15 Unique Ceropegia Plants That Trail Beautifully

You’ll discover that Ceropegia plants offer more than just cascading greenery for your indoor spaces. These trailing beauties, with their distinct leaf shapes and growth patterns, can transform ordinary hanging baskets into living art. From the heart-shaped leaves of the classic Chain of Hearts to the playful curves of the String of Dolphins, each variety brings its own charm. Let’s explore these fascinating specimens, starting with the most popular choices.

1. Waxy Chain of Hearts

The Waxy Chain of Hearts (Ceropegia linearis subsp. woodii) is a trailing succulent vine known for its distinctive heart-shaped leaves with silvery marbling patterns and waxy texture. This popular houseplant produces long, delicate vines that can grow several feet in length, making it perfect for hanging baskets or climbing displays. Its leaves are small, typically measuring around 1 inch across, and grow in pairs along thin, purple-tinged stems. The plant also develops unusual tubular flowers that resemble small lanterns in shades of purple and pink.

• Light: Bright indirect light; can tolerate some direct morning sun but should be protected from harsh afternoon sunlight
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; water sparingly in winter
• Soil: Well-draining succulent or cactus mix
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Humidity: Tolerates average household humidity
• Container: Pot with drainage holes
• Fertilizer: Light feeding during growing season with balanced houseplant fertilizer
• Propagation: Stem cuttings or tubers

2. String of Watermelon Hearts

String of Watermelon Hearts (Ceropegia linearis subsp. woodii ‘Watermelon’) is a charming trailing succulent variety featuring heart-shaped leaves with striking watermelon-like patterns. The leaves display a silvery-green marbling on their upper surface, resembling watermelon rind, while the undersides show a deep purple coloration. This compact trailing plant forms long chains of leaves, making it perfect for hanging baskets or cascading over the edges of elevated containers.

• Light: Bright indirect light to partial shade; protect from harsh afternoon sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining succulent mix with added perlite or sand
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); not frost tolerant
• Humidity: Tolerates average household humidity levels
• Container: Pot with drainage holes
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings

3. Fuzzy String of Beads

The Fuzzy String of Beads (Ceropegia woodii forma variegata), also known as String of Hearts Sweetheart Vine, is a trailing succulent featuring small, heart-shaped leaves covered in fine, silvery hairs that give the plant its fuzzy appearance. These delicate vines cascade downward, making them perfect for hanging baskets or elevated containers, with stems that can grow several feet long. The plant produces unique purplish-brown tubular flowers, though they’re not the main attraction compared to its distinctive foliage.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate some direct morning sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; more water during growing season, reduce in winter
• Soil: Well-draining succulent mix or regular potting soil mixed with perlite
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Humidity: Tolerates average household humidity
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Must have drainage holes
• Propagation: Easy to propagate from stem cuttings or tubers

4. String of Dolphins

String of Dolphins (Senecio peregrinus) is a charming trailing succulent known for its unique curved leaves that resemble tiny leaping dolphins. This hybrid plant, created from crossing String of Pearls and Candle Plant, features delicate blue-green foliage that cascades gracefully from hanging baskets or tall containers. The leaves grow along thin, trailing stems that can reach lengths of up to 3 feet, making it an excellent choice for indoor hanging displays or as a trailing accent in succulent arrangements.

• Light: Bright indirect light; can tolerate some direct morning sun but protect from harsh afternoon sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; water thoroughly when top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry
• Soil: Well-draining succulent or cactus mix
• Temperature: 70-80°F (21-27°C); minimum 50°F (10°C)
• Humidity: Average household humidity; tolerates dry conditions
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Pot with drainage holes; hanging baskets or containers that allow for trailing growth
• Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings

