Ceropegia bosseri aka Black Dragon

Ceropegia bosseri is considered moderately easy to care for, making it suitable for collectors with some succulent experience. While it's more forgiving than many tropical houseplants due to its drought tolerance, it does require attention to watering practices and proper drainage to prevent root rot. The plant thrives with a light touch—allowing soil to dry completely between waterings and avoiding overwatering is crucial. Its delicate stems can snap easily, so gentle handling is important when training or repositioning the plant.

Ceropegia bosseri is best propagated through stem cuttings taken during the active growing season in spring or early summer. Select healthy, robust stems and cut them to 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length below a node. Remove the lower leaves and allow the cut ends to callous over for 1-2 days to prevent rot—this crucial step protects against fungal infections. Plant the calloused cuttings in well-draining succulent soil, burying them about 1-2 cm deep with the node covered. Keep the soil lightly moist (not waterlogged) and maintain temperatures between 16-18°C (61-64°F) until roots develop. Cuttings will only root successfully in warm conditions and must be kept relatively dry. Seeds can also be used if fresh, germinating readily within 2-3 weeks under warm, moist conditions.

Ceropegia bosseri produces long, trailing stems that can grow over one meter (3+ feet) in length when mature, making it ideal for hanging baskets or training along trellises. The plant exhibits a unique dimorphic growth pattern: it begins with short, compact succulent stems (approximately 8 cm) during its vegetative stage, then transitions to producing thin, elongated climbing stems during its reproductive phase. Growth rate is moderate during the active growing season (spring and summer), with the plant spreading like a groundcover if given space. The stems are delicate and can snap easily, so gentle handling is essential. As the plant matures, it develops a more dramatic cascading form with the distinctive dark, ridged stems that give it the "Black Dragon" appearance.

Yes, Ceropegia bosseri produces spectacular tubular flowers that are among its most striking features. The blooms are approximately 4.5 cm long with an inflated, swollen base colored blue-green with red speckles. Five arched, dark brown lobes rise dramatically from the top like a crown or cage, covered in fine stiff hairs and adorned with long white and violet hairs along the margins. A ring of white hairs surrounds the flower's mouth, creating an otherworldly appearance. Flowers typically appear between late spring and fall under optimal conditions. To encourage blooming, provide adequate bright indirect light, ensure the plant experiences a cool winter rest period (around 10°C/50°F), and avoid overwatering. The unique cage-like flower structure serves to trap pollinating flies temporarily until the flower wilts.

Ceropegia bosseri thrives in warm temperatures between 18-29°C (65-85°F) during the active growing season. The plant is sensitive to cold and should be protected from temperatures below 10°C (50°F), with frost being particularly damaging. For optimal care, maintain consistent warmth and avoid cold drafts, temperature fluctuations, and placement near air conditioning vents or radiators. A cooler winter rest period around 10°C (50°F) is beneficial and can actually stimulate flower formation, but this should be a deliberate dormancy period rather than accidental cold exposure. The plant's native habitat in Madagascar's dry shrublands means it's adapted to warm, dry conditions rather than cool, humid environments.

Ceropegia bosseri is generally resilient but can be affected by common succulent pests including mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. Mealybugs appear as white cottony masses on stems and leaves, while spider mites cause stippling on foliage and may leave fine webbing (they thrive in hot, dry conditions). Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil, applying thoroughly to upper and lower leaf surfaces. For mealybugs, you can also remove them manually with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. The most serious threat is root rot caused by overwatering or poor drainage—symptoms include squishy, translucent stems and mushy roots. Fungal infections can occur in overly humid conditions, particularly black spot disease, so ensure adequate airflow around the plant. Prevention is key: maintain good plant hygiene, provide proper drainage, avoid overwatering, and regularly inspect for early signs of problems.

Light pruning can help control the length of Ceropegia bosseri and encourage branching for bushier growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins for best results. Use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors to cut stems at the desired length, focusing on removing any dead, damaged, or diseased stems first. The cut-off stems can be used for propagation—simply allow them to callous and root them in well-draining soil. Be gentle when handling the plant as the stems are delicate and can snap easily. After flowering, remove spent flowers by cutting them flush with the stem. Regular removal of dried leaves also helps maintain plant health and prevent pest problems. Remember that pruning will temporarily reduce flowering potential, as blooms appear on mature growth.

