Known as the umbrella or parachute plant due to the shape of its blooms, Ceropegia sandersonii is a semi-carnivorous plant native to Mozambique, South Africa, and Swaziland.
Its parachute-shaped flowers act as a pit-fall trap. They give off a scent to attract flies down to the base of the corolla (flower tube), where there’s a collection of downwards-facing hairs which prevent the fly from leaving. The fly becomes covered in pollen and is only released as the flower starts to die and the hairs weaken. The fly then carries the pollen to another flower of the same species, in which it becomes trapped again, but deposits the pollen gathered from the previous bloom.
Despite its exotic heritage, it’s fairly easy to grow as a houseplant in the British Isles, often in hanging baskets or pots in the conservatory or greenhouse. It’s also suitable for growing in terrariums.
Grow Ceropegia sandersonii in well-drained compost, in bright light but out of direct sunshine. A windowsill or conservatory is ideal. Water in the growing season only, keep dry in autumn and winter.
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Ceropegia and wildlife
Ceropegia has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
