Ceropegia - Rosary Vine, String Of Hearts

(Cerope'gia)

DESCRIPTION: These plants are natives of South Africa and other tropical countries. Their flowers have a waxy appearance and they resemble small lanterns. These plants need a minimum winter temperature of 60 degrees. Ceropegia debilis is a threadlike vine with slender pointed foliage. Ceropegia radicans is a succulent vine with spadelike leaves and small green and white (with a touch of purple) flowers. Ceropegia woodii is also a threadlike vine with heart-shaped, silver marked leaves. It will grow very long and its flowers are purple.

POTTING: These plants are potted in equal parts of loam, peat, and leaf mold with an addition of coarse grit, charcoal, and crushed brick. During the summer, a humid, tropical climate is suitable for the growth of these plants. In the winter, water should be given to the plant sparingly, but take care not to let the soil become dust-dry.

PROPAGATION: Cuttings made from small side shoots are inserted into sand or sandy soil and placed in a propagating case in April or May.

VARIETIES: C. sandersonnii; C. debilis; C. radicans; C. woodii.

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