At a glance
- Light
- Bright light, some sun
- Typical interval
- Every 8 to 12 days (summer)
Every 17 to 25 days, sometimes less (winter) - Climate
- 18–27 °C
- Humidity
- 40–60 %
- Pet safety
- Not confirmed pet-safe
- Scientific name
- Ceropegia woodii
When and how much water
Water string of hearts when the top 5 cm of soil feel dry. In summer that’s typically every 8 to 12 days. In winter, slow down to every 17 to 25 days, sometimes less. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Light and placement
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 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
String of hearts is comfortable between 18 and 27 °C. Below 10 °C the leaves start taking damage, so keep it clear of cold drafts and unheated rooms.
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
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Common questions
How often should I water a String of hearts?
Water your string of hearts (Ceropegia woodii) when the top 5 cm of soil feel dry. In summer, that’s typically every 8 to 12 days. In winter, slow down to every 17 to 25 days, sometimes less.
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.
Is String of hearts safe for cats and dogs?
String of hearts is not listed in the ASPCA’s toxic and non-toxic plant database, so we cannot confirm it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep it out of reach of pets, and call your vet if your pet chews it.
Why are my String of hearts’s leaves turning yellow or drooping?
On a string of hearts, yellowing and soft growth usually mean overwatering: watch for yellowing leaves, mushy stems, or tuber rot. Let the soil dry further between waterings and check drainage. If you see wrinkled flat leaves, shriveled leaves, or thinning vines instead, it’s likely thirsty. Water a little more often. With Botanicaly Pro, Botanicaly Bot can help assess visible signs from a photo and suggest possible causes.
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
Last reviewed: 2026-09-21
