Lipstick Plant - Vibrant Blooming Climber

Unleash a pop of vibrant color with the delightful Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus)! This enchanting tropical epiphyte is cherished for its thick, waxy, dark green leaves that gracefully cascade along its vine-like stems. But the true spectacle arrives around early spring, when this plant will reward you with its very unique, brilliant reddish-orange, tubular flowers that emerge from dark, bud-like calyces – strikingly resembling a tube of lipstick! Perfect for hanging baskets or elevated shelves, the Lipstick Plant offers both lush foliage and a spectacular floral display, bringing exotic charm and a burst of joyful color to any indoor space.

Key Features

• Unique Lipstick-Like Blooms: Produces distinctive reddish-orange tubular flowers emerging from dark calyces, resembling a lipstick tube.

• Thick, Waxy Foliage: Features lush, dark green, glossy leaves that run along graceful trailing stems.

• Vining & Trailing Habit: Ideal for hanging baskets or allowing to cascade from shelves.

• Early Spring Bloomer: Rewards with vibrant, long-lasting flowers, typically around early spring.

• Epiphytic Nature: Naturally grows on other plants in its native habitat, indicating its preference for good air circulation.

Care Tips

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Ample filtered light will encourage more prolific blooming. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight, which can scorch its leaves. Too little light may result in sparse flowering.

• Water: Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing and blooming periods (spring to fall), but never soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly before rewatering. Reduce watering in winter.

• Humidity: Thrives in high humidity. Mist regularly, place on a pebble tray, or use a humidifier, especially in dry environments, to prevent leaf crisping and encourage blooming.

• Soil: Use a well-draining, airy potting mix that retains some moisture, such as an orchid mix blend or a mix with added perlite and bark.

• Temperature: Prefers warm, consistent temperatures between 18-29°C (65-85°F). Protect from cold drafts and sudden temperature drops, which can cause bud or leaf drop.

• Feeding: Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the spring and summer growing and blooming seasons with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength.

• Pruning: Prune after flowering to encourage bushier growth and more blooms in the next season. Trim leggy stems to maintain shape.

Important Note

The Lipstick Plant is generally considered non-toxic to pets and humans, though it's always best practice to prevent ingestion.