Ceropegia Care Guide
The Ceropegia (pronounced: se-ro-PEE-jee-uh) genus is a masterclass in botanical geometry. Often referred to as "curiosity plants," these succulents have surged in popularity not just for their ease of care, but for their sheer diversity of form. Native to
Houseplant collectors love growing Ceropegia because they offer a unique architectural element to any space. They can climb a trellis or trail several feet from a high shelf and provide a sophisticated, textured look that few other houseplant families can match. They are the perfect "low-effort, high-reward" plants for the modern home.
In this guide, we will explore the best practices for growing your Cereopegia indoors, covering their watering, humidity, temperature and soil needs.
💡 Did you know: The flowers on Ceropegia Woodii (String of Hearts) are designed as temporary traps. They use downward-pointing hairs to hold small flies inside until they are covered in pollen, then the hairs wither to release the insect.
How to Water Ceropegia
Ceropegia are built for survival. Because they store water in their leaves, stems, or tubers, they are much more tolerant of underwatering than overwatering.
Allow the soil to dry out completely from top to bottom before watering. In the spring and summer, this might be every 10–14 days; in winter, you may only need to water once a month.
For leafy varieties, the foliage will feel slightly soft or flexible when thirsty. For stem-heavy species, wait until the soil is bone-dry to the touch.
Our top tip: Never let your Ceropegia sit in standing water. Always discard any excess water from the decorative saucer after 15 minutes.
What Lighting is Best When Growing Ceropegia Indoors?
Lighting is the secret to those famous Ceropegia colours and blooms. A spot near an east or west-facing window provides the energy they need to grow dense foliage.
In low light, Ceropegia will become "leggy," with long stretches of stem and very little foliage or colour.
What Humidity and Temperature are Best When Growing Ceropegia Indoors?
Ceropegia are incredibly hardy when it comes to air quality, making them much easier to manage than finicky tropicals.
They thrive in standard household humidity (30–50%). They do not require misting or pebble trays; in fact, they prefer relatively dry air.
They enjoy warmth, ideally between 18°C and 26°C. Keep them away from cold window drafts or air conditioning vents during the winter.
What potting soil is best for Ceropegia?
Most Ceropegia species naturally grow in seasonally dry habitats, often as trailing or twining plants in rocky, well-drained areas, which explains why they prefer a high-draining potting mix to grow in.
To prevent root rot, you need a substrate that allows for maximum aeration, just like our Simply Cacti and Succulent Potting Mix.
Comprised of key ingredients like Coco Coir, Perlite, and Sand, our Simply Cacti Mix was meticulously crafted to cater specifically to the needs of cacti and succulents. After months of testing and refinement, we’ve created a mix that supports optimal growth while preventing the common issues of overwatering and root rot that these plants often face.
Are Ceropegia Pet-Friendly?
Yes! Ceropegia are generally considered non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. This makes them an excellent choice for households with curious pets, as they don't contain the irritating calcium oxalate crystals found in many other common houseplants.
Common Issues when Growing Ceropegia
|
Issue |
Likely Cause |
Solution |
|
Yellowing/Mushy Stems |
Overwatering |
This is usually root rot. Take cuttings of healthy growth to propagate and let the soil dry out. |
|
Dull, Green Leaves |
Lack of Light |
If a variegated variety (like the famous String of Hearts) loses its colour, move it closer to a light source. |
|
Shriveled Stems |
Extreme Thirst |
If the soil is bone dry and the plant looks wrinkled, it needs a deep "bottom-watering" soak. |
|
Cottony Tufts |
Mealybugs |
Use a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol to remove these common pests from leaf joints. |
Shop Our Full Ceropegia Collection
If you’re looking to grow your hanging houseplant collection, Ceropegia is a great pet-friendly plant option.
Explore our best-selling varieties below.
Ceropegia woodii, also known as String of Hearts from £7.99
