BellinaCeropegia bosseri: A Rare Gem from Madagascar
My experience growing an uncommon succulent with a dark allure
I stumbled upon Ceropegia bosseri during one of Thang’s pre-order drops. If you’re not familiar with Thang, he’s a plant enthusiast with a great YouTube channel dedicated to rare and uncommon succulents and cacti. He occasionally offers pre-orders for some of the more hard-to-find species, and that’s where my journey with this beautiful plant began.
I believe it was either my first or second time participating in one of his pre-orders when I saw Ceropegia bosseri listed. I had never heard of it before, but something about its dark, almost black texture immediately caught my attention. I knew absolutely nothing about it, but I didn’t need to. I just knew I had to have it.
One thing to know about pre-orders: they require patience. You’re not getting instant gratification. You’re investing in something that may take months to arrive. But for me, that wait always feels worth it. When the plant finally came during spring (either by luck or good planning), it looked a little worse for wear. It was limp, dehydrated, and clearly stressed from transport. This species doesn’t like to dry out completely, which makes shipping tricky.
To help my imports bounce back, I follow a little routine. I soak all new arrivals, fully submerging them in water for about 15 minutes. I add a tiny bit of fertilizer to the water, just enough to give them a soft start. I’m not sure if this is standard practice, but it works for me. After soaking, I potted my Ceropegia bosseri in a mix of potting soil and lots of perlite, something that retains a bit of moisture but still drains well.
From there, I placed it in a bright spot with indirect light, a south-facing window with filtered sun. I didn’t want to shock it further with direct light. Then came the waiting game.
I wasn’t sure it would make it, to be honest. But after a few weeks, I saw the first sign of new growth. That moment was a relief and a sign that the plant was adjusting to my conditions. Over the summer, it grew steadily. In winter, like many succulents, it slowed down. But as spring returned, the plant absolutely took off. It began to vine quickly and with strength.
Now, heading into another summer, it’s blooming. The flowers are small, intricate, and lined with tiny hairs that move in the slightest breeze. Even more surprising, the blooms smell like fruit. I catch whiffs of strawberries or blueberries every now and then.
I water it only when it starts to feel soft or look a little droopy. Since it’s more of a succulent, it stores water well, but it doesn’t like to go completely dry. Finding that balance is key. I always add a little feed when I water, just to support its active growth phase.
One really interesting thing about this plant is its color. The more light it gets, the darker it becomes. That deep, blackened texture is what originally drew me to it, and it’s even more striking now.
It’s been a year since I got my Ceropegia bosseri. I paid $15 for it, and honestly, it’s become one of the standout plants in my collection. Thang’s pre-orders have been solid for me. I’ve ordered three times, and every single plant has acclimated successfully.
I went into it knowing nothing about this plant, but now, it’s one of my favorites. Not just for how it looks, but for the journey it took to become part of my home.
Quick Overview:
Scientific Name: Ceropegia bosseri
Common Type: Succulent, caudiciform
Native Habitat: Madagascar
Light Requirement: Bright, indirect light
Watering Needs: Moderate, avoid full drying
Growth Season: Spring and summer
Dormancy: Slows down or stalls in winter
Bloom Scent: Fruity (strawberry or blueberry-like)
