Lipstick Plant
A trailing plant with glossy, waxy leaves and flowers that emerge from dark tubes like lipstick from its case, in bright red. Pet-safe, flowers indoors in a bright window, and forgiving once you stop overwatering it.
The lipstick plant is named for its flowers, and the name is exact: a dark maroon calyx shaped like a tube, and out of it a glossy red flower that emerges slowly like lipstick being wound up. A happy plant in a bright window does this all along the trailing stems from spring through autumn, and often in winter too.
The rest of the plant is worth having even without the flowers. The leaves are thick, waxy and dark green on stems that trail two or three feet, and it is one of the easier trailing plants: it stores water in the leaves, tolerates ordinary humidity, and is safe for pets. Overwatering is the one common mistake.
Light
Bright, indirect light with some direct morning sun, which is what triggers flowering. An east window is ideal; a south or west one a couple of feet back works. In medium light it lives but rarely blooms. Hot afternoon sun through glass scorches the leaves.
Water
Let the top two inches dry out, then water and drain. Weekly in summer, every twelve days in winter. The waxy leaves store water and go slightly soft when thirsty. Soggy soil rots the roots and drops the leaves; it is far easier to overwater than underwater.
Soil and potting
A light, airy mix: potting soil with a third perlite or orchid bark. Small pot with drainage; it flowers best slightly root-bound. Repot every two years, one size up. A hanging basket suits it.
Feeding
Half-strength balanced feed every three weeks in spring and summer, or a bloom feed once buds show. It flowers on new growth, so feeding helps.
Propagation
Stem cuttings with a few nodes root in damp mix or water in three to four weeks. Pot several together for a full basket. Prune after flowering; the trimmings are your cuttings.
In a hot, dry home
Suits a dry home. Forty percent humidity is enough, the waxy leaves resist dry air, and it likes warmth. Give it the bright east window, keep it out of the AC's direct path, and water a couple of days sooner in the hottest weeks. Cold drafts drop the buds, so keep it away from vents while flowering.
Lipstick Plant varieties
Same care, different look. These are the named forms you will see for sale.
- Classic (radicans)
Glossy green leaves, deep red flowers from maroon tubes.
- Curly (Rasta)
Leaves curled and twisted along the stems. Same flowers.
- Bolero Bicolore
Aeschynanthus hybrid with orange-and-yellow two-tone flowers and a compact habit.
- Mona Lisa
Larger orange-red flowers, fuller leaves.
- Black Pagoda
Aeschynanthus longicaulis: mottled dark green and purple leaves, orange flowers.
Problems and fixes
Leaves dropping, soil wet
Likely cause: Overwatering
Fix: Let it dry out fully; check drainage.
No flowers
Likely cause: Not enough light, or too big a pot
Fix: Brighter window with morning sun; keep it snug.
Buds dropping
Likely cause: Cold draft or a move
Fix: Keep it in place and away from vents while budding.
Long bare stems
Likely cause: Age and low light
Fix: Prune back after flowering and root the tips.
Lipstick Plant questions
Is the lipstick plant safe for cats?
Yes. Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
How do I get it to flower?
Bright light with some morning sun, a snug pot, and light feeding in the growing season. Slightly cooler nights in autumn also help.
Should I prune it?
Yes, after a flush of flowers. Cut the stems back by a third to keep it full; new growth flowers.
Plants with a similar rhythm
Hoya Pubicalyx
- Light
- Medium to bright indirect
- Water
- Every 10 days
- Pets
- Safe
String of Hearts
- Light
- Bright indirect to direct sun
- Water
- Every 10 days
- Pets
- Safe
