String of hearts care guide
Ceropegia woodii
Quick answer
Water your string of hearts when the soil has dried out completely. In summer that’s typically every 8 to 12 days. In winter, slow down to every 17 to 25 days, sometimes less often.
- WateringWhen the soil has dried out completely
- LightBright light, some sun
- Climate16–27 °C (61–81 °F)
- Pet safetyNot confirmed pet-safe
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
When the soil has dried out completely
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 8 to 12 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 17 to 25 days, sometimes less often
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright light, some sun
String of hearts needs bright light and a little gentle direct sun, such as morning sun. Strong midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it close to an east- or west-facing window.
Feeding
Feed your string of hearts every 60 days while it’s actively growing. Use a cactus and succulent fertilizer, which is lower in nitrogen, at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate16–27 °C (61–81 °F)
Humidity40–60%
During leafy growth, aim for 16–27 °C (61–81 °F). For routine indoor care, keep it above about 10 °C (50 °F) and avoid cold drafts. This is a care guideline, not an exact damage threshold. Cooler overwintering depends on the species and its rest conditions.
It does best at 40–60% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Not confirmed pet-safe
Common questions
How often should I water a string of hearts?
Water your string of hearts (Ceropegia woodii) when the soil has dried out completely. In summer, that’s typically every 8 to 12 days. In winter, slow down to every 17 to 25 days, sometimes less often.
How much light does a string of hearts need?
String of hearts needs bright light and a little gentle direct sun, such as morning sun. Strong midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it close to an east- or west-facing window.
Why is my string of hearts turning yellow or drooping?
Yellowing, drooping and brown tips can have several causes. Check the potting mix before adding water and follow this plant’s watering and rest instructions. If the mix is still wet, do not add more water. Check drainage and roots, then light, humidity, water quality and pests. Faded color or webbing alone does not show that the roots need water.
Sources4 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · accepted name · synonymy · classification
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxLight · dry-down · soil · winter · hanging container · pests · root rot · yellowing · wilting · scorch
- University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of ExtensionLight · winter temperature · drainage · dry-down · cactus mix · fertilizer · repotting · mealybugs
- Royal Horticultural SocietySynonym identity · cactus compost · water · fertilizer · winter dryness · pests · basal rot · Bright indirect light · direct-sun scorch · low-light legginess · dry-down · humidity · temperature
- How we check our plant advice
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