Ceropegia linearis subsp. woodii (String of Hearts)

Scientific Name

Ceropegia linearis subsp. woodii (Schltr.) H. Huber

Common Names

Chain of Hearts, Collar of Hearts, String of Hearts, Rosary Vine, Hearts-on-a-String, Sweetheart Vine, Heart Vine

Synonyms

Ceropegia woodii (basionym)

Scientific Classification

Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Genus: Ceropegia

Description

Ceropegia linearis subsp. woodii is an evergreen succulent trailing vine that grows up to 4 inches (10 cm) in height and spreads to reach up to 13.1 feet (4 m) in length. Its leaves are shaped like hearts, up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide and long. When exposed to sufficient light they have a deep green color; under insufficient lighting the leaves are pale green. With age it develops a woody caudex at its base. The flower is in general form similar to those of other Ceropegia species. The corolla grows to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in length and is a mixed coloring of off-white and pale magenta. The five petals are a deeper purple.

Photo via sedumphotos.net

How to Grow and Care

A gritty compost is suitable, and clay pots help with drainage, especially for the species with white thickened roots which are the most susceptible to rotting and for species forming large tubers. Ceropegias appreciate water and a little fertilizer during warm weather, although some care with watering is required for the more difficult species. The vine-like species can suffer from prolonged drought. In the more succulent species, stems layered on the compost will produce roots from their lower surface, and climbing reproductive flowering shoots which can be allowed to hang down or twine around supports. Vine-like species readily root from cuttings inserted vertically in the soil to the bottom of a pair of leaves. A minimum over-wintering temperature of 50°F (10°C) is adequate providing the plants are kept dry… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Ceropegia.