The pendulous shoot axes pose a potential danger to cats. But also keep in mind that the shoots can grow very long. If you decide to grow this plant, place it in inaccessible places as a precaution. It is better not to cultivate them within reach of children and pets. Many dogbane plants, which include the string of hearts, are poisonous. There is also no known danger to animals from eating the plant. Sensitive individuals should take precautionary care, though, wearing gloves to prevent possible skin reactions. The string of hearts carries a transparent to whitish milky sap in its root bulb and plant parts that should prove harmless. There is no known information about possible toxic ingredients. Use bendable wires to direct the shoots in the right direction. For example, you can grow the plant in a heart shape or as a trellis. You can shape the shoots of the succulent plant as you like. However, tall containers such as vases, old copper pitchers, or zinc tubs are also perfect for creating green plant arrangements with a string of hearts. The green curtain of shoots and leaves is an interesting eye-catcher in hanging pots. Strings of hearts are ideal hanging basket plants. Older specimens form small white nodules in the leaf axils, which serve for vegetative propagation. These shoot axes are very thin, with a diameter of between one and two millimeters. The rootstock sprouts twining, creeping, or pendulous shoot axes that can reach 40 inches (100 cm) in length. As the plant ages, the rootstock becomes more vigorous. GrowthĬeropegia woodii develops root tubers that thicken spherically and have a rough surface. The hairs in the flower mouth slacken, allowing the flies to escape again. Then the male organs mature and produce new pollen, which the flies pick up by moving around in the flower. The flies pollinate the first mature female flower organs with the pollen packets they bring with them. These get lost in the corolla tube, where they are trapped by the small hairs. It exudes an odor that attracts small flies. The string of hearts pursues a special purpose with this flower shape. The flower anatomy is reminiscent of small lampshades. They fuse together like umbrellas at their tips. Its light green to purple corolla lobes curve inward. It is often whitish dotted or reticulated at the upper end. While the corolla cup is colored greenish-white to whitish-purple with dark purple veining, the corolla tube appears light purple or purple striped. The corolla tube has a diameter of two millimeters. The corolla cup is spherical to oval in shape and about four millimeters wide. Their petals fuse together and form a corolla cup, which merges into the corolla tube with a visible constriction. These are hermaphroditic and have an axis of symmetry.Įach flower reaches a length between 0.8 and 1 inch (2 and 2.5 cm). The string of hearts owes its name to the conspicuously shaped flowers. The small leaves sit opposite on the shoot and have a high ornamental value due to their silvery-white grain. The underside of the leaf appears light green and often has a red tinge. The blade ends in an acuminated point and is dark green on the upper side. The leaves may be more or less round in shape. These succulent leaves divide into a lanceolate to cordate leaf blade and a petiole three to ten millimeters long. LeavesĬeropegia woodii has fleshy thickened deciduous leaves that serve as water reservoirs. Other subspecies of Ceropegia linearis also occur in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi as far north as Kenya. The natural range of the subspecies cultivated as ornamental plants is limited to the subtropical regions of South Africa. The string of hearts belongs to the dogbane family ( Apocynaceae). It is a popular ornamental plant that you will often find under the name Ceropegia woodii. woodii are referred to as string of hearts. Originīoth the plant genus Ceropegia and the species Ceropegia linearis subsp. With regard to the choice of location and substrate, you need to consider a few factors so that candlestick flowers feel comfortable. It has developed flower shapes that are incomparable in complexity with any other flower.ĭue to their particular specialization in environmental conditions, the plants require little care. The string of hearts ( Ceropegia woodii) is also known as chain of hearts, collar of hearts, rosary vine, and sweetheart vine.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |