String of Needles - Ceropegia Linearis

Ceropegia linearis

Contents

1. Top Tips
2. Location, Water, Humidity & Fertilisation
3. Common Issues
4. Origins, Temperature, Propagation, Repotting & Toxicity.

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Top Tips & Info

• Care Difficulty - Easy
• String of Needles must endure periods of near-dry in between waters - if you're stuck with when to water it, think of the ukhouseplants' phrase of 'Drenches Between Droughts'.
• A bright, indirect setting is best for good quality growth. During the autumn and winter, you may increase lighting to a partially sunny windowsill to help the specimen through the darker days. 
• Fertilise using a 'Houseplant' or 'Cactus' labelled feed every four waters in the spring and summer, reducing this to every six in the colder months.
• Repot every three years during the spring, using a 'Cactus & Succulent' potting mix, noting the delicacy of the tubers and stems. 
• Take vine cuttings during the spring or summer to put back into the soil to promote a bushier head - head down to 'Propagation' for more information!

Location & Light - 🔸🔸🔸

Although a location that offers bright, indirect light is best, providing a splash of morning sunlight is highly beneficial, especially during the autumn and winter. Darker situations will increase the likelihood of leggy juvenile growth, along with the development of potential root rot. Specimens kept on a shelf where the soil line isn't in view of the natural light will remain moist for longer, which means you must follow the rule of 'drenches between droughts'. Avoid direct sunlight for more than three hours a day due to the exposed risk of sun-scorch. 

Water - 🔸

String of Needles must endure drenches between droughts. Either water from the top (albeit carefully), or submerge the bottom quarter of the pot for several minutes in a saucer of water. Excess moisture that rests on the leaves that sit above the soil may result in rot, so it's important to keep this area dry. Under-watering symptoms include crispy or shrivelled leaves, little to no growth and gradual foliage decline. Be sure to study its environment; a position that offers too much sunlight will dry out the soil quickly, eventually leading to sun-scorch and dehydration. Over-watering symptoms include the rapid yellowing of leaves, wilting, mushy leaves/stem, basal rot and plant death. Locations that don't offer enough natural light onto the soil line are more likely to be associated with root rot; scroll down to 'Common Issues' for more information on this!

Humidity -

This isn’t a factor; however, a quick hose down from time to time will wash away dust particles and unwanted pests.

Fertilisation - 🔸

Fertilise every four waters during the growing period before reducing this to every six in the autumn & winter. Although an 'Houseplant' fertiliser will still do the job, we'd recommend using a specific 'Cactus' labelled feed as it'll support the vital thirteen nutrients that this species will need to grow.

Common Issues with String of Needles

A lack of leaves on the soil’s top could be the product of excess moisture settling on the foliage. Although watering from the top is best, it's recommended to use the bottom-up method if you're a messy waterer. For specimens that have a bare head, improve growing conditions by using this method and increasing the light levels and air circulation. Take vine cuttings to promote a bushier appearance above the soil line - scroll down to 'Propagation' for more information. Finally, always remove yellowed or rotten debris from the soil as it could harbour both bacterial and fungal diseases, which will continue the plant's decline.

Root rot is a common issue among specimens sat in too dark environments with prolonged soil moisture. Symptoms include rapidly yellowing leaves, mouldy soil, stunted growth and a rotten brown base. Take the plant out of the pot and inspect health below the compost line. If the roots sport a yellow tinge, you're good to go, but if they're brown and mushy, action must be taken immediately. More information about addressing root rot can be found on this link.

Too much sunlight will lead to sun scorch, with typical signs including browning or crispy leaves, dry leaf-edges, sunken leaves or stunted growth. Although too little light will cause over-watering issues, excess sunlight will be a detriment to the plant as well. If yours has fallen short of this, reduce the amount of the sun considerably and always be mindful of environmental shock (when two locations offer too different growing conditions). Remove some of the affected leaves and increase waters slightly.

As mentioned before, powdery mildew and southern blight are major threats among heavy foliage plants when excess moisture is allowed to sit on compacted foliage. Remove the affected areas and improve the growing conditions by situating the plant in a brighter location and keeping the leaves dry.

