Lipstick Plant a gorgeous trailing epiphyte known for its red tubular flowers that peek out of dark maroon calyxes, resembling a tube of lipstick! Perfect for hanging baskets.

Profile – Lipstick Plant

• Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus radicans (and cultivars)

• Family: Gesneriaceae (same family as African Violets)

• Common Names: Lipstick Plant, Basket Vine, Lipstick Vine

• Type: Evergreen, trailing epiphyte (usually grown indoors or in hanging pots)

 Appearance

• Leaves: Glossy, green, thick, leathery, opposite pairs.

• Growth Habit: Trailing vine, can reach 60–90 cm long, ideal for hanging baskets.

• Flowers:

  • Bright red tubular blooms emerging from a darker maroon “tube” (like lipstick in a case).

  • Blooms mainly in summer, sometimes again in warm conditions.

Growing & Care

Sun Light

• Needs bright, indirect light for best flowering.

• Too little light = weak or no flowers.

• Can tolerate some morning sun, but avoid harsh midday sun (scorches leaves).

 Watering

• Keep soil lightly moist — water when the top 2–3 cm feels dry.

• Reduce watering in winter.

• Likes humidity → mist occasionally or use a pebble tray.

 Soil

• Use a well-draining, airy mix: orchid bark + cocopeat + perlite + compost (similar to epiphyte mix).

• Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils.

 Pruning

• Trim back leggy stems after flowering to keep plant compact and encourage new shoots.

 Fertilizing

Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer (NPK 10:10:10 or 20:20:20) every 2 weeks.

• • Once flower buds appear → switch to bloom booster (high phosphorus, e.g., 10:20:10).

• Organic Option: Monthly dose of seaweed extract or diluted compost tea.

Uses & Benefits

• Ornamental: One of the most striking indoor hanging plants.

• Compact: Great for balconies, patios, or living rooms.

• Pollinator Friendly: Flowers attract hummingbirds and bees (in outdoor tropical gardens).