Ceropegia stapeliiformis
stapelia rosary vine
A trailing or climbing, evergreen, succulent perennial to 1.5m tall, with fibrous roots, thick arching stems and rudimentary, tiny, triangular scale-like leaves. Tubular, hairy, light green flowers about 5cm long on twining flower stems, are marked, spotted and striped dark red-purple, and borne in summer
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey Silver Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Red | Grey Silver Green | ||
| Autumn | Grey Silver Green | |||
| Winter | Grey Silver Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Trailing, Spreading branched
- Genus
Ceropegia can be evergreen or semi-evergreen, erect, climbing to trailing, usually succulent, perennials with opposite leaves and curioously shaped flowers in summer, sometimes followed by cylindrical fruits containing silky tufted seeds
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Africa (E Cape)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in cactus compost in bright filtered light, water moderately and apply a low nitrogen liquid fertiliser 2 or 3 times during the growing season. Keep plants dry at other times
Propagation
Propagate by seed at 19-24°C (66-75°F) in early spring; alternatively take stem cuttings, 10-15cm (4-6in) long in early summer, root in a cactus compost at 22-25°C (72-77°F), and keep moist
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids and scale insects
Diseases
May be susceptible to basal rot if too wet in winter
Get involved
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