I grew up on a small, organic family farm and after a gap year spent working on an American ranch, I started studying agricultural science. Soil, organic farming practices, and plant science are what I am most drawn to. At home, when Im not in our garden, you can find me in the kitchen, cooking and baking with our harvested fruits and vegetables. Favorite fruit: Even if a bit boring – apples Favorite vegetables: Bell peppers, red beets, zucchini, white cabbage
The lipstick plant requires a bit of care, but has lovely decorative flair thanks to its evergreen, thick leaves and unique flowers.
The lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus) is very decorative with its evergreen foliage and beautiful flowers that bloom every year. It makes an excellent hanging plant as it thrives in warm, humid environments. However, there are a few things to bear in mind when caring for it, so that you can enjoy your lipstick flowers for as long as possible. Read on to find out everything about this tropical indoor plant, including how to care for Aeschynanthus as well as how to propagate it.
Lipstick plant is a wonderfully unique houseplant known for its colorful flowers that resemble small tubes of lipstick poking out from behind showy bracts With blooms that look like mini lipsticks and attractive glossy foliage, it’s easy to see how these pretty plants got their common name
Native to the humid tropics of Asia, lipstick plants thrive indoors in bright, warm conditions. They make excellent houseplants to add a punch of color and interest to any room.
Keep reading to learn more about growing these beautiful plants and see pictures of some of the most popular lipstick plant varieties to help you pick your favorites.
Overview of Lipstick Plant Characteristics
- Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus
- Common Names: Lipstick plant
- Plant Type: Evergreen perennial
- Mature Size: Varies by variety, typically 1-3 feet tall/trailing
- Flowers: Tubular, emerging from showy colored bracts
- Leaf Color: Glossy green, sometimes variegated
- Bloom Time: Spring through summer
- Native Region: Southeast Asia
Growing Conditions for Lipstick Plants
- Light: Bright filtered sunlight or bright indirect light
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix
- Water: Moderate moisture, allow soil to dry out some between waterings
- Temperature: Average room temperatures, 65-80°F
- Humidity: Average to high humidity
- Fertilizer: Liquid houseplant fertilizer every 2-4 weeks in spring and summer
12 Beautiful and Unique Lipstick Plant Varieties
1. Orange Lipstick Plant
Botanical Name Aeschynanthus xsplendidus
The orange lipstick plant shows off lush green leaves and vibrant tubular orange blooms that provide a cheerful pop of color. Give it medium to high humidity. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Grow in a bright spot with some direct morning sun.
Orange lipstick plant variety
Orange lipstick plant variety. Source: Costa Farms
2. Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant
Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus longicaulis
Grown mostly for its foliage, the black pagoda lipstick plant has stunning dark green and gray-green variegated leaves. The small greenish flowers are less showy. Provide bright filtered sunlight to maintain the beautiful leaf coloration.
Black pagoda lipstick plant. Source: Balcony Garden Web
3. Variegated Lipstick Plant
Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Variegata’
This variety has eye-catching white striped leaves that make it really stand out. The red-orange tubular blooms provide a nice complementary pop of color. Grow in a spot with bright filtered sunlight. Only water when the top inch of soil has dried out.
Variegated lipstick plant. Source: Balcony Garden Web
4. Purple Star Lipstick Plant
Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus ‘Purple Star’
As the name suggests, this variety has purple-flushed red blooms that emerge from green bracts. It has the typical lush, glossy dark green leaves of lipstick plant. Grow in a spot with medium to bright indirect sunlight. Avoid direct hot sun to prevent leaf scorch.
Purple star lipstick plant. Source: Balcony Garden Web
5. Red Lipstick Plant
Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus radicans
The red lipstick plant shows off shiny green leaves and vibrant red tubular blooms for a bold, classic look. Provide medium to high light to encourage abundant flowering. Allow the top half of the soil to dry out between thorough waterings.
Red lipstick plant. Source: Costa Farms
6. Rasta Lipstick Plant
Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Rasta’
Also known as twisted lipstick plant, this variety has very distinctive curled and twisted foliage. The red blooms make a vivid contrast against the crazy, wavy green leaves. Grow in medium to bright indirect sunlight for optimal growth.
Rasta lipstick plant. Source: Balcony Garden Web
7. Mona Lisa Lipstick Plant
Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Mona Lisa’
Mona Lisa offers elegant deep green leaves and lovely orangey-red blooms. Grow in a warm spot with medium to high humidity. Allow the soil to dry out halfway before watering again to prevent issues with rot.
Mona Lisa lipstick plant. Source: Balcony Garden Web
8. Curly Q Lipstick Plant
Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Curly’
The curly Q lipstick plant has very uniquely twisted and curled leaves that provide great textural interest. The red flowers make a nice contrast against the wavy foliage. Grow in medium to bright indirect light. Avoid hot direct sun.
