A Guide to Popular & Rare String of Hearts Varieties

The String of Hearts, Ceropegia woodii, is a popular trailing houseplant with delicate, heart-shaped leaves on slender vines. Native to southern Africa, this succulent vine is a frequent choice for hanging baskets and for draping over shelves. Beyond the classic form, a diverse world of cultivars exists, offering a range of colors and leaf shapes for enthusiasts to explore.

Common String of Hearts Varieties

Standard String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)

The standard Ceropegia woodii is the most recognizable variety. Its leaves are distinctly heart-shaped, typically measuring 1-2 cm in both width and length. The upper surface of the leaf is a deep green, adorned with a mottled pattern of silvery-gray. This intricate pattern contrasts with the underside of the leaves, which often carries a purplish hue.

The thin, wiry vines have a purple to pinkish tint and can grow several feet long, creating a dramatic trailing effect. Along these stems, small tubers can form at the nodes, resembling tiny potatoes. These tubers store water and nutrients, contributing to the plant’s drought-tolerant nature.

Variegated String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii ‘Variegata’)

For those who appreciate more color, the Variegated String of Hearts is a popular cultivar. This variety maintains the classic heart-shaped leaves but introduces splashes of pink and cream into the foliage. The standard silver mottling is present, but it is overlaid with variegation along the leaf margins.

The intensity of this pink coloration is directly influenced by the amount of light the plant receives. To complement the colorful leaves, the stems of the variegated variety are a strong purple or deep pink.

Silver Glory String of Hearts

The Silver Glory String of Hearts stands apart with a more minimalist aesthetic. Its leaves are almost entirely covered in a soft, silvery sheen, with only a thin margin of dark green at the very edge. This gives the foliage a frosted appearance that is distinct from the mottled pattern of the standard variety.

Another defining feature of Silver Glory is its leaf shape; instead of the traditional pointed heart, the leaves are often more rounded and apple-shaped. The stems are a rich burgundy, providing a subtle contrast to the pale foliage.

String of Spades

The String of Spades, also known by the cultivar name ‘Heartless’, offers a departure from the classic heart shape. As its name suggests, the leaves are shaped more like spades, with a pointed, triangular form. This gives the plant a sharper, more angular look.

The foliage is a bright green with lighter green mottling, but it lacks the silver markings of the standard type. The undersides of the leaves are not burgundy, and the stems are a very light pink.

Rare and Unique String of Hearts Cultivars

Orange River String of Hearts

Among the more uncommon cultivars is the Orange River String of Hearts. This variety is distinguished by its unique coloration and leaf form. The leaves are typically narrower and more lance-shaped than the standard heart shape. Its most notable characteristic is the coloration of its stems, which can display shades of red and orange.

The foliage itself has a lighter, almost washed-out green appearance, which allows the colorful stems to stand out. This variety is named after the Orange River in South Africa.

String of Arrows

Similar to the String of Spades, the String of Arrows variety features leaves that deviate from the typical heart shape. The leaves are distinctly pointed and triangular, resembling arrowheads. They are generally dark green with some lighter green or pale mottling, and the stems can appear greenish or brownish.

The primary appeal lies in its uniquely shaped foliage, which provides a different texture and silhouette compared to its rounder-leaved relatives.

Mini Star String of Hearts

The Mini Star String of Hearts is a less common variety appreciated for its petite foliage. The leaves are smaller than the standard Ceropegia woodii and have a shape that can be described as star-like or spade-like. Its compact size and densely packed leaves give it a full and lush appearance, even on shorter vines. The stems are often a very light pink, which complements the bright green of the leaves.

Durban String of Hearts

The Durban String of Hearts is another rare cultivar, sometimes associated with the ‘Heartless’ or String of Spades type due to its leaf shape. Its leaves are not heart-shaped but are more pointed. The foliage is a brighter green than the standard variety, with light green mottling and light pink stems.

What sets it apart is its regional association with the Durban area of South Africa, a biodiverse region known for unique flora. Collectors seek out this variety for its specific lineage.

Care Differences Between Varieties

While most String of Hearts plants share similar foundational care needs, the primary difference among varieties lies in their light requirements. This is particularly evident when comparing standard green types to variegated and lighter-colored cultivars. The coloration of these specialized varieties depends heavily on the intensity and duration of light exposure.

Variegated and silver-leafed plants, such as the Variegated String of Hearts and Silver Glory, require brighter, indirect light to develop and maintain their distinct colors. The pinks, creams, and silvers are produced in response to higher light levels. If these plants are kept in lower light conditions, the leaves may appear greener and less vibrant.

A common issue in variegated plants is reversion. This occurs when a plant, if deprived of adequate light, begins to produce new growth that lacks variegation. To prevent this, placing these colorful cultivars in a location with plenty of bright, filtered sunlight is recommended, such as near an east-facing window.

Choosing Your Ideal Variety

Selecting the right String of Hearts depends on your aesthetic preferences and the growing conditions you can provide. For those who appreciate the timeless appeal of this classic houseplant, the standard Ceropegia woodii is an excellent choice. If you desire a splash of color and have a bright spot to offer, the Variegated String of Hearts is a perfect fit.

If your taste leans more towards modern and minimalist design, the Silver Glory variety offers a chic look. For the dedicated plant collector, cultivars like the Orange River or String of Arrows provide a unique challenge and a rewarding addition.