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 the tropical areas where it lives naturally, this species grows on tree branches and in cracks in rocks. As a houseplant, it should be planted in a well-draining potting mix. You can enjoy a lot of flowers all year long if you give the plant enough warmth, humidity, and filtered sunlight. The summer and fall months will have the most flowers.
With its vibrant red, tubular blooms and cascading vines, the lipstick plant brings a touch of the tropics indoors. This easy-to-grow houseplant thrives with just a few basic care tips. Follow these simple guidelines for growing a happy, flowering lipstick plant.
Provide the Right Potting Mix
Lipstick plants are epiphytic in nature meaning they grow anchored to trees and rocks in tropical areas rather than rooted in soil. To mimic this environment use a loose, well-draining potting mix amended with perlite or orchid bark. This creates lots of air pockets around the roots and prevents soggy conditions.
Avoid heavy potting soils that will retain too much moisture The roots need to dry out between waterings You can even add sand or small gravel to improve drainage. Any quality potting mix formulated for epiphytes or orchids will work well.
Give Bright, Indirect Light
The lipstick plant thrives in a spot with plenty of daylight but protected from direct sun beams. East or west-facing windows are ideal in most homes. Southern exposures can work if gently filtered through a sheer curtain.
Too much direct sun will scorch the leaves. Insufficient light leads to sparse blooms and leaf drop. Find a bright spot shaded from midday/afternoon sun for best results.
Signs of Too Much Light:
- Sunburnt, yellow leaves
- Leaves curling inward
Signs of Too Little Light:
- Few flowers
- Leggy, weak growth
- Leaves turning pale and dropping
Maintain High Humidity
Recreate the steamy conditions of its jungle habitat by misting frequently and placing on a pebble tray. Bathrooms and kitchens offer extra ambient humidity. Consider adding a room humidifier if your home’s air is very dry.
Humidity helps the lipstick plant grow lush and strong. It prevents leaf tip browning and drop. Make sure it receives the higher humidity levels it naturally enjoys.
Water Thoroughly, Then Allow Drying
Lipstick plants like moist but not soggy soil. Water thoroughly whenever the top inch of potting mix dries out. Then allow excess moisture to drain away before returning the plant to its saucer.
Never leave standing water in the saucer, as wet feet invite root rot. Drooping leaves often signal under-watering. Wilting and yellowing leaves can mean overwatering. Find the right balance for your conditions.
Keep Temperatures Moderate
Warm conditions between 65-80°F (18-27°C) suit the lipstick plant best. Cooler temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause leaf drop. Avoid drafty locations like entryways or beside air vents.
A spot in the bathroom or kitchen usually provides sufficient warmth. Move to a sheltered, warmer area if your home cools below 50°F (10°C) in winter. Sudden temperature fluctuations also stress the plant.
Fertilize Regularly
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks in spring through fall. Reduce frequency in winter. Look for a formula designed for flowering houseplants. Follow label dilution directions to avoid burn.
If using extended release fertilizer pellets or stakes, apply just once in early spring. The lipstick plant appreciates regular feeding when actively growing to support lush blooms.
Prune to Control Shape
Pruning keeps the long cascading vines shapely and the plant compact. Using clean shears, trim back up to one-third of each vine, cutting just above an outward facing node.
You can prune as needed anytime to maintain the desired size and fullness. Remove tangled or damaged growth. Pruning encourages fresh blooming stems.
Display in a Hanging Basket
The vining habit of the lipstick plant makes it perfect for suspended containers. Repotting into a hanging basket showcases the graceful draping stems. Or let vines trail down from a tall plant stand or shelf.
Choose a lightweight potting mix so the container doesn’t get too heavy. The cascading shape looks best when allowed to freely spill over the sides. Provide a plant ring for support.
Propagate from Cuttings
Take 3-6 inch tip cuttings in spring or summer for easy propagation. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the stem in rooting hormone. Insert into moist potting mix or a glass of water.
Roots will sprout in about 2-3 weeks. Transplant into potting mix once well-rooted. Taking cuttings lets you multiply your lipstick plant for free!
Grow from Seeds (Advanced)
You can grow new lipstick plants from seed, though germination rates tend to be low. Use a sterile seed starting mix, cover seeds lightly, and keep moist and warm (70-80°F).
