Aeschynanthus (Lipstick Plant) Care: Trailing Blooms for Bright Spaces

Aeschynanthus—"lipstick plant" for its tubular, lipstick-red flowers emerging from dark calyces—is a trailing epiphyte from tropical Asia. Its fleshy, pointed leaves and cascading stems make it perfect for hanging baskets where the blooms can dangle at eye level.

Light

Bright, indirect light. Some morning sun is okay. Too little = no flowers, leggy growth. Too much direct = leaf burn.

Temperature

Summer: 70–80°F (21–27°C). Winter: cooler, 60–65°F (16–18°C), with reduced water.

Water and Humidity

Keep evenly moist in spring–summer; water more as heat increases. Mist daily in hot weather. Winter: let soil dry slightly between waterings. High humidity year-round.

Feeding

Spring–fall: dilute liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Stop in winter.

Pruning and Rest

After flowering (June–Sept), cut stems back by 1/3 to encourage branching. Winter rest: less water, no fertilizer, cooler temps.

Propagation

Spring stem cuttings (5–10 cm), rooting hormone, warm (68°F+/20°C+), humid conditions. Use airy mix with extra sand.

Pests

Mealybugs and scale hide in leaf axils. Remove with alcohol-dipped brush; repeat in 2 weeks.

Species Highlights

• A. javanensis – cup-shaped calyx, red/yellow flowers
• A. lobbianus – long stems, tubular red/cream blooms
• A. speciosus – compact, light green leaves, orange-red flowers