Ceropegia 'Ace of Spades' is a distinctive and highly sought-after succulent vine celebrated for its uniquely shaped, dark purple to almost black flowers that strikingly resemble the spade symbol from playing cards. This fascinating plant offers a captivating and unusual aesthetic, making it a prized addition for collectors of rare and intriguing succulents.
 
Key Features of Ceropegia 'Ace of Spades'
Unique Floral Shape: The most remarkable feature is its flower, which is tubular with fused petals forming a cage-like structure and a distinct, spade-shaped apex, often exhibiting a velvety texture.
Dark Flower Coloration: The flowers are typically a deep, rich purple to near black, providing a dramatic and eye-catching contrast against the foliage.
Trailing Vine Growth: It is a vining succulent with slender stems that can climb or trail, making it suitable for hanging baskets or growing along supports.
Fleshy Leaves: The leaves are typically small, heart-shaped to lanceolate, and fleshy, varying in color from green to purplish hues depending on light exposure.
Unusual Pollination Mechanism: Ceropegias have a complex and fascinating pollination strategy that often involves trapping insects temporarily within the flower.
Relatively Small Size: As a vine, its overall reach can be significant, but individual plant parts (leaves and flowers) are generally small.
 
Care for Your Ceropegia 'Ace of Spades'
Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Too much direct sun can scorch the delicate foliage and flowers.
Soil: Requires a well-draining succulent mix to prevent root rot. A mix containing perlite or pumice is beneficial.
Watering: Water moderately during the active growing season, allowing the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings. Reduce watering significantly during the dormant winter months. Avoid overwatering.
Temperature: Prefers warm temperatures and is generally not frost-tolerant. Protect from freezing conditions.
Humidity: Tolerates average household humidity. Good air circulation is important.
 
Maintenance for a Thriving Plant
Support: Provide a trellis, stake, or hanging basket to accommodate its vining growth habit.
Pruning: Pruning can be done to control the length of the vines or to encourage bushier growth.
Repotting: Repot sparingly, only when the plant has outgrown its container. Choose a pot with good drainage. Spring is usually the best time for repotting.
Pest Control: Monitor for common succulent pests like aphids and mealybugs. Treat any infestations promptly.
Fertilizing: Fertilize lightly during the active growing season with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer formulated for succulents. Avoid over-fertilizing.
 
Propagation Methods for Expanding Your Collection
Stem Cuttings: A common and relatively easy method. Take stem cuttings with at least one node, allow the cut end to callus for a few days, and then plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil lightly moist until roots  establish.  
Division: Mature, multi-stemmed plants can sometimes be carefully divided at the roots.
Seeds: Propagation by seeds is possible but can be slow and may require specific conditions for germination.
 
Ceropegia 'Ace of Spades' is a truly unique and captivating succulent vine that rewards enthusiasts with its bizarrely beautiful, dark spade-shaped flowers and intriguing growth habit. Its relatively straightforward care requirements make it a fascinating addition for those seeking unusual and conversation-starting plants.
 
 
* Picture and information intended only as a guide. Size and colours of plants will vary, not any 1 plant is exactly the same and minor variations will occur.
 
** All plants will be posted bare rooted.