Germination takes 1-3 weeks. Thin out weak seedlings. Transplant the strongest ones when 2-3 sets of true leaves emerge. Growing from seeds takes time but expands your variety options.
Tips to Encourage More Blooms
- Increase sunlight exposure
- Apply fertilizer regularly
- Prune back long vines
- Allow soil to partially dry between waterings
- Maintain warm temperatures above 60°F
- Provide high humidity through misting
- Give excellent air circulation
If your lipstick plant fails to flower well, assess these growing conditions and make adjustments as needed. Meeting all its needs results in the most abundant blooms.
Fix Common Problems
Leggy growth – Increase light levels, use liquid fertilizer
Leaf drop – Add humidity, avoid temperature shifts
Few flowers – Give more sunlight, prune back vines
Wilting – Check for under or over-watering, increase humidity
Yellow leaves – Allow more drying time between waterings
Pests – Wipe leaves with neem oil or insecticidal soap
Fungal diseases – Decrease watering frequency, increase air circulation
Getting culture conditions right prevents most issues. Observe closely and correct any deficits to maintain a healthy, flowering lipstick plant.
Enjoy This Unique Flowering Plant
With striking blooms and cascading vines, the lipstick plant brings cheerful color and a touch of the tropics indoors. Give it the warm, humid conditions it naturally enjoys and this plant will reward you with an abundance of flowers. A bit of basic care keeps it growing strong.
The lipstick plant’s versatility also makes it easy to integrate into your indoor garden. Let it trail from bookshelves or display in a hanging basket. It pairs nicely with other tropicals like orchids, palms and bromeliads. The vibrant red blooms never fail to make a statement.
So add a lipstick plant to your indoor plant collection and enjoy this constant display of charming flowers. Just provide bright light, humidity, and well-drained soil, and this low-maintenance beauty will thrive for years.
Light
Lipstick plants need bright but filtered light to thrive. Too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves, and too little will make the flowers not bloom and the leaves fall off.
Temperature and Humidity
Ideal temperatures for healthy blooming lipstick plants range somewhere between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures that fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit arent ideal, and leaf drop will usually start to occur. As a tropical species, it likes warm weather and lots of humidity. Misting the plant often is suggested to keep it healthy. Misting should be done in the morning to discourage fungal leaf spot diseases.
Sudden changes in temperatures and drafts are problematic, too. So its best not to sit your lipstick plant beside outer doors, drafty windows, or air conditioning vents.
Lipstick Plant Care Tips & Tricks | Lipstick Aeschynanthus Houseplant Care
FAQ
How often do you water lipstick plants?
How do you keep lipstick plant healthy?
Do lipstick plants like to be misted?
Is a lipstick plant indoor or outdoor?
How do you take care of a lipstick plant?
Both pests can be taken care of by using pyrethrin (for the mealybugs), neem oil, or insecticidal soaps. Regular washing of the entire plant in a sink or shower with warm water can also help to eliminate pests. Lipstick plants can easily be propagated from stem cuttings by following a few simple steps:
What is the fastest way to stop licking lips and fix chapped lips?
Usually, some people may get addicted to licking lips when stressed, so one should try to identify and avoid stress triggers. Doing breathing exercises during stressful periods or when anxious, trying meditation or being mindful can help to avoid licking lips. Applying bitter solutions like neem pastes can help in the short term. Mouth breathing can cause dried lips and result in licking. So breathing through nose, keeping oneself hydrated and applying moisturizing lip creams can be beneficial. If it continues to be a problem, then mental health specialist should be consulted.
Are lipstick plants easy to care for?
Lipstick plants are unique, beautiful, and surprisingly easy to care for. This detailed growing guide will show you everything you need in order to keep them thriving for many years to come. If you’re looking for a beautiful and unique houseplant to add to your collection, I highly recommend getting yourself a lipstick plant.
How do you keep lipstick plants from rotting?
Proper watering, a well-draining soil mix, and warm temperatures will keep plants from developing rot. Pests can also be an issue for lipsticks plants, primarily mealybugs and spider mites. Both pests can be taken care of by using pyrethrin (for the mealybugs), neem oil, or insecticidal soaps.