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The Rosary Vine

Ceropegia woodii
June 9 , 1999

Hi, I was wondering if you could tell me if you have heard of a plant called chain of hearts or also I have heard it called Hawaiian potato ball its a vine with no blooms an has very small leaves that look like hearts. any info would be appreciated. thank you

Rosary plant, Ceropegia woodii

From your description, I believe your plant is Ceropegia woodii. It is also known as a Rosary plant, Hearts entangled, or String of hearts..... Cool plant, I like them a lot.The Rosary plant makes an excellent house plant due to it's durability. It can withstand neglect, dry air, or drought, and bounce back with a single watering. (not to say that you should neglect it...)
The vines of the Rosary plant are like thin wires with marbled, heart shaped leaves. They will reach two to four feet in length, so the plant should be hung or set on a pedestal where it will receive bright light for most of the day. (Full sun is ok, if some protection is provided during the hottest part of the day) Ceropegias prefer summer temperatures around 70-75 degrees, but during the winter, when it is dormant, it should be kept in a cooler room if possible (60-65 degrees).
This plant is somewhat succulent, so be careful to never overwater, or allow it to set in water. Water thoroughly, and then allow the soil to completely dry out before watering again. During the active growing period of spring and summer, the Rosary plant should be fed monthly with an all purpose liquid houseplant food diluted to half strength. Use a porous potting soil with coarse sand added when you repot this vine in early spring, making sure to provide adequate drainage.

Two unique features of the Rosary vine are the flowers and the 'beads'.

The slender flowers resemble an inverted, small pink vase. The end of the tube is partly closed by delicate purple bars. You'll find that hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers if your plant is placed outdoors during the summer months.

The beads are small tubers which form along the stem at the leaf bases. These beads can be planted to produce new vines. Just press the tuber into the soil, and keep it moist (not wet) If possible, plant the bead while it is still attached to the mother plant, for speedier rooting. Once rooted and growing, the new plant can be easily severed from the main plant.

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