String of hearts Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 1,350 found this helpful

No confirmed toxicity to humans, cats, dogs, or horses has been documented in peer-reviewed scientific literature

The plant is not intended or appropriate for use as feed for any companion animal or livestock species

Closely related other Ceropegia species may have differing toxicity profiles, so accurate plant identification is critical

FAQ

Is String of hearts toxic to Humans?

No known toxic symptoms reported from incidental ingestion of small quantities (Non-toxic)

Is String of hearts toxic to Cats?

No reported harmful effects following ingestion in cats (Non-toxic)

Is String of hearts toxic to Dogs?

No reported harmful effects following ingestion in dogs (Non-toxic)

Is String of hearts toxic to Horses?

No reported harmful effects following ingestion in horses (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms reported from incidental ingestion of small quantities

Cats

Non-toxic

No reported harmful effects following ingestion in cats

Dogs

Non-toxic

No reported harmful effects following ingestion in dogs

Horses

Non-toxic

No reported harmful effects following ingestion in horses

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo toxic plant parts have been identified; available literature confirms no known toxicity, though the plant is not intended for consumption

Exposure RouteOral ingestion is the only documented potential exposure route; no contact or dermal toxicity has been reported

Toxic CompoundsNo toxic chemical compounds have been isolated or reported for this species in peer-reviewed literature

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse the mouth of the exposed person or pet with clean water to remove remaining plant matter
• Monitor for mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea for 2-4 hours post-ingestion
• Document the ingested amount and confirm plant identity to share with medical providers if needed

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet exhibits persistent vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or other unusual symptoms after ingestion
• If your pet has ingested a very large quantity of the plant, even if no symptoms are visible
• If you cannot confirm the plant is this non-toxic Ceropegia species and suspect a toxic lookalike

Prevention

• Keep all ornamental houseplants out of reach of young children and unsupervised pets
• Confirm exact plant identification before placing it in areas accessible to livestock or companion animals
• Never feed ornamental plants to any animal, even if they are classified as non-toxic

Treatment & Prognosis

• Only supportive care is required, as no specific antidote is needed for this non-toxic species
• Treat mild gastrointestinal symptoms with fluid replacement and rest as recommended by a medical provider
• Rule out ingestion of toxic lookalike plants if severe or unexpected symptoms develop

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameCeropegia linearis E.Mey. subsp. woodii (Schltr.) H.Huber; Ceropegia woodii Schltr.

AliasesChain of hearts、Collar of hearts、Rosary vine、Hearts-on-a-string、Sweetheart vine

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No organ systems are known to be targeted by toxic compounds from this plant

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism has been identified, as the plant does not contain known harmful bioactive compounds

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle, sheep, and goats: No known toxicity, but ingestion is not recommended as the plant is not suitable for use as livestock feed

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): No reported toxic effects, but ornamental plants are not appropriate as a food source for these species

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Ceropegia species Ceropegia spp.

Many other Ceropegia species have not been assessed for toxicity and may carry different risk levels. This species is distinguishable by its small, trailing heart-shaped succulent leaves.

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Related Toxic Plants

Oleander

Nerium oleander

Severe toxicity; ingestion of even small amounts can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmia in humans and animals

Common Milkweed

Asclepias syriaca

Moderate toxicity; causes gastrointestinal distress and neurological symptoms in pets and livestock

Desert Rose

Adenium obesum

High toxicity; contains cardiac glycosides that can trigger heart failure in exposed humans and animals

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Data Sources

1. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.