Plant comparison
English ivy vs String of hearts
Two cascading trailing plants for shelves and hanging baskets — English ivy is toxic to pets, string of hearts is ASPCA non-toxic.
| English ivy | String of hearts | |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Hedera helix | Ceropegia woodii |
| Light | Bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) | Bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) |
| Water | When the top 2 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days | When soil is dry, every 10-14 days |
| Soil | Standard potting compost | Free-draining succulent mix |
| Humidity | 40-60% | 40-60% |
| Temperature | 10-21°C (50-70°F) | 18-27°C (65-80°F) |
| USDA hardiness | 4-9 (outdoor hardy) | 10-11 (indoor in most US homes) |
| RHS hardiness | H5 (hardy throughout UK) | H1c |
| Mature size | Vines reach 1-3 m indoors | 1-3 m trailing |
| Growth habit | Trailing or climbing evergreen vine | Trailing succulent vine |
| Toxicity (cats/dogs) | Toxic to pets | Pet-safe |
Which one should you choose?
- Choose English ivy — English ivy if you prefer its trailing or climbing evergreen vine habit at vines reach 1-3 m indoors indoors.
- Choose String of hearts — String of hearts if pets share your home — it is non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA), while English ivy is toxic to pets.
Either way, the full care brief lives on each plant's own page: English ivy care and String of hearts care. For pet-safety detail see English ivy and String of hearts.
English ivy vs String of hearts — frequently asked questions
Is English ivy the same as String of hearts?
No — English ivy is Hedera helix and String of hearts is Ceropegia woodii. Two cascading trailing plants for shelves and hanging baskets — English ivy is toxic to pets, string of hearts is ASPCA non-toxic. The look can be similar, but their light, water and toxicity needs are not interchangeable.
Which is easier to care for, english ivy or string of hearts?
Easier comes down to your conditions. English ivy wants bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) and to be watered when the top 2 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days. String of hearts wants bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) and watering when soil is dry, every 10-14 days. Match the species to the brightest spot you actually have and how often you remember to water — both can be the easier pick for the right home.
Is english ivy or string of hearts safer for cats and dogs?
Per the ASPCA, English ivy is toxic to pets and String of hearts is pet-safe. String of hearts is the pet-safer choice.
How big do english ivy and string of hearts get indoors?
English ivy matures to vines reach 1-3 m indoors, with a trailing or climbing evergreen vine habit. String of hearts reaches 1-3 m trailing, trailing succulent vine. Plan for the eventual size, not the size in the nursery pot.
Can english ivy and string of hearts live in the same room?
Yes — both can share a room as long as you give each one a spot that matches its light requirement. English ivy needs bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window); String of hearts needs bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window). Group them only if their watering and humidity needs are also close, otherwise keep them on different schedules.