Lipstick plant is a beautiful flowering indoor plant prized for its shiny foliage and interesting flowers. The name comes from the fact that the flower buds stick out of dark tubes that look like little lipstick tubes. In front of a bright window, this tropical houseplant looks beautiful. It’s also a great way to add a splash of color to kitchens, bathrooms, and dining rooms that get a lot of light.
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Grow lipstick plant in a medium to bright spot. The more light it gets, the better lipstick plant will bloom. If you have a lipstick plant that wont produce flowers, try moving it to a brighter spot.
Water lipstick plant enough to keep the soil moist, but not wet or saturated for extended periods. Dont let lipstick plant wilt, but also take care not to overwater it. If this houseplant stays too wet, it will suffer from root rot.
Fertilize lipstick plant monthly in spring and summer to help it produce lots of flowers. Use any general-purpose houseplant fertilizer. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the products packaging. Note: This plant is not intended for human or animal consumption.
With their tubular flowers that resemble tiny tubes of lipstick peeking out from behind colorful bracts, it’s easy to see why these gorgeous plants are called “lipstick plants.”
This popular houseplant actually refers to a group of flowering plants in the Aeschynanthus genus. They are native to tropical Asia and really enjoy warm humid conditions.
Keep reading to discover 12 stunning lipstick plant varieties along with growing tips and pictures to help you pick your favorites for brightening up your indoor garden
1. Orange Lipstick Plant
Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus xsplendidus
The orange lipstick plant displays lush green leaves and vivid orange tubular flowers that offer a cheerful pop of color. Provide medium to high humidity. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Grow in bright light.
2. Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant
Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus longicaulis
Valued for its foliage, black pagoda has dramatic variegated leaves blotched with dark green and gray-green. The small greenish flowers are less showy. Give bright to medium light away from direct sun to maintain leaf coloration.
3. Variegated Lipstick Plant
Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Variegata’
Striking white-striped leaves make the variegated lipstick plant a standout. Red-orange tubular blooms add complementary color. Grow this variety in bright indirect light. Water when the top inch of soil becomes dry.
4. Purple Star Lipstick Plant
Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus ‘Purple Star’
Unusual purple-flushed red blooms emerge from green bracts on this aptly named variety. Provide high humidity and medium to bright indirect light. Avoid direct hot sun to prevent leaf scorching.
5. Red Lipstick Plant
Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus radicans
The red lipstick plant shows off glossy green leaves and vibrant red blooms for a classic, bold look. Give medium to high light to encourage profuse flowering. Water when the top half of soil dries out to keep the moisture high.
6. Rasta Lipstick Plant
Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Rasta’
Also called twisted lipstick plant, the Rasta variety has very distinct curled and twisted foliage. Red blooms create a striking contrast against the wavy green leaves. Site in bright filtered light for best growth.
7. Mona Lisa Lipstick Plant
Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Mona Lisa’
Mona Lisa offers elegant deep green leaves and lovely orangey-red flowers. Grow in a warm spot with medium to high humidity. Allow soil to dry out halfway down before watering to prevent root rot.
8. Tangerine Lipstick Plant
Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Tangerine’
For a fun pop of color, grow the tangerine variety. It has typical green foliage but tubular blooms in a cheery orange-yellow hue. Give bright indirect sunlight to encourage abundant flowering.
9. Curly Q Lipstick Plant
Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Curly’
The curly Q lipstick plant has very uniquely twisted and curled leaves that give it tons of textural appeal. Red flowers create a nice contrast. Grow in medium to bright filtered light. Avoid direct hot sun.
10. Cassiopeia Lipstick Plant
Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus ‘Cassiopeia’
Cassiopeia offers very showy red blooms that emerge from deep burgundy-purple buds, making a dramatic statement. The dark glossy leaves provide the perfect backdrop. Site in a warm spot with medium to bright light.
11. Mini Variegated Lipstick Plant
Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus micranthus ‘Variegata’
This compact lipstick variety stays under 8 inches tall, making it perfect for terrariums and small spaces. The green leaves feature yellow splotches and small reddish flowers add color. Give warm temperatures and high humidity.
12. Krakau Lipstick Plant
Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Krakau’
Lastly, the Krakau lipstick plant shows off shiny dark green leaves and cherry red tubular blooms for bold tropical appeal. Grow in hanging baskets or elevated containers and enjoy the dangling flowers. Provide medium to bright light.
With so many fabulous varieties, it’s easy to add gorgeous lipstick plant color to your indoor garden. Provide the warmth, humidity, and proper care these tropical beauties love, and you’ll be rewarded with unique textures and vivid flowering displays.
Mini Variegated Lipstick Plant
Mini variegated lipstick plant offers medium-green leaves spattered in golden-yellow variegation and small reddish flowers.
Curly Q Lipstick Plant
This is a one-of-a-kind variety with dark green leaves that curl and twist, giving the houseplant a unique look.
Krakau lipstick plant has shiny, dark green leaves and rich red flowers.
25 LIPSTICK PLANT VARIETIES AND CARE TIPS / HERB STORIES
FAQ
How many types of lipstick plants are there?
What is the difference between twisted and curly lipstick plant?
Can you take cuttings from a lipstick plant?
Do lipstick plants like direct sunlight?
What are the different types of lipstick plants?
Discover the top types of Lipstick Plant Varieties that effortlessly merge beauty and elegance into your living spaces. 1. Curly Lipstick Plant 2. Variegated Curly Lipstick Plant 3. Variegated Lipstick Plant 4. Krakau Lipstick Plant 5. Cassiopeia Lipstick Plant 6. Caroline Lipstick Plant 7. Minima Variegated Lipstick Plant 8.
What is a good lipstick plant?
Krakau Lipstick Plant This plant boasts dark green leaves and radiant red flowers. Easy to care for, provide it with bright indirect light, a well-drained soil mix, and limited watering to maintain its charm. 5. Cassiopeia Lipstick Plant
What is a lipstick plant?
Aeschynanthus radicans, commonly known as lipstick plants is a plant native to Southeast Asia. As this plant consists of red flowers that have the structure of tube-like lipstick, this is called a lipstick plant. Due to its aristocracy, researchers have released around 100 varieties of this species. Some of these varieties are widely found.
How can you tell a lipstick plant from other lipstick plants?
You can distinguish this plant from other lipstick plants in two ways. Their leaves and flowers. The lanceolate leaves are more gentle green and more slender than other varieties as it is only 1 cm in width. The leaf surface is smooth but the leaf margin is hairy. The flowers are red and purplish red.