Ceropegia woodii

Water your Ceropegia woodii sparingly when the soil is completely dry. Too much water kills the plant, and so it’s best to allow the soil to dry out completely before re-watering. During the warmest months, the plant appreciates some misting in order to help mimick natural morning dew. During the winter, take care to water only when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch. In the winter, water even less than during the growing season, as growth slows down.

When grown indoors, Ceropegia woodii should receive bright, indirect light and will tolerate a few hours of direct sun if filtered through a sheer curtain. They do best in south- or east-facing windows, and in the summer direct sun can even be tolerated if it’s not too hot. Outdoors, Ceropegia woodii prefers light shade and protection from intense sunlight, and does not survive in temperatures below 40°F (4°C).

Ceropegia woodii is a warm-weather plant capable of tolerating temperatures from 40 to 90°F (4 – 32°C) during its growing season. Keep the plant away from cold drafts and hot radiator. As Ceropegia woodii is a tropical plant, bring it indoors when the temperature falls below 40°F (4°C). Avoid sudden temperature changes.

Though Ceropegia woodii is an overall relatively hardy plant, it does prefer its humidity to remain on the higher side, especially during the winter. You can ensure decent humidity for your plant by using a humidifier or a pebble tray. Keep the humidity level at around 50-60%, and mist the plant regularly to increase the humidity in the air.

Ceropegia woodii prefers a well-draining soil mix designed for succulents and cacti. These plants will suffer if left in a soggy environment. The ideal mix should have at least half a part of coarse sand. To make a soil mixture suitable for Ceropegia woodii, mix two parts soil, one part perlite and one part coarse sand.

During the growing season, from spring to summer, fertilize your Ceropegia woodii every 4-6 weeks with a diluted 10-10-10 fertilizer or any other succulent-specific fertilizer. During the winter, reduce fertilizing to once every two months. When fertilizing, water the plant first, then gently apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant. Be careful not to get fertilizer directly on the leaves or stems.

Ceropegia woodii is relatively pest-free, but aphids and spider mites may appear on occasion. Check your plants regularly for any signs of infestation. Aphids can be removed manually or they can be treated with a horticultural soap or neem oil. Spider mites can be removed by increasing humidity levels, wiping leaves with a damp cloth, and treating the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Repot a young Ceropegia woodii every spring. Repot more mature plants when their root systems become compact and slightly pot-bound. Move the plant to a pot one size larger than the current pot, and use a draining potting soil. It’s best to repot during the plant’s active growth period, which is from spring to early summer.

Ceropegia woodii does not need regular pruning unless it’s getting leggy. If needed, cut the plant just above the node. Prune your plant during the growing season, as the kitchen succulent will continue growing after the trim. Freshen up the growth if it’s looking sparse by pinching off the leaves to the next stem.

Ceropegia woodii doesn’t require mulching, however it does benefit from an organic top dressing during the summer. The mulch layer can be composed of sand, peat moss, or any other type of mulch. The layer should be around 1 to 2 inches thick, and should not touch the stem or leaves to avoid rot.

This lovely succulent can be propagated through stem cuttings. Cut a stem from the healthy plant with a sharp, sterile knife and let it dry and form a callus before planting it. Outdoors, the cuttings can be directly planted. For propagating in water or a soil mix, use a mix designed for succulents and cacti. The cutting will start rooting in a few weeks, and it’s important to keep the humidity levels high while the cutting roots.

Ceropegia woodii is generally a self-supporting plant although sometimes it needs support due to its long stems. You can secure the stems to a stake or frame in order to keep it upright and neat-looking. Another option is to gently tie the branches to a trellis or trellis-like structure to keep the plants in shape.

Ceropegia woodii has a rest period in winter. During this time, the flowering slows down or ceases entirely. The plant will also need less water and fertilizer during this time. Watch your Ceropegia woodii closely and adjust your care accordingly.

It is not known to be toxic to cats, dogs, or any other small animals.