Introduction to Lipstick Plants
Lipstick Plants (Aeschynanthus) are charming, trailing tropical plants native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia. Named for their tubular flowers that emerge from dark, tube-like calyxes — resembling a tube of lipstick being uncapped — these plants produce clusters of vivid red, orange, or pink blooms that are truly eye-catching. With their cascading, waxy-leaved vines and spectacular flowers, Lipstick Plants are perfect for hanging baskets, trailing from shelves, or displayed in elevated pots where their trailing stems can be fully appreciated.
Light Requirements
Lipstick Plants thrive in bright, indirect light. They need adequate light to bloom — without enough light, they produce lush foliage but few or no flowers. An east- or west-facing window is ideal. Avoid harsh direct sunlight, which scorches the leaves. If natural light is limited, a grow light can supplement and encourage blooming.
Watering
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Lipstick Plants prefer consistently moist but never waterlogged soil. They are somewhat drought-tolerant and can handle brief dry periods better than overwatering. Always use a pot with drainage holes. Reduce watering in winter when growth slows.
Humidity & Temperature
Lipstick Plants love moderate to high humidity (50–70%) and temperatures between 65–85°F (18–29°C). They are sensitive to cold drafts and temperatures below 55°F. Misting the leaves regularly or using a pebble tray helps maintain adequate humidity, especially in winter.
Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining, lightweight potting mix — a blend of potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark works well. Lipstick Plants are epiphytic in nature and need excellent drainage and aeration. They do best in hanging baskets or pots with drainage holes. Repot every 2 years in spring.
Fertilizing
Feed every 2–4 weeks during spring and summer with a high-phosphorus liquid fertilizer to encourage blooming. Reduce fertilizing in fall and stop in winter. Consistent feeding during the growing season promotes lush growth and abundant flowering.
Encouraging Blooms
To encourage blooming, ensure your Lipstick Plant receives bright indirect light and is fertilized regularly with a bloom-boosting fertilizer. A slightly cooler, drier winter rest period (reduce watering and temperature slightly) can also trigger spring blooming. Prune leggy stems after blooming to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.
Shop Our Lipstick Plant Collection
- Lipstick Plant — classic red tubular blooms
- Curly Lipstick Plant — unique curly-leaved variety
- Lipstick 'Bolero Bicolore' — stunning bicolor blooms
- Lipstick Black Pagoda — dramatic dark foliage with orange flowers
Common Problems & Solutions
No blooms: Insufficient light or needs a winter rest period — increase light and reduce watering in winter. Yellow leaves: Overwatering — reduce watering and check drainage. Leggy growth: Insufficient light — move to a brighter location and prune after blooming. Brown leaf tips: Low humidity — increase misting or use a pebble tray.