What is a Rosary Vine?

Rosary vine or Ceropegia woodii as it is known formally is an African vine with a climbing or sprawling growth habit. The plant is also known as string of hearts or hearts entangled after the distinctive shape of the leaves. It makes a suitable houseplant and can also be grown outdoors in very warm climates such as those found in United States Department of Agriculture zones 10 and 11. Nurseries and stores that carry houseplants may stock rosary vine or be able to order it, although the plant is considered a somewhat old fashioned houseplant in some regions of the world and consequently can be hard to find.

This plant has narrow, wiry stems covered in green heart-shaped leaves with a silver tracing on the upper side. It produces small, purplish, tube-shaped flowers periodically, especially when it is healthy and likes the growing conditions. The common name “rosary vine” is a reference to the rounded tubercles that develop on the vines, causing the plant to look like it is hiding a string of rosary beads. If the tubercles come into contact with soil, they will root, making it very easy to propagate this plant.

Whether grown indoors or outdoors, rosary vine needs well-drained soil amended with sand. It should not be overwatered, as it is a succulent and will be susceptible to rot and other problems if it is kept too moist. Ideally, the soil should dry out between waterings and the plant should not be kept in standing water if it can be avoided. Fertilizer can be provided in the spring to encourage the plant to recover from winter dormancy.

Outdoors, this plant can be grown in containers and allowed to trail and it can also be trained on a trellis or allowed to sprawl in a rock garden. Gardeners should be wary of this plant's tendency to spread, as they may not want rosary vine in every corner of the garden. Other succulents and drought tolerant plants make good companion plantings and this plant is very well suited to low water gardening, also known as xeriscaping.

Indoors, rosary vine should be grown in an area with bright, indirect light. The soil should be monitored for signs that it is too wet, and the plant should ideally be kept in a warm location. In the winter, this plant can start to look somewhat droopy, but this is normal, as the plant is entering a dormant state. Water and fertilizer should not be added to perk the plant back up.