Lipstick Plant
Aeschynanthus radicans
The Lipstick Plant is a trailing tropical epiphyte with tubular flowers that push out of dark burgundy calyxes, looking a bit like a lipstick tube. Glossy emerald leaves cover cascading vines, so it shows well in hanging planters where the red blooms can hang free.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Moderate
Difficulty
Moderate
Humidity
High
Pet Friendly
Aeschynanthus radicans is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, making it a safe choice for households with curious pets.
Care Notes
Light
Give plenty of bright, filtered light. Morning sun is usually fine; afternoon sun can scorch leaves. Too little light is the most common reason blooms stay away.
Water
Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch feels dry. In winter, let the mix dry a bit more between waterings to protect against root rot. Use a pot with drainage holes.
Soil
Choose an airy orchid-style mix or a blend of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark so roots get both moisture and air.
Humidity and Temperature
Humidity above 50% helps this tropical plant thrive. Use a pebble tray or humidifier if indoor air is dry. Keep temperatures between 65°F and 85°F; below 60°F can trigger sudden leaf drop. After flowering, prune stems for a fuller plant.
Common Issues
Watch for mealybugs and aphids. Leaf drop after a cold draft is common. Soft yellow leaves usually mean overwatering.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid fertilizer or high-phosphorous bloom booster
Soil
An airy, well-draining mix such as an orchid-based substrate or a blend of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
Stems can reach 2 to 3 feet in length
Growth Rate
Moderate
Propagation
Stem cuttings are the most effective method; take 4-inch cuttings in spring and root them in moist soil or water.
Common Varieties
Mona Lisa
Cascading stems of thick, glossy deep-green elliptical leaves, often darker than the standard species.
Variegata
Trailing waxy ovate leaves with pointed tips and irregular creamy-white or pale-yellow splashes on a green base.
Rasta
Cascading stems of glossy dark green leaves twisted into tight, rope-like curls.
Curly
Thick glossy dark green leaves twisted into spiral curls along trailing stems.
Black Pagoda
Pointed lance-shaped leaves with dark green marbling on top and deep burgundy-purple undersides.