ceropegia
( seer - oh - PEEJ - ee - uh )
At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of plants is native to Africa, southern Asia, and Australia, and includes plants with a trailing or vining habit, though a few species are upright growers. They have many common names, including Lantern Flower, Parasol Flower, Parachute Flower, Bushman's Pipe, String of Hearts, Snake Creeper, Wine-Glass-Vine, Rosary Vine, and Necklace Vine. Flowers are tubular and intricately decorated.
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ceropegia Species and Varietals
The genus Ceropegia is a member of the plant family Apocynaceae and includes somewhere around 450 species. It was named and first formally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1737 in his publication Genera Plantarum. The genus moniker Ceropegia is thought to be derived from the Greek word 'keropegion', meaning a branched candlestick.
Ceropegia ampliata (Bushman's Pipe, Condom Plant, Horny Wonder) This species is native to eastern and southern regions on the African continent, and has trailing, succulent stems and reduced leaves. Flowers are white and green, occasionally sporting a violet-colored ring around the tube portion of the inflorescence. Flowers bloom between December and March in their native habitat. |
Ceropegia candelabrum This species is the type member of the genus Ceropegia and the specific epithet candelabrum refers to the candelabra-like appearance of the blooms. These plants are perennial, succulent, and twining, growing from underground tubers. Flowers are white to green-yellow and have vertical red stripes and yellow mouths with red tips. These plants are native to India, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, and bloom from August to January. |
Ceropegia dichotoma These plants are native to the Canary Islands, and were first described in 1812. They can reach about four feet tall at maturity, and take a different form than most others in the genus. Vertical, light grey-green trunks are formed, at the top of which tubular yellow flowers bloom in autumn and wintertime. These can be great plants for arid gardens, and require hot conditions to grow well. They do not do well grown indoors. |
Ceropegia fusca Another upright grower, this species is endemic to the Canary Islands, and forms erect, woody grey-green stems to about 4 feet tall. Flowers produced by these plants are dark red with gold-yellow throats, and appear at nodes. Blooms pop in spring and summertime. These are used as ornamental additions to gardens in dry and drought-prone areas, and requires hot conditions to thrive. |
Ceropegia sandersonii (Parachute Plant, Fountain Flower, Umbrella Plant) This evergreen, prostrate, trailing plant has sparse but succulent leaves and green-white funnel-shaped flowers that have hairy mouths to trap flies in an effort to aid pollination. Flies are released as the flower fades and the hairs at the mouth weaken. This species is commonly cultivated as a houseplant. |
Ceropegia stapeliiformis (Serpent Ceropegia, Snake Creeper, Slangkambro) This prostrate woody creeper is native to South Africa (where it grows as a scrub bush) and has fibrous roots. Flowers are distinctly shaped, with a funnel base mottled with red and white markings, and a wide-opening mouth with long protruding segments. Flowers bloom from December through March. |
Ceropegia woodii (String of Hearts, Chain of Hearts, Collar of Hearts, Rosary Vine, Hearts-on-a-String, Sweetheart Vine) This species of Ceropegia is native to southern Africa. It is a commonly grown houseplant in many areas of the globe. These plants were first discovered by John Medley Wood, for whom the species is named. These plants are evergreen with succulent foliage and produce off-white pale magenta flowers. They are widely grown as indoor plants in hanging baskets, where their stems can trail downward. |
Caring for ceropegia
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Aeschynanthus plants are susceptible to the following issues and pests:
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Gallery
Videos
Learn about these interesting houseplants.
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An educational video about Cast-Iron Plant.
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page
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