5. String of Needles

The String of Needles (Ceropegia linearis) is a trailing succulent with distinctive long, thin leaves that resemble needles or pins. These slender, cylindrical leaves grow along thin stems that can cascade down several feet, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or elevated planters. The plant produces unique, tube-like flowers that are typically purple or brownish in color, though blooming is relatively rare in cultivation.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate some direct morning sun but needs protection from harsh afternoon sunlight
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter; susceptible to root rot if overwatered
• Soil: Well-draining succulent mix or regular potting soil amended with perlite and sand
• Temperature: Prefers 65-80°F (18-27°C); protect from frost
• Humidity: Tolerates average household humidity levels
• Fertilizer: Feed with diluted succulent fertilizer during growing season (spring and summer)
• Container: Use pots with drainage holes; hanging baskets or elevated containers ideal for trailing stems

6. Rare String of Spades

The String of Spades (Ceropegia linearis subsp. woodii ‘Silver Glory’) is a rare variety of the Chain of Hearts plant featuring distinctive silvery-gray, spade-shaped leaves with dark green margins. This trailing succulent produces delicate vines that can grow several feet long, making it perfect for hanging baskets or as a shelf accent. The leaves are smaller than the common Chain of Hearts and have a more pronounced metallic sheen, adding to their unique appeal.

• Light: Bright indirect light to partial sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining succulent mix with added perlite
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Humidity: Tolerates average household humidity
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Use hanging baskets or containers with drainage holes
• Propagation: Through stem cuttings or tubers

7. Lantern Chain of Stars

The Lantern Chain of Stars (Ceropegia linearis) is a trailing succulent vine known for its distinctive tubular flowers that resemble tiny Chinese lanterns. These unique blooms emerge in clusters along thin, pendant stems and typically display a combination of green, purple, and maroon colors. The plant’s slender, string-like stems can grow several feet long, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or climbing displays where its delicate chains of flowers can cascade gracefully.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but needs protection from harsh afternoon rays
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter months
• Soil: Well-draining succulent or cactus mix
• Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C)
• Humidity: Tolerates average household humidity
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Pot with drainage holes; hanging baskets ideal
• Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings

8. String of Arrows

String of Arrows (Ceropegia linearis subsp. woodii) is a trailing succulent vine known for its distinctive arrow-shaped leaves that grow along thin, purple stems. The leaves are dark green with silvery marbling patterns on the upper surface and purple undersides, creating an eye-catching display when cascading from hanging baskets or climbing up supports. This plant produces unusual lantern-like flowers in pink and purple hues, though blooming is relatively rare in cultivation.

• Light: Bright indirect light; can tolerate some direct morning sun; protect from harsh afternoon sunlight
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter; sensitive to overwatering
• Soil: Well-draining succulent or cactus mix
• Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C); not frost tolerant
• Humidity: Tolerates average household humidity levels
• Container: Use hanging baskets or containers with drainage holes
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Propagation: Easily propagated from stem cuttings or tubers

9. String of Buttons

String of Buttons (Ceropegia woodii ‘String of Buttons’) is a trailing succulent plant with thick, button-like leaves arranged along thin, pendant stems. The rounded leaves are green to silvery-green with purple undersides, growing in opposite pairs that give the appearance of buttons sewn onto a string. This compact plant is perfect for hanging baskets or elevated containers where its stems can cascade gracefully, typically reaching lengths of 2-3 feet.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate some direct morning sun but protect from harsh afternoon sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter; drought tolerant
• Soil: Well-draining succulent or cactus mix
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); can tolerate down to 50°F (10°C)
• Humidity: Adaptable to average household humidity
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Pot with drainage holes; hanging baskets or elevated planters ideal
• Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings

10. String of Dumplings

String of Dumplings (Ceropegia woodii ‘String of Dumplings’) is a trailing succulent featuring plump, round leaves that resemble small green dumplings strung along thin, purple stems. This unique variety is a cultivar of the String of Hearts plant, displaying thicker, more spherical foliage than its parent plant. The leaves grow in opposite pairs and can reach lengths of several feet when properly maintained, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or elevated containers.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate some direct morning sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining succulent or cactus mix
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Humidity: Tolerates average household humidity
• Fertilizer: Light feeding during growing season with balanced fertilizer
• Container: Pot with drainage holes
• Propagation: Stem cuttings or tubers

