Image: AI generated
Chain of Hearts Plant Care
Ceropegia woodii Schltr.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Ceropegia woodii is a popular trailing plant with delicate heart-shaped leaves that grow on long thin stems. It is often grown in hanging baskets or trained to climb a trellis.
Every 14–30 days
Bright indirect
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Chain of Hearts?
Water Chain of Hearts every 14–30 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 Chain of Hearts Native To?
What Is the Chain of Hearts?
Chain of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Ceropegia genus. Chain of Hearts is native to South Africa. Chain of Hearts is also known as Collar of Hearts, String of Hearts, Rosary Vine.
Chain of Hearts displays a trailing, vine-like growth habit, reaching up to 4.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6.5 ft. Chain of Hearts produces umbrella-like canopy, with five or more petals for each flower.
How Often Should You Water a Chain of Hearts?
Ceropegia woodii requires watering every 14–30 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 14–30 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Chain of Hearts Need?
Chain of Hearts thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Chain of Hearts in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Chain of Hearts Prefer?
Ceropegia woodii grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Chain of Hearts prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Chain of Hearts?
Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Chain of Hearts to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Chain of Hearts?
Feed Chain of Hearts 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 Chain of Hearts?
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 Chain of Hearts?
Chain of Hearts can be propagated through stem cuttings or division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to parachute plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Chain of Hearts Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
We have no verified record for Chain of Hearts, 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 Chain of Hearts?
Chain of Hearts 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 Chain of Hearts Need?
Chain of Hearts grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Chain of Hearts is native to South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Chain of Hearts as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Chain of Hearts 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.
Chain of Hearts thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ceropegia woodii Schltr., family Apocynaceae (first published in Beibl. Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 45: 34 (1894)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: we have no verified record for Chain of Hearts, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Any toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, 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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