Plant comparison
String of pearls vs String of hearts
Two delicate trailing plants for shelves and hanging pots — easy to swap one for the other by mistake.
| String of pearls | String of hearts | |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Curio rowleyanus (formerly Senecio rowleyanus) | Ceropegia woodii |
| Light | Direct sun (at least 4-6 hours) | Bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) |
| Water | When the soil is completely dry, every 2-3 weeks | When soil is dry, every 10-14 days |
| Soil | Gritty cactus or succulent mix | Free-draining succulent mix |
| Humidity | 30-50% | 40-60% |
| Temperature | 18-24°C (65-75°F) | 18-27°C (65-80°F) |
| USDA hardiness | 10-12 (indoor-only in most US homes) | 10-11 (indoor in most US homes) |
| RHS hardiness | H1c | H1c |
| Mature size | Strands reach 60-90 cm | 1-3 m trailing |
| Growth habit | Trailing succulent | Trailing succulent vine |
| Toxicity (cats/dogs) | Toxic to pets | Pet-safe |
Which one should you choose?
- Choose String of pearls — String of pearls if you prefer its trailing succulent habit at strands reach 60-90 cm indoors.
- Choose String of hearts — String of hearts if pets share your home — it is non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA), while String of pearls is toxic to pets.
Either way, the full care brief lives on each plant's own page: String of pearls care and String of hearts care. For pet-safety detail see String of pearls and String of hearts.
String of pearls vs String of hearts — frequently asked questions
Is String of pearls the same as String of hearts?
No — String of pearls is Curio rowleyanus (formerly Senecio rowleyanus) and String of hearts is Ceropegia woodii. Two delicate trailing plants for shelves and hanging pots — easy to swap one for the other by mistake. The look can be similar, but their light, water and toxicity needs are not interchangeable.
Which is easier to care for, string of pearls or string of hearts?
Easier comes down to your conditions. String of pearls wants direct sun (at least 4-6 hours) and to be watered when the soil is completely dry, every 2-3 weeks. 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 string of pearls or string of hearts safer for cats and dogs?
Per the ASPCA, String of pearls is toxic to pets and String of hearts is pet-safe. String of hearts is the pet-safer choice.
How big do string of pearls and string of hearts get indoors?
String of pearls matures to strands reach 60-90 cm, with a trailing succulent 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 string of pearls 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. String of pearls needs direct sun (at least 4-6 hours); 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.