String of hearts (Ceropegia woodii) vs String of pearls (Curio rowleyanus)
Side-by-side comparison: mature size, growth habit, colour, light, watering and hardiness.
String of hearts (Ceropegia woodii) and string of pearls (Curio rowleyanus) are unrelated trailing plants with different needs. Hearts have marbled, heart-shaped leaves on thin stems, tolerate lower light and are far more forgiving of missed waterings. Pearls have spherical windowed beads that demand brighter light and very careful watering — they rot far more readily.
| Feature | String of hearts (Ceropegia woodii) | String of pearls (Curio rowleyanus) |
|---|---|---|
| Mature size | Trails 1–2 m | Trails 30–90 cm |
| Growth habit | Thin trailing stems, paired marbled heart leaves, aerial tubers | Trailing stems with spherical windowed beads |
| Leaf colour | Grey-green marbled hearts, purple undersides | Light green beads with window stripes |
| Light needs | Bright indirect; marbling deepens with light | Bright indirect; a little morning sun |
| Watering | Every 10–14 days; leaves soften when thirsty | Light and infrequent; beads rot easily if kept wet |
| Hardiness | USDA 10–12; keep above 5 °C | USDA 10–12; protect below 10 °C |
String of hearts (Ceropegia woodii) profile →
Full identification, care and common problems.
String of pearls (Curio rowleyanus) profile →
Full identification, care and common problems.