Aeschynanthus

( aes - kih - NAN - thus )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of perennial trailing or vining plants includes species commonly called Lipstick Plant. Leaves on species within the genus vary, from waxy and thick to softer and more herbaceous. Flowers are bright, ranging in color from yellow to pinks and reds to orange and will bloom between summer and fall, though can bloom in any season given the right environment. These beginner-friendly plants are native to the tropical regions of southeast Asia, and enjoy warm humid conditions, bright indirect light, and moist soil. Use Lipstick Plant indoors, in containers or hanging baskets, or to add a tropical look to the garden.

Aeschynanthus Species and Varietals

The genus Aeschynanthus is a member of the plant family Gesneriaceae and includes around 150 species. The best growing zones for these plants vary depending on the species, though generally when grown outdoors they do best in tropical climates in USDA hardiness zones 10-12 or Sunset zones 23-26, H1 and H2. They are also popular as houseplants or greenhouse specimens in more temperate zones. See the descriptions below for more information. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Aeschynanthus acuminatus (Lipstick Vine, Slendertoothwort, Acuminate Basket Vine, Tapering-Leaf Blushwort)
This epiphytic vining species is native to Asia. It produces crimson to magenta flowers in spring and summertime, and has leathery dark green leaves. Individual plants produce flowering stems that reach up to 10-60 inches long.

Aeschynanthus buxifolius (Box-Leaf Lipstick Plant)
This species has risen in popularity among the houseplant collector's groups as a hothouse ornamental, and is epiphytic in its native range in southern China and northern Vietnam. Box-Leaf Lipstick Plants reach 2-3 feet in length or height and are perfect for hanging baskets. Foliage resembles that of Boxwood (Buxus) species.

Aeschynanthus fulgens (Aeschynanthus evrardii) (Lipstick Vine, Ma Dao Everard, Flame-Thrower Lipstick Plant)
This species is native to Asia and is a trailing to spreading epiphyte with orange to red flowers. Stems are stiff and strong, and leaves are succulent and leathery. These are somewhat cold-hardy plants, able to tolerate being grown outdoors in protected areas. Individual plants reach up to 1-3 feet tall and wide. 'Hot Flash' is a popular hybrid cultivar of this species.

Aeschynanthus longicaulis (Aeschynanthus marmoratus)(Long-Stemmed Lipstick Vine)
This species of Lipstick Vine is native to Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia. Leaves are dark green marbled with cream white on top and pale green marbled with maroon on the undersides. Flowers are tubular and orange, blooming on purple stems from summer through winter. This species makes a great houseplant, and is used to growing under tree canopy, so it can tolerate medium-light conditions. Varieties include 'Black Pagoda' and 'Mona Lisa'.

Aeschynanthus pulcher (Lipstick Plant, Red Bugle Vine)
This evergreen perennial climbing vine is epiphytic, and produces clusters of red flowers from summer through wintertime. Red Bugle Vine is native to Indochina and Malesia. The specific epithet 'pulcher' means pretty or beautiful, referring to the brilliant red blooms. Foliage is dark green.

Aeschynanthus radicans (Lipstick Plant, Basket Vine)
This species has leathery green leaves and produces flowers that are scarlet with yellow throats. These plants are perfect for hanging baskets, and require a good deal of indirect sunlight to thrive and bloom well. They also enjoy humid environments, doing well in greenhouses. Varieties include 'Rasta' (with curled leaves, earning it the common name 'Twisted Lipstick Plant'), 'Curly', 'Mona Lisa', 'Tangerine' and 'Variegata'.

Aeschynanthus speciosus (Basket Plant)
This species has trailing stems and fleshy, dark green leaves. Flowers grow in clusters of 6-20 blooms, and are shaded in different colors, from orange-yellow to orange-red with blotches and streaks of yellow and red on the interior. Individual plants can reach up to 2-3 feet tall and wide at maturity.

Caring for Aeschynanthus

Aeschynanthus, or Lipstick Plant, is a tropical plant that can be grown outdoors in warmer climates (USDA growing zones 10-12) or indoors as a houseplant. Outdoors, they should be situated in a space that does not drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. They do well in containers outdoors, but many species are epiphytic, and are not typically planted in the ground. Choose a hanging basket or container that has adequate drainage holes on the bottom, and fill it with a light, bark-heavy potting mix (one that is good for Orchids will do). They need excellent drainage to thrive; water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Situate the container in a space that receives bright, indirect light. They should not get any late afternoon direct sun, as this exposure will quickly sunburn leaves and stress the plant. Every year, check the bottom of the container to see if roots are beginning to grow through. When this happens, it is time to choose a larger container and repot the plant. Prune in springtime, removing about 1/3 of the length of each vine. Pruning will keep the plant looking fresh and bushy and clean up straggly growth. Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Aeschynanthus plants typically live for a decade or more before needing to be replaced.

Growing Aeschynanthus Indoors
As indoor specimens, these plants prefer to be situated in a warm, humid location with bright indirect light. Lipstick Plants will do best with temperatures between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and like to be in an environment with a humidity of 40-60%. Mist plants regularly to provide adequate humidity for best growth. The more light these plants receive, the more they will bloom. If they are not receiving enough light, for example if they are grown in medium indirect light, they will lose some leaves and not flower. Increase light using grow lamps if needed. Keep the soil moist but not wet, watering somewhere between once every one or two weeks. More frequent waterings are needed in warmer, drier months and during the active flowering period. During wintertime, these plants go somewhat dormant, and will need fewer waterings. Never leave roots sitting in water; this will cause the plant to develop root rot. Prune lipstick plants with sanitized scissors or clippers, removing up to 1/3 the length of each vine in early springtime. Check the bottom of your plant's pot regularly to determine if any roots are attempting to grow out through the bottom drainage holes. Once roots emerge, it is time to pot up. If your plant has become root-bound or if there are sections of roots that have died since it was last repotted, this is a good time to break up those roots or trim some off.

Propagation

Aeschynanthus plants are most easily propagated through taking cuttings of an existing plant and rooting them. To propagate your Lipstick Plant, follow the instructions below:

Take a 3-node soft stem cutting from the end of a non-blooming stem, cutting at a 45 degree angle with sanitized shears or scissors.
Remove all but the top two to three leaves from the cutting and then dip the cut end into rooting hormone and tap to remove excess powder. Alternatively, you can simply leave the cutting out for a few days and allow the cut end to callus over.
Place the cutting in your prepared propagation container, and water, ensuring that good drainage is occurring. Continue to provide water regularly to these new cuttings, and in about 2 weeks roots should be forming at the base of the cutting.