts, rosary vine, hearts-on-a-string, and sweetheart vine. 

The Ceropegia Woodii is a member of the Apocynaceae family, known for its beautiful heart-shaped vines. This vine has a special characteristic; the colour of its leaves depends on the amount of light they receive. The leaves will be dark with distinct patterns if it gets lots of light. But if it doesn’t get enough light, the leaves will be a light green colour. 

It can reach a height of about 10 centimetres (3.9 inches) and spread out to a length of 2 to 4 meters. Its leaves are heart-shaped and measure approximately 1 to 2 centimetres (0.4 to 0.8 inches) in width and length. This plant can adapt to various soil types and light conditions, making it a popular houseplant choice.

Benefits of having Ceropegia 

1. Beautiful trailing vines and Charming heart-shaped leaves: 

With its long, trailing vines, Ceropegia woodii accentuates the look of your entire room. The cascading vines can be displayed in hanging baskets or placed on shelves, creating a visually appealing display.

2. Atypical Blooms: 

The flowers of Ceropegia are not only unique in appearance, but they also bloom from late summer into early autumn, a period when many other plants are past their peak. This ensures you have interesting blooms to enjoy almost year-round.

3. Non-Invasive: 

Ceropegia tends to bloom slowly. Its roots do not spread far and wide. This ensures that the spreading of the vine does not hamper the growth of other plants in its proximity. 

4. Pest Resistance: 

Ceropegia plants naturally resist many common garden pests due to their thick, succulent-like leaves and stem. This reduces the need for chemical pest control methods, leading to a healthier and more environmentally friendly garden.

5. Biodiversity: 

Ceropegia contributes to the biodiversity of your property. It hosts a range of insects that are important for a healthy ecosystem, and its unique blooms can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

How To Care and Maintain Ceropegia

1. Optimal light (PAR) for Ceropegia plant:

Ceropegia plants need bright, indirect light to grow. In case you are placing your plant indoors and do not have a sunny spot, you can use plant lights that have PPFD between 250 and 1000 mmol/m2/s to sustain your plants. 

2. Style your Ceropegia plant:

There are varied ways you can style your Ceropegia vines. These vines have a special characteristic; they tend to change colour when exposed to strong light for longer durations. You can notice the leaves shifting their shade to bright pink. You can use these colourful vines as hangings or to grow along walls or fences. Place the vine in containers of different sizes and shapes to create visual contrast and add dimension to your styling.

3. Nutrients that should be present in your fertilisers:

Ceropegia plants require high nitrogen and phosphorus content. It is advisable to use fertilisers that are rich in these components for your plant. By doing this, you can promote the growth of your vines.

4. Implement a training and support system: 

If you desire a specific growth pattern or want to shape the plant’s appearance, utilise training techniques such as staking, trellising, or plant supports. These methods guide the plant’s growth, promote vertical development, and create a structured and aesthetically pleasing arrangement.

5. Seasonal adjustments: 

When growth slows down in winter, reduce watering frequency and avoid fertilisation. During pollination, plants are susceptible to pest attacks, such as aphids, measly bugs, and thrips. You need to spray organic pesticides to ward off these pests and insects. You can even buy neem oil to spray on your plants to keep them safe and promote healthy growth.