Apocynaceae
String of Needles (Ceropegia linearis)
Ceropegia linearis
Give bright, filtered light and let the substrate dry completely between waterings. Use a well-draining succulent mix and keep temperatures between 10 and 30 C. Feed lightly in the growing season.
Every 10 days
Partial shade
10° - 30°C
40% - 60%
Categories
What is String of Needles?
String of Needles (Ceropegia linearis) is a easy-care plant from the Apocynaceae family. Ceropegia linearis is a trailing succulent vine from South Africa in the Apocynaceae family. It forms long, thin hanging stems with narrow leaves and small tubular, lantern-shaped flowers. Its subspecies woodii is the popular string of hearts.
String of Needles grows up to 1.8m, spread of 60cm, watering every 10 days, 10°C – 30°C, 40–60% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, String of Needles tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, String of Needles is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 20 days.
How to Care for String of Needles?
TLDR: String of Needles needs Partial shade, watering every 10 days, and temperatures between 10-30°C with 40-60% humidity.
How Often Should You Water String of Needles?
Water when the substrate is completely dry, about every 7 to 10 days in spring and summer and much less in winter. Avoid wetting the leaves and never leave the roots in standing water.
How Much Light Does String of Needles Need?
Bright, filtered light near a window is ideal. Avoid hot midday sun, which can scorch the leaves. Too little light makes stems long and pale.
What Is the Best Soil for String of Needles?
Use a very well-draining mix, such as cactus and succulent soil, or universal substrate with perlite, sand or pumice.
What Pot Should You Use for String of Needles?
Small pot with drainage holes, ideally hanging, since the plant prefers being slightly rootbound.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Repot
Every 900 days
What Is String of Needles and Where Does It Come From?
Ceropegia linearis is a trailing succulent vine from South Africa in the Apocynaceae family. It forms long, thin hanging stems with narrow leaves and small tubular, lantern-shaped flowers. Its subspecies woodii is the popular string of hearts.
How to Propagate String of Needles?
Stem cuttings
- Use cuttings with several nodes and leaves.
- 1 Take a cutting
Cut a stem section of 8 to 15 cm with a few nodes and leaves.
- 2 Root it
Root the cutting in water or place it on moist succulent mix with the nodes touching the soil.
- 3 Pot up
Once roots form, plant in well-draining mix and water lightly.
Materials needed:
How Big Does String of Needles Grow?
TLDR: String of Needles can reach up to 1.8m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
1.8m
Spread
60cm
Growth rate
Medium
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect String of Needles?
TLDR: String of Needles is susceptible to 9 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Fun Facts
Its subspecies woodii is the popular string of hearts.
Stems can exceed one meter in length.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
