Lipstick Plant

Aeschynanthus,Lipstick Vine, Basket Plant

The Lipstick Plant is a tropical, evergreen, epiphytic vine native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its vibrant, tubular flowers that emerge from dark, reddish-purple buds, resembling a lipstick tube popping open. It features thick, waxy, often dark green leaves on trailing stems, making it an excellent plant for hanging baskets. It belongs to the African Violet family (Gesneriaceae). Popular cultivated varieties include Aeschynanthus radicans (standard Lipstick Plant), A. pulcher, and A. marmoratus (Zebra Basket Vine).

Care Guide

LIGHT

  • Requires bright, indirect light to bloom abundantly.
  • Place in an East or West-facing window.
  • Insufficient light will lead to sparse, leggy growth and a complete failure to flower.
  • A few hours of direct morning sun is beneficial.

WATER

  • Prefers to be kept slightly moist during the growing season. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
  • As an epiphyte, it is sensitive to overwatering; never let the soil become soggy.
  • Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is resting.

SOIL

  • Needs a light, airy, and very well-draining potting mix.
  • A blend often used for orchids, such as orchid bark, perlite, and a small amount of potting soil, works well.
  • Excellent aeration is vital for its roots.

GROWTH HABIT

  • Ideal conditions: High humidity (50%+), warm temperatures (70-80F), and bright, indirect light.
  • Growth rate & size: Growth rate is moderate to fast as a trailing vine, easily reaching several feet in length.

PROPAGATING

  • Propagates easily from stem tip cuttings with at least two sets of leaves/nodes.
  • Root cuttings in water or directly in a moist, airy potting mix in a warm, humid spot.
  • Cuttings are best taken in spring or summer.

PRUNING

  • Pruning is necessary to maintain a bushy shape and encourage branching.
  • Pinch or cut back the long, trailing stems after the plant finishes blooming.
  • Removing old growth encourages new shoots that will eventually flower.

REPOTTING

  • Repot when the plant is root-bound, typically every 2-3 years.
  • Repot in the spring or early summer.
  • It prefers to be slightly pot-bound, which helps promote flowering, so use a pot only slightly larger than the previous one.

FERTILIZING

  • Feed regularly during the spring and summer growing season (every 2-4 weeks).
  • Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength.
  • A fertilizer higher in phosphorus (middle number) can be used just before and during the bloom period.

FLOWERING

  • Produces distinctive bright red, tubular flowers that emerge from a dark, waxy calyx (the "lipstick").
  • Flowers usually appear in spring and summer and require consistent bright light.
  • Cool temperatures (around 60F) in winter can sometimes help encourage bud setting.

TOXICITY

  • Lipstick Plants are generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets.

PRO TIPS

  • High humidity is key; if the air is too dry, flower buds may shrivel and drop. Mist regularly or use a humidifier.
  • Avoid cold drafts, which can cause leaf drop.
  • If the leaves are pale or yellow, the plant may need more light or a feeding.

Variability in Care

Most varieties of this plant follow the standard care above, but some require adjustments.

Thick-Leaved/Climbing Types

Examples: Aeschynanthus radicans, A. pulcher

  • Have thicker, waxy leaves that are more tolerant of brief periods of dry air.
  • Can be trained to climb a small trellis or allowed to trail in a basket.
  • Are often the most prolific bloomers under high light.

Variegated/Patterned Foliage Types

Examples: Aeschynanthus radicans 'Variegata', Aeschynanthus marmoratus (Zebra Basket Vine)

  • Patterned foliage (A. marmoratus) requires bright light to maintain sharp contrast.
  • Variegated types require the brightest indirect light to prevent the white sections from browning.
  • The variegated types are often slower-growing and more sensitive to overwatering.

Thin-Leaved/Delicate Bloom Types

Examples: Aeschynanthus lobbianus

  • The leaves are often smaller and thinner and are more sensitive to dry soil and low humidity.
  • Requires extremely consistent watering to prevent wilting and crisping.

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