Habitat and Ecology
 
​Ceropegia acicularis is a recently described species of twining herbaceous vine native to Thailand (and potentially extending into Laos and Cambodia). It is found growing in seasonal dry forests and deciduous scrub jungles. This plant is adapted to a semi-arid and seasonally dry tropical climate, where its stems and roots serve as water storage organs. It often grows over low shrubs and rocks, using them for support.
 
​🌸 Description and Distinguishing Features
​This plant is an evergreen perennial climber known for its highly specialized, succulent stems.
 
​Stems & Foliage: The stems are slender and cylindrical (terete). A key feature is the reduction of leaves: they are minute and caducous (shed quickly), appearing only on new growth. The plant relies almost entirely on its stems for photosynthesis.
​Flowers (Morphology): The flowers are small, intricate, and typically bloom during the rainy season. The corolla is pale green or yellowish, often mottled with purple, forming a narrow tube (urceolate base) that widens towards the mouth. The corolla lobes are fused at the tips to form a small, distinctive, cage-like structure—a hallmark of the Ceropegia genus.
 
​Name Origin: The species name acicularis (Latin for "needle-like" or "spiky") refers to the minute, needle-like leaves on young growth or the slender stems.
 
​💧 Cultivation and Care
 
​Ceropegia acicularis is a unique, semi-succulent vine requiring conditions that mimic its dry tropical habitat. It is an excellent choice for a sunny windowsill or conservatory in the UK.
 
​Light: Requires bright, direct sunlight to maintain compact growth and prevent etiolation (stretching). A South or West-facing exposure is ideal.
 
​Substrate: Use a mineral-rich, extremely gritty, and fast-draining succulent/cactus mix. Terracotta pots are preferred to aid evaporation.
 
​Watering: Water sparingly during the spring and summer growing season, allowing the soil to completely dry out between waterings. In winter (dormancy), reduce watering to almost nothing. Overwatering is the greatest risk.
 
​Temperature: It is a warm-growing plant and is not frost-tolerant.
​Optimal Daytime Temperature: 20-30 C (68-86 F).
​Minimum Winter Temperature: Should not drop below 10 C (50 F).
 
​Support: Provide a small trellis or wire support to allow the vine to twine.
 
​✨ Unique Features
 
​This rare succulent vine from Thailand is a fascinating collector's plant due to its unique growth habit: it is practically leafless. Its thin, cylindrical stems provide all the photosynthetic needs, giving it a striking, architectural appearance. The specialized, cage-like flower structure is a signature appeal of the Ceropegia genus.
 
​🏷️ Specifications
​Plant Size: As seen in the picture. Plants may arrive without leaves and as a corm.
Plant Family: Apocynaceae (formerly Asclepiadaceae)
Plant Passport: A Ceropegia acicularis B 140084 C [buyer to use number of the plant label] D GB