Repot Ceropegia bosseri only when necessary—typically every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. The best time for repotting is in spring at the beginning of the active growing season. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one (1-2 inches wider), as this plant doesn't mind being slightly pot-bound and oversized containers increase the risk of overwatering. Use a well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix, or amend regular potting soil with extra perlite or pumice. Ensure the new pot has drainage holes. When repotting, handle the delicate stems gently to avoid breakage. After repotting, place the plant in a shaded spot for a few days to allow it to adjust, then gradually reintroduce it to its normal light conditions. Wait about a week before watering to allow any root damage to heal and prevent rot.

Yellowing leaves on Ceropegia bosseri typically indicate overwatering or insufficient light. Overwatering is the most common cause—if the soil stays wet for too long, roots can't breathe properly and begin to rot, causing leaves to yellow and eventually drop. Check that your soil is well-draining and allow it to dry out completely between waterings. If the plant feels mushy or translucent, root rot may have set in and you'll need to cut away affected portions and repot in fresh, dry soil. Insufficient light is another cause of yellowing—if the plant isn't receiving bright, indirect light, it may struggle to photosynthesize properly. Move it closer to a window with filtered light. Occasionally, yellowing can also indicate a nutrient deficiency, though this is less common if you're fertilizing during the growing season.

Brown tips or edges on Ceropegia bosseri leaves usually result from excessive direct sunlight causing leaf scorch. While this plant needs bright light, intense afternoon sun can burn the delicate foliage, creating dry, crispy brown patches. Move the plant to a location with bright, indirect light or provide some afternoon shade if near a south or west-facing window. Brown, mushy spots may indicate fungal infection or rot from overwatering—in this case, reduce watering frequency and ensure excellent air circulation around the plant. Low humidity is generally not a problem for this species, but extremely dry air combined with underwatering could cause browning. If brown leaves are accompanied by drooping, the plant may need water despite its drought tolerance.

Drooping stems on Ceropegia bosseri most commonly indicate underwatering, despite this plant's drought tolerance. When the succulent leaves and stems begin to shrivel or feel thin and papery rather than plump and firm, the plant needs water. Give it a thorough watering until water drains from the bottom of the pot, then allow the soil to dry completely before watering again. However, drooping can also be caused by overwatering leading to root rot—in this case, the stems will feel soft and mushy rather than simply dehydrated. Check the roots for black, slimy rot and repot in fresh soil if necessary. Extreme temperature stress, particularly cold exposure below 10°C (50°F), can also cause sudden wilting. Finally, if the plant has been recently repotted or moved, some temporary drooping is normal as it adjusts to the new conditions.

Slow or stunted growth in Ceropegia bosseri can result from several factors. Insufficient light is a primary cause—if the plant isn't receiving bright, indirect light for most of the day, growth will slow significantly and stems may become leggy and stretched (etiolated) as they reach for light. Move the plant to a brighter location. During dormancy in winter, minimal growth is normal and expected, so don't be concerned if growth stalls during cooler months. Lack of nutrients can also slow growth—apply a diluted cactus or succulent fertilizer monthly during the growing season (spring and summer), but avoid over-fertilizing as too much nitrogen causes weak, leggy growth. Root-bound conditions may restrict growth, though this species tolerates being slightly pot-bound. Finally, if the plant is stressed from pests, disease, or improper watering, it will focus energy on survival rather than growth.

Ceropegia bosseri has a few recognized botanical varieties and closely related species within the same complex. The variety Ceropegia bosseri var. razafindratsirana (now considered a synonym) was once distinguished as a separate variety. The species belongs to section Dimorpha, which includes several similar species with dimorphic stems. Closely related species include Ceropegia petignatii (distinguished mainly by shorter corolla lobes), Ceropegia armandii (which has larger leaves and different tubular flowers), and Ceropegia simoneae (which differs in color and texture). In cultivation, the standard form of C. bosseri is most commonly available, prized for its dramatic "Black Dragon" appearance with dark, ridged stems and intricate cage-like flowers. This is primarily a collector's plant rather than having multiple commercial cultivars.

Black Dragon’s native range is Africa to Southern Asia and Australia.

Black Dragon does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Black Dragon loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

To ensure optimal growth, the Black Dragon prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

The Black Dragon does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.

The Black Dragon should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

During the cold period, it is common for Black Dragon to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.