In the wild, Ceropegia sandersonii is found in South Africa and Swaziland and the coastal regions of Mozambique where it inhabits tropical and subtropical regions. This Ceropegia has thick, fleshy leaves but it is the plant's underground storage organs that ensure its survival in periods of drought. In the wet season Ceropegia sandersonii develops mottled green and white flowers with a hint of lime fragrance that attracts flies looking for a place to lay their eggs. When a fly crawls into the flower, an oily substance ensures it slides down the corolla tube and becomes trapped. Small hairs pointing downwards prevent it from escaping. The flowers contain nectar and cells permeable to sunlight, fooling the fly into think there is an exit towards the light. When the fly starts to consume the plant's nectar it becomes covered in pollen. After a couple of days the flower changes position and the small hairs point in the opposite direction allowing the fly to escape. It can then start pollinating other flowers.