Ceropegia linearis aka String Of Hearts

Ceropegia linearis is a climbing succulent. It belongs to the Apocynaceae family. Its native range starts in southern Mozambique. It extends to South Africa’s Eastern Cape. Kew places it in a tropical climate with dry seasons. The Tropical Plants Database also lists Botswana in its range. It notes plants on rocky outcrops in South African coastal bush. Gardeners grow this species for its looks, often in hanging baskets.

This evergreen perennial stays green and lives for years. It grows from a small, tuberous rootstock. Its thin stems trail or spread across the ground. They can also climb nearby plants. Some stems last one year; others live longer. RHS gives a garden height of 5–8.2 feet [1.5–2.5 metres]. Its listed spread is 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Trailing stems reach about 6.6 feet [2 metres]. Plants take two to five years to reach full size. The leaves grow at wide gaps along the stems. They are glossy and narrow, with a lance-like shape. They are fleshy in part. Each leaf may reach about 0.13 feet [0.04 metres] long.

Small, dark pink flowers may appear in late summer. The blooms form tubes. The Tropical Plants Database links leaf shape and texture to water supply. With more water, leaves stay thin and green. In drier sites, they thicken and take on a silver sheen. The trailing stems suit a basket raised above the floor. RHS also lists the plant for greenhouses and conservatories. Its long stems can hang down rather than climb supports.

For indoor care, RHS advises bright light without direct sun. The Tropical Plants Database reports growth in sun or light shade. Use houseplant compost with extra sharp sand to help water drain. RHS lists both sandy and loamy soils as suitable. The plant accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. Give modest amounts of water while the plant grows. Keep it dry in winter. Use liquid feed low in nitrogen during growth. Apply it two or three times. RHS rates it H1C, for warm sites free of frost. Plants can spend summer outdoors when the warmth suits that rating.

The plant needs no routine pruning. RHS reports few disease problems. Mealybugs may attack it. Sow seed in spring or take stem cuttings in early summer. The Tropical Plants Database records stem tubers as stock for grafting. It also notes a traditional use for chest complaints. This use involves boiled leafy stems. The report does not prove health benefits or safe doses. The database lists no known food uses or hazards. That does not confirm safety for people or pets.