The Ceropegia woodii, commonly known as the String of Hearts, is a highly sought-after trailing houseplant celebrated for its unique, succulent-like foliage. This perennial vine, native to parts of Southern Africa, features slender, cascading stems adorned with small, heart-shaped leaves. The visual appeal of its delicate, patterned leaves makes it a prized addition to shelves and hanging baskets. Its tolerance for neglect, typical of succulent species, contributes to its widespread popularity.
Identifying Different Varieties
Before purchasing, knowing the specific variety of Ceropegia woodii you are looking for can inform your search, as rarity often influences availability and cost. The standard variety features deep green, heart-shaped leaves marked with a faint silvery-green pattern or mottling along the veins. These leaves are often complemented by stems and undersides that display a deep reddish or burgundy hue.
A highly desirable alternative is the ‘Variegated String of Hearts,’ which exhibits striking splashes of cream, white, and pink, particularly around the edges of the heart-shaped leaves. The pink coloring in this cultivar intensifies when the plant receives bright, indirect light. The ‘Silver Glory’ cultivar features leaves that are more rounded, sometimes described as apple-shaped, with a dense overlay of silver mottling. This abundant silver coloration leaves only a thin dark green border, making it visually distinct from the standard variety.
Primary Sources for Acquisition
The most reliable sources for acquiring a String of Hearts can generally be categorized into three main types, each with its own advantages for the buyer. Specialized online nurseries and large e-commerce platforms offer the greatest selection, frequently stocking the rarer ‘Variegated’ and ‘Silver Glory’ cultivars. While this option provides access to plants not locally available, it introduces the risk of shipping stress or damage, which necessitates careful inspection upon arrival. Buyers should also consider the added expense of shipping and, in colder months, the required purchase of heat packs to protect the plant during transit.
Local nurseries and independent garden centers provide the benefit of physical inspection, allowing you to assess the plant’s overall health and root structure before committing to a purchase. Choosing a local source also eliminates shipping shock and provides an opportunity to receive specific, regionalized care advice from staff. However, these local stores often carry only the standard green or the most common variegated varieties, limiting the selection of unique cultivars.
The third option is purchasing from large big-box retailers, which offer high accessibility and a lower initial price point. While convenient, the selection at these stores is usually limited, and the plants may have received inconsistent care, particularly regarding watering. Overwatering is a common issue in retail settings, so a thorough check for signs of root rot is advisable when buying from these accessible locations.
Understanding Current Market Pricing
The price of a String of Hearts plant is determined by several factors, including the plant’s size, its specific variety, and the method of purchase. Cuttings or small, two-inch pots of the variegated variety are a lower-cost entry point, often selling for $6 to $11. Established plants in a standard four-inch nursery pot will command a higher price, with the common green type generally ranging from $15 to $30.
The premium varieties carry a higher cost due to their slower growth rate and high demand among collectors. A four-inch pot of the ‘Variegated’ cultivar can be priced from $28 up to $66, depending on the plant’s fullness and the seller’s market. This price fluctuation is also influenced by the seller’s location and whether the cost includes specialized shipping. The cost ultimately reflects the plant’s rarity and the time taken to grow a full, established specimen.
Essential Care After Purchase
The first week after acquiring a String of Hearts requires focused attention to ensure a successful transition. Upon unpacking, immediately isolate the plant from other houseplants to perform a detailed pest inspection. Look closely at the stems and undersides of the leaves for small insects like mealybugs or spider mites.
Next, place the plant in a location with stable temperatures and bright, indirect light to begin its acclimation period. Avoid placing it near air conditioning units, heating vents, or drafty windows, as sudden temperature shifts can severely stress the plant. Resist the urge to water the plant immediately, as this species prefers its soil to dry out completely between waterings, and excess moisture is the primary cause of root issues.
Repotting should also be delayed for at least a week to allow the plant to adjust to its new home, unless the soil is visibly waterlogged or the plant arrived bare-root. If a cutting was purchased, keep the rooting medium lightly moist for a week or two to encourage new root development before transitioning to the standard drier watering schedule.