Ceropegia ampliata is a flowering plant in the dogbane family Apocynaceae, native to eastern and southern Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa, Eswatini, Botswana, and Madagascar. Common names include bushman's pipe, condom plant, and horny wonder.
Ceropegia ampliata has moderate resistance to disease but is more vulnerable to problems caused by high humidity and overwatering. It is also more likely to develop diseases when it receives little light and is overwatered. Regarding care, Ceropegia ampliata is drought-tolerant and can handle long periods without watering. It needs little fertilizer and only occasional pruning. This makes it appropriate for people with any level of experience, especially those who want to spend less time caring for their plants and who may sometimes be away from home for extended periods. It is a good choice for people who do not want to devote a lot of time to plant care but still want an easy-to-maintain plant.
How to keep Ceropegia Ampliata.
Light
Ceropegia ampliata is native to habitats with filtered light, for example the understory of forests or rocky sites that provide natural shade. It favors partial sunlight but can endure full sun as well.
Temperature
Ceropegia ampliata performs best in warm conditions and needs relatively high temperatures during the growing season to support growth and metabolism. It prefers plenty of light, suitable moisture levels, and good air circulation. However, it can be damaged by very low temperatures and by overwatering. It’s also important to maintain balance and avoid excessively high heat and overly dry conditions.
Fertilizer
Ceropegia ampliata needs only light fertilizer applications once or twice a year during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing in winter and in summer, when the plant is dormant. Cut back on fertilizer for plants that have been repotted, and wait a couple of months after repotting before giving fertilizer. Fertilizing helps keep the plant healthy and promotes flowering.
Pot & Repot
When repotting Ceropegia ampliata, choose a pot only a bit bigger than the current one that drains well. Use a gritty, well-draining succulent or cactus mix. Gently remove the plant from its old container, brush away excess soil, and place it back at the same depth. Wait a few days before watering so any root damage can heal. Repot in spring or fall and keep it in a brightly lit spot.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Succulent, Vine
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Ceropegia
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-12
- Mature Height
- 0.91 m to 3.05 m
- Mature Spread
- 49 cm to 91 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 3.05 cm to 5.08 cm
- Bloom Time
- Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Fall
- Native Area
- Mozambique, South Africa, Madagascar, Eswatini, Botswana
Other names.
