Ceropegia debilis is endemic to Malawi and Zimbabwe, where it is found in dry areas. The needle-like leave reduce the loss of moisture by evaporation. Under the ground, Ceropegia debilis has large tubers that store moisture and nutrients. In the wet season, Ceropegia debilis forms the little parachute-shaped flowers that are typical of Ceropegias. These flowers give off a subtle fragrance that attracts small 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.