Aeschynanthus
( aes - kih - NAN - thus )
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At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of trailing or vining plants is commonly called Lipstick Plant, so named because of the shape of the flower buds. 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 most 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.
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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 zones 23-26, H1 and H2. See the descriptions below for more information. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Aeschynanthus acuminatus (Lipstick Vine, Slendertoothwort) This epiphytic vining species is native to Asia. It produces crimson to magenta flowers in spring and summertime, and has leathery dark green leaves. |
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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. |
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Aeschynanthus fulgens (Aeschynanthus evrardii) (Lipstick Vine, Ma Dao Everard) 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. 'Hot Flash' is a hybrid cultivar of this species. |
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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'. |
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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. |
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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'. |
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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. |
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Caring for Aeschynanthus
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. Keep the soil moist but not wet, watering somewhere between once every one or two weeks. More waterings are needed in warmer, drier months and during flowering. 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. Pruning will keep the plant looking fresh and bushy and clean up straggly growth. Fertilize with a 3:1:2 slow-release liquid fertilizer during the growing season to encourage new growth and support flowering.
Check the bottom of your plant's pot regularly, checking to see if any roots are attempting to grow out through the bottom drainage holes. Once roots emerge, it is time to pot up your plant. Choose a pot that is between 1 and 3 inches wider than your current pot, and place enough soil in the bottom so that the old soil level sits about a half inch to an inch below the rim of the new pot. 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. Next, place your plant in its new pot and backfill with soil, making sure not to pack it down too much. Finally, water your plant and ensure that good drainage is occurring.
Check the bottom of your plant's pot regularly, checking to see if any roots are attempting to grow out through the bottom drainage holes. Once roots emerge, it is time to pot up your plant. Choose a pot that is between 1 and 3 inches wider than your current pot, and place enough soil in the bottom so that the old soil level sits about a half inch to an inch below the rim of the new pot. 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. Next, place your plant in its new pot and backfill with soil, making sure not to pack it down too much. Finally, water your plant and ensure that good drainage is occurring.
Propagation
- 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.
Problems and Pests
Aeschynanthus plants are susceptible to the following issues and pests:
- Aphids
- Mealybugs
- Spider Mites
- Botrytis Blight
- Leaf Spot
- Root Rot
Gallery
Aeschynanthus radicans 'Rasta', or Twisted Lipstick Plant.
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Many Lipstick Plants do well in places where their trailing stems have space to dangle and grow.
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Aeschynanthus tengchungensis, a rare species of Lipstick plant.
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Videos
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How to care for Lipstick Plant.
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Learn all about these wonderful plants.
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Learn about some of the species of these great indoor plants.
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Why you should be growing Aeschynanthus.
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Resources
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