Aeschynanthus – Lipstick Plant

🌺 Aeschynanthus – Lipstick Plant

The Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus) is a beautiful tropical trailing houseplant known for its glossy foliage and vibrant tubular flowers that emerge from colorful, lipstick-like calyces.

☀️ Light:

Bright, indirect light is best. It can tolerate some gentle morning or evening sun, but avoid strong direct afternoon sun.

💧 Water:

Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feels dry. Keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy. Reduce watering slightly during winter.

🌡️ Temperature:

Prefers warm conditions around 18–27°C (65–80°F). Protect from cold drafts and temperatures below about 15°C (60°F).

💦 Humidity:

Enjoys moderate to high humidity, ideally 50% or higher. A humidifier can help, especially during dry winter months.

🌱 Soil:

Use a light, well-draining mix. A combination of potting soil, orchid bark, and perlite works well.

🌸 Flowers:

With adequate light and proper care, Lipstick Plants can produce clusters of tubular red, orange, pink, or yellow flowers. Allowing the plant to experience slightly drier conditions between waterings can encourage blooming.

✂️ Pruning:

Trim long or leggy vines after flowering to encourage branching and a fuller appearance. The cuttings can also be propagated.

🌿 Propagation:

Easily propagated from stem cuttings. Take a healthy cutting with several nodes and root it in moist, well-draining media.

🐛 Common Problems:

Watch for mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, and scale. Yellowing leaves or root problems are often caused by overwatering or poor drainage.

⭐ Pet Safety:

Aeschynanthus is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, but chewing on plants can still cause mild stomach upset.