The lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) is a popular, striking, evergreen perennial, often grown as a houseplant. It gets its name from its vibrant red, tubular flowers that resemble a tube of lipstick. In its native tropical habitat, this is an epiphytic species found growing from tree branches and cracks in rocks. As a houseplant, it should be planted in a well-draining potting mix. If the plant gets enough warmth, humidity, and filtered sunlight, youll enjoy a prolific display of flowers through much of the year with the most abundant show in the summer and fall.
The lipstick plant, also known as Aeschynanthus radicans, is a popular and easy-to-care-for houseplant. Named for its vibrant red tubular flowers resembling a tube of lipstick, this plant is sure to add a pop of color and interest to any indoor space. With the right care, lipstick plants can flower generously throughout the year, especially in summer and fall. Here is a complete guide on how to grow and care for these exotic beauties.
Provide the Right Lighting Conditions
Lipstick plants need bright but filtered sunlight to thrive. Direct sun will scorch the leaves, while too little light results in fewer blooms and leaf drop. Place your lipstick plant in a spot with plenty of indirect sunlight or where it receives some gentle morning sun. East or west-facing windows are ideal. You can also supplement with artificial lighting. Avoid exposing the plant to harsh direct sun which can burn the foliage.
Use a Well-Draining Potting Mix
Lipstick plants grow naturally on tree branches and rocks in tropical environments so they require a loose, lightweight potting mix that drains well. A dense water-retentive soil can lead to root rot. The ideal potting media should be porous and moisture-retentive. You can make your own mix by combining equal parts potting soil, perlite or pumice, and orchid bark. Adding some sphagnum moss also helps aerate the soil while improving moisture retention.
Water Thoroughly When the Top Soil is Dry
While lipstick plants like moist soil, take care not to overwater them Only water when the top inch or two of the potting mix has dried out. Water thoroughly until it drains from the pot’s bottom drainage holes, then empty any water that collects in the saucer so the plant isn’t sitting in it Allow the potting mix to partially dry between waterings. The foliage and soil should never be soggy or waterlogged.
Increase Humidity Levels
Lipstick plants naturally grow in humid tropical areas, so they appreciate higher humidity. Use a humidifier pebble tray, or group your plant with other houseplants to boost moisture levels around it to 50% or higher. Avoid misting the foliage which can encourage disease. Just take steps to keep the ambient humidity higher rather than wetting the leaves.
Maintain Temperatures Above 65°F
Lipstick plants need consistently warm temperatures above 65°F to thrive. Cooler temperatures can cause leaf drop. Avoid drafty windows, air vents, and sudden temperature fluctuations. Move plants outdoors in summer, then bring them back in before nighttime temperatures drop below 60°F. An ideal temperature range is 70-80°F during the day and above 60°F at night.
Feed Regularly During Spring and Summer
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every two weeks from early spring through summer while plants are actively growing. Reduce frequency to monthly in fall and winter. Fertilize when the soil is moist, not dry, to avoid root damage. Slow release pellets can also be incorporated into the potting mix at repotting time.
Prune to Maintain Shape and Encourage Blooms
Prune lipstick plant vines back by one-third their length during early spring using clean, sharp scissors or shears. This keeps the plant full and compact while removing any damaged growth. Pruning stimulates the production of new shoots and foliage along with abundant blooms. You can prune anytime to control the plant’s size and shape.
Repot Annually in Spring
Repot lipstick plants each spring as new growth emerges. Carefully remove the root ball from the container and loosen any circled roots. Transfer to a pot one size larger filled with fresh potting mix. Lipstick plants are sensitive to being pot-bound and may stop flowering if their roots are too constrained. Repotting provides room for growth and encourages blooms.
Propagate with Stem Cuttings
Lipstick plants are easy to propagate from five inch stem cuttings taken in spring or summer. Remove the lowest leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and insert into moist potting mix. Enclose in a plastic bag or terrarium until rooted in about four weeks. Once rooted, transplant to a regular pot using well-draining potting soil.
Control Pests
Lipstick plants are generally pest-free but may become affected by aphids, mealybugs, thrips, or spider mites. Isolate and prune off any infested parts. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove pests. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays as needed. Maintain vigor through proper care as stressed plants are more susceptible.
Common Issues and Solutions
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Leaf drop – This can indicate too little light or low temperatures. Move to a brighter location and maintain minimum temperatures above 65°F.
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Wilting – Usually caused by overwatering. Allow the soil to partially dry between waterings.
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Sparse blooms – Increase sunlight exposure, use fertilizer regularly, and prune to encourage new growth.
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Leaf spots – Improve air circulation and avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal disease. Water at the base of the plant instead.
With its cascading vines studded with vibrant blooms, the lipstick plant adds a bold pop of color and tropical flair to any indoor garden. Follow these tips on lighting, watering, humidity, temperature, and pruning to keep your plant healthy and actively flowering. With proper care, the lipstick plant will beautify your home with its exotic flowers for years to come.
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Soil
In their native damp and tropical regions, these plants typically grow in an almost soil-free environment often rooting onto branches or rock crevices. Heavy potting soil can cause root rot to develop.
Potted lipstick plants will benefit from being grown in a medium that is well-aerated, evenly moist, and light. Many enthusiasts include sand and sphagnum moss in their mix to help ensure good drainage, prevent over-compaction, and promote absorbency.
Types of Lipstick Plant
Given the lipstick plants popularity, its not surprising that several cultivars have been developed. Some of the most widely available include:
- Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Curly’: The leaves on this cultivar are wavy rather than smooth in appearance, meaning it stands out from the crowd.
- Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Mona Lisa’: Known for having a distinctive orange-red shade of flowers rather than the vibrant red of a traditional lipstick plant.
- Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Variegata’: The green leaves of this cultivar are variegated with yellow, white, or cream.
- Aeschynanthus radicans Tangerine: This cultivar is unique for its yellow-orange flowers.
- Aeschynanthus radicans Rasta: This variety has densely curled leaves. The bright red flowers bloom most prolifically in late summer and early fall.
- Aeschynanthus longicaulis ‘Black Pagoda’: Perfect for hanging in baskets, this variety has bright orange blooms that flower in late winter and early spring.
Lipstick Plant Care Tips & Tricks | Lipstick Aeschynanthus Houseplant Care
FAQ
How do you care for a lipstick plant indoors?
- Light: Lipstick plants need bright, indirect light.
- Water: The soil should be moist and not soggy.
- Temperature: Lipstick plants prefer temperatures between 65- and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Fertilizer: Fertilize (liquid for house plants) your lipstick plant once a month.
- Repotting: Every two to three years.
Does lipstick plant need sun?
Lipstick plants need enough light to thrive, but direct sunlight can overwhelm them. Too little light for these indoor plants can lead to leaf drop, while too much can scorch the plants. Put them in a place where they’ll receive plenty of bright indirect light offset by a little shade to mitigate direct sun exposure.
How often should a lipstick plant be watered?
Your watering schedule should also be dictated by the season, so in the growing season i.e., spring and summer months, you should water your plant roughly once a week. In the cooler months of autumn and winter, it’s best to water every 2-3 weeks to avoid overwatering.
Should you prune a lipstick plant?
Prune lipstick plant after the plant stops flowering. Blooms develop at the tips of new stems and pruning lipstick vines before flowering delays blooming.Apr 25, 2022