11. String of Jade Teardrops

String of Jade Teardrops (Ceropegia distincta) is a unique trailing succulent featuring distinctive teardrop-shaped leaves that dangle from delicate vines. The fleshy, pale green leaves resemble small jade stones strung together, creating an elegant cascading effect perfect for hanging baskets or elevated planters. This relatively rare Ceropegia species grows slowly but can reach impressive lengths when properly cared for.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but protect from harsh afternoon rays
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining succulent or cactus mix
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Humidity: Tolerates average household humidity
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Pot with drainage holes; hanging baskets or elevated planters ideal
• Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings

12. Ruby Chain of Arrows

The Ruby Chain of Arrows (Ceropegia linearis subsp. woodii ‘Ruby’) is a striking trailing succulent featuring heart-shaped leaves in deep burgundy to purple hues with silver marbling patterns. This unique variety of the traditional String of Hearts plant produces delicate vining stems that can grow several feet long, making it perfect for hanging baskets or elevated planters. The plant occasionally produces small, tubular flowers in pink to purple shades, though it’s primarily grown for its distinctive foliage coloration.

• Light: Bright indirect light with some direct morning sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun
• Water: Allow top 2-3 inches of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining succulent or cactus mix
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Humidity: Tolerates average household humidity; prefers 40-50%
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly with diluted balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Use pot with drainage holes
• Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings or tubers

13. String of Flames

String of Flames (Ceropegia linearis subsp. woodii ‘Orange’) is a striking trailing succulent that features distinctive heart-shaped leaves in vibrant orange to copper hues. This rare variety of the string of hearts plant creates cascading chains of foliage that can grow several feet long, making it perfect for hanging baskets or elevated planters. The orange coloration becomes more intense with proper sun exposure, and like other Ceropegia varieties, it produces small, tubular purple flowers.

• Light: Bright indirect light to partial sun; morning sun is ideal; protect from harsh afternoon sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter; drought tolerant
• Soil: Well-draining succulent or cactus mix
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); not frost hardy
• Humidity: Tolerates average household humidity
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Must have drainage holes; hanging baskets or elevated pots recommended

14. Chain of Dancing Petals

The Chain of Dancing Petals variety of Ceropegia features delicate, elongated flowers that appear to be dancing in sequence along trailing vines. These unique blooms typically display shades of pink, purple, or white, with intricate patterns that resemble tiny ballerinas twirling in synchronized motion. The flowers emerge in clusters along the slender stems, creating a graceful, cascading effect that makes this plant particularly striking in hanging baskets or when allowed to trail from elevated surfaces.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some morning sun but needs protection from harsh afternoon rays
• Water: Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining, light potting mix with added perlite or orchid bark
• Humidity: Moderate to high humidity levels (50-70%)
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced liquid fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Pot with adequate drainage holes
• Growing Medium pH: 6.0-7.0

15. String of Silver Moons

String of Silver Moons (Ceropegia linearis woodii f. variegata) is a stunning trailing succulent with heart-shaped leaves featuring silvery-white variegation against dark green coloring. This variegated form of the String of Hearts plant produces delicate vining stems that can grow several feet long, making it perfect for hanging baskets or high shelves. The plant’s distinctive moon-like leaf patterns and graceful trailing habit create an ethereal appearance, while its succulent nature makes it relatively easy to maintain.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; water less in winter; susceptible to root rot if overwatered
• Soil: Well-draining succulent mix or regular potting soil amended with perlite and sand
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); can tolerate brief periods below 60°F
• Humidity: Tolerates average home humidity; no special requirements
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Must have drainage holes; terra cotta pots work well
• Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings or tubers