Overview

Ceropegia is a climbing cactus succulent in the genus Ceropegia, part of the Apocynaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Ceropegia grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1a. Suggested uses include houseplant.

About

Ceropegia is a climbing cactus succulent in the family Apocynaceae, with a climbing habit and evergreen foliage. It is grown primarily as a houseplant in the UK and flowers from June to September. It prefers a sheltered, south-facing spot in full sun and a neutral, loam-based free-draining substrate. Treat as a tender plant and avoid exposure to frost.

About the genus

Ceropegia is a genus of plants within the family Apocynaceae, native to Africa, southern Asia, and Australia. It was named by Carl Linnaeus, who first described this genus in his Genera plantarum, which appeared in 1737. Linnaeus referred to the description and picture of a plant in the Horti Malabarici as the plant for which the genus was created.

Wikipedia contributors, "Ceropegia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ceropegia

In the garden

A climbing cactus succulent in the Apocynaceae, Ceropegia carries evergreen leaves on trailing or climbing stems and is cultivated chiefly as a houseplant. In the UK it performs best where it receives strong light and shelter rather than cold, exposed conditions. Flowers appear between June and September. Position in full sun on a south-facing aspect and protect from wind and driving rain; an indoor windowsill or a greenhouse bench is ideal. Use a neutral, loam-based medium that drains freely and avoid any situation where the roots remain waterlogged. Ceropegia is classified H1a, which means it must be kept frost-free and is best grown under glass or indoors through winter. As a container plant it can be trained over a frame or allowed to trail from a hanging pot, which makes it useful for bright, sheltered corners of the home or a covered conservatory. Its combination of climbing habit and summer flowering suits displays where it can receive sustained sun and protection; expect the flowering season to run from June to September in suitable, sheltered positions.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Ceropegia

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H1a

Plant details

Ceropegia size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Cactus Succulent

Habit

Climbing

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Houseplant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Ceropegia

Propagation

Stem cuttings

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions