Saving an Overwatered Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus lobbianus)

Reviving a Wrinkled Lipstick Vine

Wrinkled, shriveled leaves on a lipstick plant indicate chronic overwatering, especially in winter when growth slows. The plant can recover if allowed to dry out properly.

Winter Care Guidelines

• Water only when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry.
• Provide bright, indirect light—no direct summer sun.
• Ideal temperatures: 60°F nights, 70–75°F days.
• Use a porous, well-draining potting mix.
• Fertilize lightly with liquid fertilizer during active growth (spring–fall).

Recovery Steps

1. Stop watering until soil is dry to the touch at depth.
2. Remove any mushy stems or leaves.
3. Ensure the pot drains freely; empty saucer promptly.
4. New growth will emerge from healthy stems once conditions improve.

Propagation

Stem tip or leaf-bud cuttings root slowly with bottom heat. Best attempted in spring.

Lipstick vines are forgiving once watering is corrected.