Lipstick Plant Care

Common Name: Lipstick Plant
Scientific Name: Aeschynanthus species
Lighting: Bright Light
Watering: Moderate

The Lipstick Plant is characterized by green foliage with bright red, tubular flowers. Many times the Lipstick Plant does best in a hanging basket due to its cascading and arching foliage. Many varieties of Aeschynanthus are available as houseplants. Some are more compact while others have different sized flowers. All of which can be called Lipstick Plants.

The Lipstick Plant is related to African violets and Cape Primrose, thus it too requires higher humidity levels. So give your plant a daily misting to help provide it with the humidity it prefers. If the leaves begin to brown and dry out or flowers turn black, the plant is not receiving enough humidity.

The Lipstick Plant does best when provided with bright, indirect light. Do not allow this houseplant to be in a lot of direct sunlight. It can burn the foliage, especially in younger plants.

This houseplant can be quite particular in terms of its water requirements. Keep the soil moist at all times, however not soggy. Be sure to keep the soil moist, you do not want it to dry out. If the leaves begin to fall off, it may not be receiving enough water. In winter months, you have to provide a little more attention to this houseplant. Water the plant less than in the summer. Due to the shorter light levels in the winter, the plant doesn't work as hard, thus giving your plant the same water levels as the summer can actually over water your plant.

The Lipstick Plant's blooming times and size depend on the pot size you use. If you would like your houseplant to focus on new growth, keep it in a larger pot size. However it you are satisfied with the size, having the plant root bound will help the plant to bloom.

Overall this plant is a low maintenance plant. The drama it adds to a room makes it well worth it.