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Ceropegia nilotica
Partial shade is ideal for this plant, but it can also tolerate sunny locations.
Always water only after the substrate has dried out. Reduce watering in winter.
Temperatures should not fall below +4.4 °C. The plant is not frost-resistant.
In nature, it is adapted to dry conditions and can survive long periods without water.
Ceropegia nilotica was described as early as 1865 and belongs to the Ceropegia species with a very wide distribution across Africa. It occurs in many countries from western to eastern and southern parts of the continent, including Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Sudan, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The plant has opposite, broadly ovate leaves that range from green to brownish with a subtle pattern. The leaves are slightly succulent and smooth, without hairs. The stems are thin, firm, and often almost bare, and they can grow up to about 2 metres long, making the plant strongly climbing or trailing.
The flowers are the main ornamental feature of this species. They have the typical “candle-like” shape characteristic of the genus Ceropegia and show attractive colouring, making a blooming plant a striking part of any collection.
Ceropegia nilotica is a climbing plant best grown in bright, indirect light. It should be planted in well-draining soil and watered only several days after the substrate has completely dried out, as with other Ceropegias. Thanks to its long stems, it is ideal for hanging pots or for training on a support. If you are looking for a species with modest foliage but distinctive flowers, Ceropegia nilotica is an interesting choice.