Curly Q lipstick plant. Source: Costa Farms
9. Tangerine Lipstick Plant
Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Tangerine’
For a cheerful pop of color, grow the tangerine variety with typical green leaves but tubular blooms in a bright orange-yellow hue. Display in a hanging basket. Provide bright indirect light and let the soil dry out some between waterings.
Tangerine lipstick plant. Source: Costa Farms
10. Krakau Lipstick Plant
Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Krakau’
The Krakau lipstick plant shows off shiny dark green leaves and cherry red tubular blooms for a dramatic tropical look. Grow in hanging baskets and enjoy the cascading flowers. Give medium to bright light.
Krakau lipstick plant. Source: Balcony Garden Web
11. Cassiopeia Lipstick Plant
Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus ‘Cassiopeia’
Cassiopeia offers very showy red blooms that emerge from deep burgundy-purple buds, providing serious visual impact. The dark glossy leaves are the perfect backdrop. Grow in a warm spot with medium to bright indirect light.
Cassiopeia lipstick plant. Source: Balcony Garden Web
12. Mini Variegated Lipstick Plant
Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus micranthus ‘Variegata’
This compact variety stays under 8 inches tall, making it ideal for terrariums and small spaces. The green leaves feature yellow splotches and small reddish flowers add more color. Give warm temps, high humidity, and bright indirect sunlight.
Mini variegated lipstick plant
Mini variegated lipstick plant. Source: Balcony Garden Web
Tips for Growing Lipstick Plants
- Provide warm temperatures between 65-80°F
- Water thoroughly when the top half of soil dries out
- Mist frequently to boost humidity around the foliage
- Grow in a spot with bright indirect sunlight
- Use well-draining potting mix
- Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer
- Prune back overgrown stems after flowering
With their elegant foliage and charming blooms, lipstick plants make excellent easy-care houseplants. Their unique flowers and tropical vibe add visual interest indoors. Follow the care tips above and enjoy their colorful displays!
You want to know who’s behind Plantura?
I grew up on a small, organic family farm and after a gap year spent working on an American ranch, I started studying agricultural science. Soil, organic farming practices, and plant science are what I am most drawn to. At home, when Im not in our garden, you can find me in the kitchen, cooking and baking with our harvested fruits and vegetables. Favorite fruit: Even if a bit boring – apples Favorite vegetables: Bell peppers, red beets, zucchini, white cabbage
The lipstick plant requires a bit of care, but has lovely decorative flair thanks to its evergreen, thick leaves and unique flowers.
Lipstick plants look best in hanging pots [Photo: ellinnur bakarudin/ Shutterstock.com]
The lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus) is very decorative with its evergreen foliage and beautiful flowers that bloom every year. It makes an excellent hanging plant as it thrives in warm, humid environments. However, there are a few things to bear in mind when caring for it, so that you can enjoy your lipstick flowers for as long as possible. Read on to find out everything about this tropical indoor plant, including how to care for Aeschynanthus as well as how to propagate it.
Lipstick plant: origin and properties
The lipstick plant is named after its unique red flowers, which resemble lipstick emerging from a tube. It is sometimes called red bugle vine or scarlet basket vine. The lipstick plant is native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, where it usually grows as an epiphyte on other trees and forms vines up to 3 metres long. However, some species have become popular houseplants. Lipstick flower plants captivate with their evergreen, thick and pointed oval leaves that form a green curtain, and red, yellow or orange flowers that bloom from June to September.
By the way: Lipstick plants are a genus within the Gesneriaceae family, with an estimated 185 species that vary greatly in their characteristics and requirements. As a result, this article only discusses lipstick plant varieties that can be grown as ornamental plants here.
25 LIPSTICK PLANT VARIETIES AND CARE TIPS / HERB STORIES
FAQ
Are there different types of lipstick plants?
There are many varieties of Lipstick Plants, each with unique attributes: Flower Colors: Most feature tubular flowers in vibrant shades of red or orange, though some varieties showcase deeper or lighter hues. Foliage Patterns: Leaves can range from solid green to variegated or textured, adding extra visual interest.
Can a lipstick plant take full sun?
They do best in abundant sunlight ☀ and should be less than 3 feet from a window. Lipstick Plant likes soil that is well draining.
What is the difference between twisted and curly lipstick plant?
Curly Lipstick Plant
This variety of lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Curly’) is often confused with the twisted lipstick plant, but instead of producing contorted leaves, this cultivar produces gently curled leaves giving it a tidier appearance.
Can you take cuttings from a lipstick plant?
Lipstick plant is easily propagated from cuttings.