Ceropegia Woodii Mini Star originates from South Africa and Zimbabwe and is one of the easier indoor plants to grow. It doesn’t require much attention, nor is it a difficult plant to manage.
It is a houseplant favourite, but this recognition comes not only from its simplicity to grow.
Their unique heart-shaped leaves linked via elegant foliage are also a reason for their demand to surge.
The plant is lush and beautiful and its colour will catch eyes without fail.
Hence, if you are a beginner, or are just looking for something simple to grow- why not try this?
Let’s dive in.
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Plant description
Ceropegia Woodii is the plant’s botanist name, but we commonly know the plant as ‘chains of hearts’. Or less commonly, as ‘hearts on strings’.
From both names, we can kind of guess what the plant looks like…
It has a thin stem which acts as the ‘chain’ or ‘string’ that links tiny heart-shaped leaves. The long stems drape downwards to give a cool trailing plant.
The lush foliages have a mix of colours- including pink, green and silver with a rather succulent type texture (hard, dry leaves).
Benefits of Ceropegia Woodii Mini Star
Overall, the plant has a lot of benefits. This includes:
Versatile
The plant gives you the option to either grow in a hanging basket or grow from a pot. With both, you have the option to let the foliage grow and trail downwards.
We can practically grow a hanging basket anywhere in the house. Just hang high enough to allow the foliages to drape down.
Likewise, when you grow in a pot, choose a location high enough. Common locations to grow include a shelf or a kitchen cupboard.
Grows fast
The plant may not be as famous as Monstera or Succulents, but it a simple plant that can grow quick. Hence, if you get a baby plant, then be ready for the plant to shoot!
Propagate easily
If you fall in love with this plant, I am certain you will want to grow more.
Propagation is a very effective method to allow you to do this. And it’s free!
For some plants, propagation can be difficult, but for this plant, it is very simple.
I will explain step by step how you can propagate later in this post.
Grow in a hanging basket
The plants exquisite foliages draping down makes this perfect for home decor. In my opinion, the Mini Star will fit in with any design or room you choose to grow them in.
The trailing stems can reach down 100cm or more. If you feel like they are too long, you have the option to cut them short. Hence, you have a variety of options to suit your home.
Good Tip!
Use clean sheers if you decide to cut the trailing plant
Because of their thin stems, we can grow them in narrow spaces, unlike other hanging plants, which can get bushy and compact.
On a side note, if you want a bushy hanging plant, then you should try growing a hanging Spider Plant.
How to set up a hanging basket
To set up a hanging basket differs from how you would grow a plant in a pot. Most of you probably have never grown from a hanging basket before, but I assure you if you follow the steps below, the process is simple.
The steps are:
STEP 1- Find a ceiling joint or a wall stud
This is important. It will keep your plant secure and will eliminate the risk of your hanging plant falling or becoming unstable.
You can use a wall stud finder if you are not sure how to locate a wall stud. Check out this link here to help you how to locate a wall stud.
STEP 2- Choose a strong basket
Choose a strong hanging basket and use a metal chain to hang the plant.
There is a recent trend to use a rope to hang your basket, but I would recommend you stick with metal.
The spider plant will get heavy and bushy and a strong basket, with a strong metal chain on a wall stud, is perfect for stability and to minimise any risk of a hanging basket collapsing on your head!
STEP 3- Fill your basket with a liner
To prevent soil or water from spilling over, cover your basket with a liner.
You may need to overlap two rectangular liners to make sure there are no gaps.
STEP 4- Add soil
Add a soil mix to the bottom third of the basket. Press against the bottom and the edges of the basket to fill the base.
Carefully, place the plant in the basket.
Good Tip!
Tuck the plant into the soil using a side-to-side movement. This will prevent the roots from getting damaged.
Step 5- Add more soil
Keep adding soil to fill the rest of the basket. Fill the basket in small stages and press the soil down gently with your fingers.
Step 6- Water
Water the soil and let it drain before hanging up your basket.
How to care for Ceropegia Woodii Mini Star
The plant is simple to look after, but there are a few things you will need to monitor:
Light
Native to sunny areas, the plant loves the sun. Hence, give the plant bright light. A lot of bright light!
However, avoid direct sunlight. This will scorch the leaves and leave them damaged.
Soil
Use soil that offers good drainage. The plant does not like to be kept soggy, and that is why I would recommend you add part compost to your soil.
Compost has good drainage properties and is a must for plants like the Ceropegia Woodii Mini Star.
Water
Water only when the soil becomes dry. The plant does not like to be kept wet as it can lead to root rot.
Because of the plant’s semi-succulent nature, maintenance is minimal. This is helpful, especially if you are growing a very high hanging plant.
Temperature
The plant loves around 40-50% humidity and will thrive at a temperature anywhere between 18-24 degrees Celsius.
Growing indoors in the UK during the summer will be optimal and you will not have to worry about maintaining a set temperature.
However, in winter it will get difficult to maintain a good temperature. Invest in a dehumidifier or use a humidity tray to help. Also, a light lamp can help with heat and lighting. This can be an effective way to keep a ‘tropical climate’ in winter.
Tips
Bring out the vibrant colour
If you feel like the plant is lacking colour, grow the plant in plenty of light. The pink, evergreen and silver colours become more vibrant and this helps to give a striking appearance to the plant.
Plant Outdoors
Despite the plant’s popularity soaring as a houseplant, we can also grow it outdoors.
Just be careful when growing in colder climates as the plant will need protection from frost.
Prune your plant
The plant will not get as bushy/wild as other hanging plants will. However, pruning the plant is important. This will help maintain a clean look to the plant.
Use clean sheers to cut off any dead, damaged or decaying leaves. If a stem is going sideways, cut it off.
Do your best to keep the slim, vertical shape of the foliages trailing down.
Plant propagation
Propagation is a fun way to make babies of Ceropegia Woodii.
The plant is not cheap and trust me, growing one will urge you to grow another. And not to forget the friends or family who will ask you to generously donate your plant!
Here are the steps below:
Step 1- Find a node
Locate a nodule on the vine and cut a few cm above using clean sheers.
Step 2- Place into soil
Place the new cutting into fresh soil
Step 3- Give light and water
Give plenty of light and water to the soil to aid plant growth.
Step 4- Wait
Over a couple of weeks, the nodules will send down roots into the soil and help start the growth of a new plant.
Step 5- Plant in a pot
Once the roots come out and are roughly 5-10cm, place the plant into a new pot.
Wash the roots before planting them in a new pot.
Final words
The gorgeous Ceropegia Woodii Mini Star is a breathtaking plant that adds beauty and is simple to grow.
This semi-succulent has lush heart-shaped leaves linked via eloquent foliages. It is a great plant to grow for beginners and for those who do not have time on their hands.
Overall, it is a versatile plant, giving you the option to either grow it in a hanging basket or a pot. It doesn’t need much looking after and is easy to propagate too!
Keep the plant clean, prune when needed and oh my, just sit back and let the plant’s beauty mesmerise you.
Good luck!
