What is a lipstick plant?
The lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) is a trailing tropical epiphyte from the rainforests of Southeast Asia. It takes its name from the way its bright red tubular blooms emerge from dark maroon calyxes — the visual effect is uncannily like a tube of lipstick being pushed out. In the wild it clings to trees; indoors it drapes elegantly from hanging baskets or cascades off shelves. Unlike most flowering houseplants it is genuinely easy to grow, asking only for bright indirect light and a little patience before it blooms.
How much light does a lipstick plant need?
Bright, indirect light is the key to flowers. A spot a foot or two back from a south- or east-facing window works well; a sheer curtain diffuses direct sun that would otherwise scorch the thick, waxy leaves. In low light the plant stays alive and green but rarely blooms — if yours hasn’t flowered in a year, insufficient light is almost always the reason. A brief cool period in autumn (nights around 60°F / 15°C) alongside good light is the classic trick for triggering a heavy flush of blooms.
How often should you water a lipstick plant?
Water about every 1–2 weeks, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between drinks. Lipstick plants are epiphytes — in the wild their roots cling to bark and dry out quickly between downpours. That means they tolerate a little drought far better than they tolerate soggy soil: overwatering is the fastest way to kill one. Use a light, free-draining mix (add perlite to standard potting soil) and always use a pot with drainage holes.
How do you get a lipstick plant to bloom indoors?
Three levers, in order of importance:
- Light — move it to the brightest indirect spot you have; this alone fixes most non-blooming.
- Cool nights — expose the plant to nighttime temperatures around 60°F (15°C) for 4–6 weeks in autumn before bringing it back to normal indoor warmth.
- Root restriction — a slightly root-bound plant in a snug pot tends to flower more prolifically than one in a large pot with lots of loose soil.
After a flush of blooms, trim the spent stems back by a third to encourage the next round.
How do you propagate a lipstick plant?
Tip cuttings root readily. Take a 4–6 inch stem, cut just below a node, strip the lower leaves, and stick it into moist perlite or a 50/50 mix of perlite and potting soil. Keep warm (70–80°F), covered loosely with a plastic bag to hold humidity, and in bright indirect light. Roots appear in 3–5 weeks. Once established, pot into the same light mix you’d use for the parent plant.
Is a lipstick plant safe for pets?
Yes — one of its most appealing qualities is that the ASPCA lists the lipstick plant as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. If you want a showy trailing bloomer in a pet-friendly home, this is one of the best choices available.