Parachute Flower (Ceropegia aristolochioides)

Parachute Flower

Ceropegia aristolochioides

Its parachute-shaped blooms trap flies for pollination, a quiet botanical trick. Succulent trailing vine; common name: Parachute Flower.

Partial sun
1/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Bright indirect light; tolerate partial shade, avoid harsh direct midday sun to prevent leaf scorch
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Watering Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot in succulent tissue
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Temperature Thrives in 15–25°C; protect from frost below 10°C to avoid succulent tissue damage
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Fleshy, heart-shaped to oval leaves; pale green, up to 3 cm long
  • Flower: Tubular, parachute-shaped blooms; creamy white with purple-brown markings, up to 8 cm long
  • Stem: Slender, trailing succulent stems; green to pale brown
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil slightly moist but not soggy during active growth

Fertilization

Diluted succulent fertilizer once monthly. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent weak, leggy stem growth

Eggshell powder top dressing:Grind dried eggshells to fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to add calcium without burning delicate roots
Pruning
  • Trim leggy stems in early spring to encourage bushier, compact growth
  • Remove yellowing or damaged leaves to maintain plant appearance and health
  • Cut back overgrown trailing stems to control size and redirect growth energy
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic; no harmful effects from ingestion or contact

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no adverse effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental hanging plant; subject of pollination biology studies for its fly-trapping flower mechanism