In May of 2024 I was given a gift certificate to our local nursery, and in June, just in time for Shavuot I purchased, among other things, a lovely lipstick plant, not in bloom. Blooming houseplants are generally sold when in bloom or with buds, since most folks don't know all that much about plants, but this one was apparently left over from that period, and waiting for me! I was looking for something to hang in the shade of our front entry porch, and this fit the bill. I did realize that I would have to bring the plant indoors once the temperatures dipped, but little did I know that we'd be treated to a very stunning winter bloom, with tiny buds forming at the beginning of what is now a four month period, with more buds left to develop while the initial blooms have dropped. And I am surely not complaining about the lovely burst of color in my living room!
The Lipstick Pant, Aeschynanthus radicans originates from the southeast Asia tropics, where it grows as an epiphytic plant, growing in trees and on other plants as part of a symbiotic relationship. Because of this, the plant thrives when planted in an airy mix of potting soil and sphagnum moss or in a very coarse potting mix, like one made for orchids. That said, my plant arrived from the nursery in regular houseplant potting soil, but if I repot it, I will surely keep this in mind. Also another wonderful thing about lipstick plant is propogation from stem cuttings, which one takes after the bloom and which also keeps the plant from getting too leggy, stay tuned for that! But first lets learn how to take care of this glorious plant!
My Lipstick Plant History:
• Purchased in May, and hung outdoors in total shade. Plant was watered when soil dried out, (once to twice a week) and sprayed with a spray bottle every morning. (NOTE: I just read that one should not mist this plant as it is susceptible to fungus, so hmmmmm!, but then I read that morning misting prevents fungus!)
* Plant was moved indoors around October 15th, as we prepared for Succot, and at that time I noticed tiny flower buds, which developed in stages, and somewhat slowly.
• Around December 1st some of the red parts of the flower started to emerge from the darker base (thus the plant's name) and by December 15th the plant had many clusters of full blooms together with many buds, some of which started to drop around a week later.
• Today, Jan 7th, the plant still has many blooms as well as several clusters that will not become actual flowers for another month plus. Which means that the entire blooming cycle is roughly 6 months! (Now I'm going to see what google has to say about that) Google said that this plant can bloom continuosly, wow!
Above: When these dark clusters started growing I thought Hmmm, I remember the flowers as being red, and yes, the red comes out from the middle, just wait and see!
Above: Here is my plant just after purchase, spending the summer outdoors and much more sparse
How To Care For A Lipstick Plant
LIGHT:
Lipstick plants are very adaptable to all lighting conditions, from direct sunlight to low and artificial light, though the lipstick plant will perform best in bright, indirect light or I read, when allowed to receive direct morning sun, though I have a huge question about that direct sun for a tropical ephiphyte! (If plant was not raised in sun, exposing it to sun will cause leaf burn, a few of my plant's leaves suffered from this.) Lower lighting conditions wlll likely lead to slower growth and lack of flowers, but you can still maintain an attractive green plant that looks wonderful as a hanging plant or cascading from a shelf or ledge.
The lipstick plant is resilient to a few skipped waterings, due to its thick leathery leaves, though the plant does best with consistent moisture and a well-aerated, coarse potting mix. Water the lipstick plant thoroughly when the top 25% of soil is dry, and be sure to empty the saucer of any excess water to prevent root rot.
The lipstick plant appreciates high humidity environments due to its tropical origins. Group it with other plants, place a humidifier nearby, or use a pebble tray to raise the humidity. While some say that misting is not recommended as the plant is susceptible to foliar fungal issues, others say that misting prevents fungal issues, and in my case the morning mist all summer long led to an impressive bloom in the fall, or maybe it was the proper light and watering?
A happy lipstick plant requires temperatures above 65°F. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes, and certainly don't leave it outdoors during cold spells!
Use a liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength every other week during the spring and summer and once per month in the fall and winter. Never apply fertilizer to dry soil; always make sure the soil is damp before feeding your plant. Note: I have never quite gotten to fertilizing my house plants, but I do recommend it as they are heavily fertilized in the nursery.
Your lipstick plant is considered to be non-toxic to pets and humans. Good to know!
