Lipstick Plant
aeschynanthus radicans
Also known as: ["Lipstick Vine","Mouth Plant"]
Overview
A trailing epiphytic plant with glossy leaves and tubular red flowers that resemble lipstick tubes.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","aesthetic foliage","pet-friendly"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Gesneriaceae |
| Genus: | Aeschynanthus |
| Botanical Name: | Aeschynanthus radicans |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor hanging basket or shelf with bright, indirect light
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"16–27°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"10–12"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days, especially in dry indoor environments
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with perlite or orchid bark for aeration.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light 6–8 hours/day; tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light, protect from direct midday sun, adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderateeasy
Sunlight
bright, indirect light
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; move outdoors in spring/summer for brighter light.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly until it drains, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid letting the plant sit in water.
Soil
well-draining, peat-based potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–6.5).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with organic matter annually.
Temperature
Ideal 65–80°F (18–27°C); prefers stable temperatures, sensitive to drafts and extreme fluctuations.
Avoid placing near drafty windows; maintain stable room temperature; use a humidifier in dry environments.
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during active growth (spring and summer), every 3 months with slow-release fertilizer
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in water or soil.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting with at least 2 nodes, remove lower leaves, place in medium, keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid, indirect light with consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix or water with occasional nutrient additions.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in new pot within 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone, small pot, water or soil medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; change water regularly if using water propagation.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Remove leggy growth, encourage bushier habit, and remove spent flowers to promote new blooms.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune dead/damaged growth, shape plant, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (1–2 inches wider in diameter).
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots outgrow the pot; promotes fresh soil and growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare new soil, handle roots carefully, water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensure even moisture without waterlogging, allow excess water to drain completely, water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, orchid bark, or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, wilting, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf drop, may lead to root rot due to reduced water uptake.
Solution: Move to a warmer spot, avoid cold drafts, ensure proper watering to prevent root rot.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, or leaf drop due to excessive transpiration.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water more frequently but avoid waterlogging, ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); stop in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAeschynanthus radicans is not considered toxic to cats. It does not produce any known compounds that are harmful when ingested by felines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicAeschynanthus radicans is not considered toxic to dogs. It does not produce any known compounds that are harmful when ingested by canines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicAeschynanthus radicans is not considered toxic to humans. It does not produce any known compounds that are harmful when ingested.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are my Lipstick Plant's leaves turning yellow?
A: Yellow leaves can indicate overwatering, underwatering, or insufficient light.
Q: How often should I water my Lipstick Plant?
A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7-10 days, depending on conditions.
Q: Does the Lipstick Plant require direct sunlight?
A: It prefers bright, indirect light; direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Gesneriaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | bright, indirect light |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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