It gets its name from its vibrant red, tubular flowers that resemble a tube of lipstick.
In its native tropical habitat, this is anepiphytic speciesfound growing from tree branches and cracks in rocks.
As a houseplant, it should be planted in a well-drainingpotting mix.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
Heavy potting soil can cause root rot to develop.
Moderate watering is best.
Temperature and Humidity
Ideal temperatures for healthy blooming lipstick plants range somewhere between 65F and 75F.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
Temperatures that fall below 50F aren’t ideal, and leaf drop will usually start to occur.
Misting should be done in the morning to discourage fungal leaf spot diseases.
Sudden changes in temperatures and drafts are problematic, too.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
It also helps to encourage new, healthy growth.
Potting and Repotting Lipstick Plant
Repot your lipstick plant when it becomesrootboundand outgrows its current container.
Do this in early spring or after the prolific spring and summer bloom season.
Linjerry
Gently remove the root ball from the existing container, carefully shaking off the old potting mix.
Cut off any dead roots with sterile scissors or pruning shears.
Correcting deficits in any of these requirements usually returns the plant to reliable blooming.
How Long Does Lipstick Plant Bloom?
What Do Lipstick Plant Flowers Look and Smell Like?
The lipstick plant features vibrant red tubular flowers that appear above a burgundy bud.
This makes them an ideal choice for use inhanging basketsor tall containers.
Although the blooms don’t have a strong scent, it isn’t particularly pleasant.
A good trimming up will stimulate more blooms in the next season.
Common Problems with Lipstick Plant
Lipstick plants can usually maintain good health in the right environment.
Keep this plant where the temperature will not fall below 50F and where the soil will stay above 60F.
Making sure your plant is receiving adequate light will also prevent it from drooping.
To prevent an emergency repotting, monitor the roots regularly.
Growing them on patios in hanging baskets that can be moved indoors if temperatures drop is a good strategy.
Yes, according to the ASPCA, lipstick plants are non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
The genus has more than 150 species, and in addition toA.
radicans,several are cultivated as houseplants.A.
pulcher, for example, are sometimes sold as houseplants under the common name lipstick plant or lipstick vine.
They are similar toA.
radicansin their characteristics and care needs.
The scent is very subtle, and you likely won’t notice it.
Aeschynanthus radicans.North Carolina State University Extension.
