Ceropegia schweinfurthii has moderate disease resistance and is more sensitive to humidity. It becomes susceptible to disease when humidity is high and is liable to develop root rot during its dormancy. Regarding care, Ceropegia schweinfurthii is drought-tolerant but requires increased watering in the growing season. Watering should be greatly reduced or stopped entirely during the dormant period. Ceropegia schweinfurthii is appropriate for people with some growing experience, though it can be challenging to maintain, especially during dormancy. It is particularly suited to those who can dedicate time to its care throughout the winter months.
How to keep Orbea Schweinfurthii.
Light
Ceropegia schweinfurthii is native to habitats with dappled light, such as forest understories or rocky areas that offer natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can also tolerate full sun.
Temperature
Although Ceropegia schweinfurthii can tolerate some heat, it mainly flourishes in cooler seasons and becomes dormant in summer. In very hot weather, provide shade to prevent scorching from intense sunlight. Watering should be reduced or stopped during the hottest period to avoid root rot. The plant grows vigorously in winter and spring, and as long as temperatures do not fall too low, it will continue to grow steadily.
Fertilizer
For Ceropegia schweinfurthii, applying fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season is sufficient. Do not fertilize in winter or in summer when the plant is dormant. Cut back on feeding for plants that have been repotted, and wait a couple of months after repotting before fertilizing. Fertilizing helps maintain healthy growth and encourages flowering.
Pot & Repot
When repotting Ceropegia schweinfurthii, choose a pot slightly larger than the current one that has good drainage. Use a gritty, well-draining succulent or cactus mix. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, brush off excess soil, and plant it at the same depth. Wait a few days before watering so any root damage can heal. Repot in spring or fall and place it in a brightly lit location.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Succulent
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Orbea
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-11
- Mature Height
- 15 cm to 30 cm
- Mature Spread
- 30 cm to 61 cm
- Leaf Color
- Light Green, Pale Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Brown, Yellow
- Flower Size
- 2.03 cm to 4.06 cm
- Bloom Time
- Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- Fall
- Native Area
- Malawi, Tanzania, Namibia, Zambia, Rwanda, Congo (DRC), Uganda, Botswana, Zimbabwe