Origins

Ceropegia linearis is an epiphytic and lithophytic species (grows on trees or rocks) discovered in 1836 by Ernst Heinrich Friedrich Meyer. Ceropegia derives from the ancient Greek words for 'wax' and 'fountains', which refers to Carl Linnaeus' initial observation of the overall genus back in 1753. The specific epithet of 'Linearis' refers to its long blade-like leaves.

The Distribution of Ceropegia linearis.

Temperature

10° - 30°C   (50° - 86°F)
H1b (Hardiness Zone 12) - Can be grown outdoors during the summer in a sheltered location with temperatures above 12℃ (54℉), but is fine to remain indoors, too. If you decide to bring this plant outdoors, don't allow it to endure any direct sunlight as it may result in sun-scorch and dehydration. Regularly keep an eye out for Aphids, especially when re-introducing it back indoors.

Spread

Up to 1.8m in length and 0.6m in width, with the ultimate height being reached in 4 - 6 years. Expect around 15 - 20cm of new growth per season.

Pruning & Maintenance

Remove yellow or dying leaves, and plant debris to encourage better-growing conditions. While pruning, always use clean utensils or shears to reduce the chance of bacterial and fungal diseases. Never cut through yellowed tissue as this may cause further damage in the likes of diseases or bacterial infections. Remember to make clean incisions as too-damaged wounds may shock the plant, causing weakened growth and a decline in health.

Propagation

Via Seed or Vine Cuttings.

Vine Cuttings

1. Choose the healthiest, most established vines from the leading growths. This propagation method can be taken from spring to summer, using between three to six leaves, with the vine being at least 8cm (3 inches) in length. 
2. Cut directly below a node (leaf), using a clean pair of scissors to reduce bacteria count.
3. Place the cuttings into water. Once small roots develop in the nodal junctions (3cm / 1 inch), which can take up to 30 days, it's time to prepare the soil and pot.
4. Use a 7cm (2.7 inches) pot that has good drainage holes - plastic or terracotta are both acceptable in this instance. 'Houseplant' or 'Cactus & Succulent' composts are best as they'll provide adequate drainage. Alternatively, place the cuttings into the soil of the mother plant to promote a bushier appearance, as mentioned in 'Common Issues'.
5. Set the cutting into the compost, keeping the foliage above the soil line. Be sure to submerge the bottom nodes into the soil, or else further root development will hinder. Try not to over-pot the cuttings - 'Blackleg' occurs when the bottom wound becomes infected, typically caused by water-logging with too little light.
6. Avoid direct sunlight and maintain moist soil to prevent dehydration. After six weeks, treat the specimen as a mature plant by following the care advice penned above.  

Flowers

During the spring, String of Needles will produce small clusters of brown flowers along the leading growths, lasting up to a week once opened. To aid the chance of a summer bloom, reduce the amount of waters considerably, and dip the nighttime temperatures to around 12⁰C  (54⁰F)  in the previous winter months. The combination of drying soil, shorter days and cold nights will give the plant a dormancy period, which is vital for flower growth in the following season.

Repotting

Repot every three years in the spring, using a 'Cactus & Succulent' labelled potting mix and the next sized pot with adequate drainage. String of Needles are far better being potbound for several years due to the heightened risk of root rot and repotting-issues (like transplant shock), so only repot if you feel it's wholly necessary - restricted root growth will also increase the chance of blooms, too.

Hydrate the plant 24hrs before tinkering with the roots to prevent the risk of transplant shock. For those situated in a darker location, introduce an extra amount of perlite and grit into the deeper portion of the pot to downplay over-watering risks. Click on this link for a detailed step-by-step guide on transplantation, or via this link to learn about repotting with root rot.

Book a 1-to-1 video call with Joe Bagley if you'd like a personal guide to repotting your houseplant. This will include recommending the right branded-compost and pot size, followed by a live video call whilst you transplant the specimen for step-by-step guidance and answer any further questions!

Pests & Diseases

Keep an eye out for spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, whitefly, root mealybugs, scale & thrips. Click here for more information about how to identify and address any of these issues. Typical diseases associated with this species are leaf-spot disease, botrytis, powdery mildew & root rot. 

Toxicity

This plant is classified as slightly poisonous. If parts of the plants are eaten, vomiting, nausea and a loss of appetite could occur. Consumption of large quantities must be dealt with quickly; acquire medical assistance for further information.

Retail Locations

Online Stores.

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