From South Africa, this slender, twining plant, known as Natal ivy or wax vine, resembles ivy, but has softer, more fleshy, almost succulent-looking leaves. The stems and leafstalks are purple and the leaves are mid-green.
The form S. m. ‘Variegatus’ is most often grown. Irregularly marked with cream, a few shoots are almost entirely cream-colored. Left to themselves, the stems trail gracefully, making it ideal for a hanging basket.
Size: Spread 6—7 ft. (2—2.2 m).
Light: Direct sunlight, indirect sunlight, or partial shade.
Temperature: Normal room; for the winter rest keep at 50—55°F (10—12°C).
Moisture: Keep moist from spring to fall. In winter, apply only enough water to prevent the soil drying out.
Feeding: Give liquid fertilizer every two weeks, from spring to fall.
Propagation: Take 5 in. (7 cm) tip cuttings in spring or summer.
Special needs: The daisy-like flowers will only appear if the plant receives 2—3 hours of direct sunlight every day. If shade is too deep, the cream variegation will revert to green.