Photo: Sunčana BradleyCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Linear Ceropegia Plant Care
Ceropegia linearis E.Mey.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique plant is characterized by its long, slender vines with delicate, heart-shaped leaves. Originating from South Africa, Ceropegia linearis is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unusual appearance and ability to thrive in low-light conditions, making it a perfect addition to any indoor garden.
Every 14–21 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Linear Ceropegia?
Water Linear Ceropegia every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Linear Ceropegia Native To?
What Is the Linear Ceropegia?
Linear Ceropegia (Ceropegia linearis) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Ceropegia genus. Linear Ceropegia is native to Southern Africa. Linear Ceropegia is also known as String of Hearts.
Linear Ceropegia displays a trailing vine, twining growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Linear Ceropegia produces unique parachute-shaped flowers in shades of green, purple, or brown.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Linear Ceropegia?
Ceropegia linearis requires watering every 14–21 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Linear Ceropegia Need?
Linear Ceropegia thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Linear Ceropegia in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Linear Ceropegia Prefer?
Ceropegia linearis grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Linear Ceropegia prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Linear Ceropegia?
Well-draining succulent mix with sand and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Linear Ceropegia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Linear Ceropegia?
Feed Linear Ceropegia every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Linear Ceropegia?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Linear Ceropegia?
Linear Ceropegia can be propagated through stem cuttings, tubers, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to broad ceropegia plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Linear Ceropegia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Linear Ceropegia, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Linear Ceropegia?
Linear Ceropegia is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Linear Ceropegia Need?
Linear Ceropegia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Linear Ceropegia is native to Southern Africa. In cooler regions, grow Linear Ceropegia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Linear Ceropegia is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Ceropegia genus — compare its care with other Ceropegia species on PlantoScan.
Ceropegia is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
Linear Ceropegia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Ceropegia Species
Other Ceropegia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ceropegia linearis E.Mey., family Apocynaceae (first published in Comm. Pl. Afr. Austr. : 194 (1838)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Linear Ceropegia, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Sunčana Bradley, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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