Lipstick Plant

Lipstick plants belong to the genus Aeschynanthus, which consists of almost 185 tropical herbs. These plants sport bright-colored flowers and are native to southern Asia, Indonesian islands, New Guinea, and the Philippines. Though the most common species are Aeschynanthus lobbianus and Aeschynanthus radicans, they are popularly known as lipstick plants. These plants derive their name from the peculiar appearance of the flowers (of some species), which resemble open tubes of lipsticks.

Lipstick Plant - Appearance

The appearance of the different species in the genus Aeschynanthus varies widely. But most of them are trailing or climbing epiphytes or lithophytes, which are grown as indoor houseplants in hanging baskets. While one of the most common species, called Aeschynanthus lobbianus, sports glossy leaves with hard surfaces and bright red-colored flowers emerging from the tube-like calyx, which are dark red in color, another popular species, Aeschynanthus radicans have leathery leaves and the terminal scarlet-colored flowers have yellow throats. Another species, Aeschynanthus hildebrandii, looks different from the former ones due to its softer leaves and bright orange flowers. Species like Aeschynanthus speciosus are large in size, whereas Aeschynanthus micranthus are trailing plants, and are smaller.

Lipstick Plant Care

Lipstick plants are very popular for its flowers and different types of foliage. Being of the trailing type, most of them are grown in hanging baskets. These plants, which are native to the tropical region, need humidity, moisture and sunlight for healthy growth. Sunlight is one of the important factors that can affect the growth of these plants, but direct sunlight can cause adverse effects, unless you keep the plants moist. It is always better to place these plants in a place which is warm, a little sunny and shady. If the plant is placed in direct sunlight, the leaves can fall off or turn brown. You can avoid this by ensuring that the plant as well as the soil, do not dry out.

Another important factor relating to the lipstick plant care is watering. Water these plants generously, but take care not to make the soil soggy. Watering is more important during the summers and in dry climate, wherein you have to moisten the leaves too. It is always better to use tepid water rather than cold water, as the latter may develop spots on the leaves and may turn brown. While growing lipstick plants, you have to take care of the humidity levels. These plants, being native to the tropical region, require a humid atmosphere. In case of outdoor plants, regular misting can maintain the humidity levels, but as far as indoor lipstick plants are concerned, a humidifier can help to a great extent. Otherwise, you can place the plant in a tray filled with water and pebbles. You can even keep the plant in a bathroom window sill or kitchen.

Adding fertilizers to a lipstick plant, during the spring and summer season, can help the flowering process in these plants. But use a nitrogen-free fertilizer at half the recommended strength and use it every other week. The fertilizing and watering frequency has to be reduced during the fall and winter, to allow the plant to get a resting period. You may also trim these plants, after the flowering season. As the flowers emerge from the tips of the stalks, excessive trimming can prevent the flowering of the plant. The plant can withstand day temperatures of over 75 degrees and 65 to 70 degrees during the night, but the night temperatures should not be below 55 degrees. As far as potting is concerned, the soil must be loose and well-drained. It should be high in potassium and must contain sphagnum peat moss and sharp sand or perlite. Re-potting should not be frequent.

You can grow these fascinating plants as outdoor or houseplants. It is a visual treat with its attractive flowers and the wonderful foliage. These plants can easily enhance the interiors of your house.