Introduction

The genus Ceropegia L. (Apocynaceae: Ceropegieae) has about 244 species. This genus is mainly distributed from southern Africa to India to Australia (1). The following article is all about the care of Ceropegia plant and their types.

The name Ceropegia is derived from the Greek word keros means wax and pege meaning stram or fountain thus indicating that every flower is waxy in nature. The plants in this group are widely known as “Flytrap flowers” due to basally inflated corolla tubes with downward-pointing hairs which form a temporary trap for the small insects and flies (2). The species of this genus are widely distributed and is growing under different habits, habitats, and climate. Therefore this genus is exhibiting a tremendous diversity among the plants of different species (1).

1. Ceropegia ampliata

Common name

Horny wonder, condom plant, Bushman’s pipe

Description

This plant is a perineal twiner and has a succulent stem arising from the tuberous root. They have tubular flowers specially adapted for the capture of insects for pollination purposes (3).

Flowers

2-4 Flowers at every node open one after the other. the corolla tube has a segment at the end which forms a cage-like structure.

As a garden plant: this plant is best used as a container plant on balconies. Better to grow out in an open area as the flowers produce an unpleasant smell to attract the flies for pollination (3).

How to take care

Propagation via cutting has few nodes in the soil.

Sandy soil with little compost is enough for its good growth.

water deeply and then wait until the soil becomes completely dried up.

Pest

Mealybugs, wooly aphids, and red spider

Toxicity

Toxic

2. Ceropegia linearis

Common name

String of needles

Description

The plant grows from tuberous rootstock and reaches more than 2 meters. Like other ceropegia plants, these plants also share a similar look with a tube-like structure of the corolla.

How to  take care

The plant needs plenty of bright light, well-drained soil, and moderate water. It requires medium humidity and propagation is via stem cutting with nodes in the stem.

3. Ceropegia linearis subspecies. woodii

Common name: String of hearts, necklace vines, wood’s ceropegia, hanging milkwort, Jacob’s beard, little pitcher, chain or hearts, the collar of hearts heart vine (4). This plant reaches up to a height of 60-100 cm and a width of 40 cm. Flowering is throughout the year (5).

Care of Ceropegia plant

Light

This plant needs bright indirect light. At least 3-4 hours of direct sunlight.

Water

Moderate watering. Keep the soil moist not soggy.

Soil

Grows better in well-drained soil.

Propagation

Propagation is mainly via stem cutting and the plant is toxic to pets.