Lipstick Plant Care

The lipstick plant is one of the most popular indoor plants among home owners. Bright red, tubular flowers are the characteristic features of this plant with lush green foliage. As the foliage are cascading and arching, the lipstick plant looks best when kept in a hanging basket. This plant has several varieties which do well as house plants. In order for the plant to enjoy a healthy growth and long life, use some of these lipstick plant care tips which are as follows.

Care of Lipstick Plant
Bright, indirect exposure of sunlight is what is require for lipstick plant care. Direct sunlight and especially the afternoon heat must be avoided as it may burn the plant's foliage.

For the lipstick plant care, the soil is required to be kept moist at all times, not soggy though. It is also important to see to it that the plant must not be left to dry out. One indication of the plant not receiving adequate amount of water is the falling off of its leaves. During the summer months, the plant may require water more often and at winters, as the plant will do with less moisture, lessen the amount of watering.

Keeping the humidity level up is also one of the most important tips in a lipstick plant care. During warmer months, misting the foliage every day or two helps in keeping the plant moist and fresh. Misting twice a week is good enough during the colder months. An indication of low humidity is the leaves turning black and falling off.

Feeding the plant with a liquid fertilizer every two weeks in summers promotes healthy growth and so does feeding it once a week during winters. Required information about the types of fertilizers can be sought for at the dealer's.

The type of soil which is to be used for a lipstick plant care should a peat-based potting soil of high quality. The soil must be moisture and drainage retentive. In order to improve the drainage, you can also add a bit of sand.

During its active growth, a lipstick plant may need re-potting every year. However, when they mature, they can be kept in the same pot and it will help the plant to bloom better. The temperature favorable for a lipstick plant care is about 75-80 degrees. Normal room temperature is enough during winters.

Common houseplants pests may raise concern for the health of the plant. Mealybugs, spider mites, aphids and thrips are the common problems. The infestation can be taken care of by using a pyrethrum-based insecticide to cover stem and leaf junctions properly. These insects are worse when the plant is left out to dry.

A fungal disease called Botrytis may cause black spots on the leaves. Cool and humid temperature is responsible for the onset of this disease. So, get rid of the affected leaves and move the plant to a warmer area.

While grooming the lipstick plant , you do not have to do much. Regular misting or shower as and when required, grooms the plant well.

Lipstick plant pruning can be done after the period of blooming. Tip cuttings of a lipstick plant ensures effective propagation. During spring, dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone and keep them warm until fully rooted and ready to be transplanted.

You may be interested to know more on:

• Benefits of Indoor Plants
• Indoor Plants That Clean Air

These were some of the important tips which should be taken care of in a lipstick plant care. Overall, the plant is a low-maintenance one and does not cause mush hassle to its owner. Like any other indoor plant, this one is also a great addition to all kinds of interiors. So, bring home some of these beauties and add to the warmth of your home!