PROPAGATION. Cuttings, layers.
SPECIAL USES. Bonsai, planters.
Ceropegia Asclepiadaceae
Among the few hanging or climbing vines of suitable size and form for truly miniature baskets, or supports—succulent and easy to grow to boot! Their effect is always dainty, never bold; thin wiry stems may grow long, but never the leaves; waxy tube-like flowers inspire close inspection, but are never showy. Here are four of the daintiest species:
barkleyi—umbrella flower—A climber with pointed wing-shaped leaves feathered with a network of silver; purple-veined greenish flowers like parasols.
caffrorum—Pairs of green heart-leaves march down the threadlike stems; greenish flowers intricately marked with plum.
debilis—Green needle-like leaves penciled silver along the center; green-and-purple flowers.
woodi—rosary vine, string of hearts, hearts entangled—Matching pairs of thick silvery valentines every inch or so along the dangling stem, identically traced with a precisely patterned design. The little pink-lavender flowers are shaped like pixie pipes or urns.
CARE. Soil: loam, leaf mold, sandy and humusy. Intermediate temperature, filtered sun. Moist in summer, on the dry side in winter.
PROPAGATION. Cuttings in spring; tubers, seeds.