The Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) is a vibrant, tropical houseplant known for its striking tubular flowers that emerge from dark, waxy buds—resembling a tube of lipstick, hence the name. Native to the humid forests of Southeast Asia, this eye-catching plant thrives in warm, shaded environments where it can trail gracefully from trees as an epiphyte—a plant that grows on other plants but isn't parasitic.
Part of the Gesneriaceae family, the Lipstick Plant has earned its place among popular indoor plants thanks to its lush trailing foliage, bright blooms, and suitability for hanging baskets or high shelves. With its cascading stems and colorful flowers, it brings a tropical flair to any indoor space.
In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about planting, growing, caring for, and maintaining a healthy Lipstick Plant—ensuring it thrives and brightens your home year-round.
Lipstick Plant Overview
- Name: Lipstick Plant
- Family: Gesneriaceae
- Mature Size: Up to 3 feet (90 cm) trailing length
- Plant Type: Tropical epiphytic perennial
- Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus radicans
- Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
- Soil Type: Well-draining, aerated, peat-based or orchid bark mix
- Bloom Time: Spring to fall
- Flower Color: Bright red tubular flowers
- Hardiness Zones: 10–12 (USDA zones)
- Native Area: Southeast Asia
- Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets and humans
How to Plant a Lipstick Plant
Planting a Lipstick Plant the right way sets the foundation for healthy growth and abundant blooms. Here’s how to get started:
Choose the Right Variety
While Aeschynanthus radicans is the most common, other varieties like Aeschynanthus lobbianus and Aeschynanthus 'Mona Lisa' offer unique flower colors and leaf shapes. Select a variety that suits your aesthetic and indoor lighting conditions.
Select the Best Soil Mix
Lipstick Plants prefer a well-draining, aerated potting mix. A blend of orchid bark, peat moss, and perlite works beautifully, mimicking the loose, organic material found in their natural epiphytic habitat. Avoid heavy or compact soils that retain excess moisture.
Pick the Right Container
Choose a container with good drainage holes to prevent root rot. Hanging baskets or decorative pots that allow for trailing vines to cascade work best. Ensure the pot is not too large, as Lipstick Plants prefer a slightly snug environment for root development.
Best pot for Lipstick Plant: Medium-sized hanging pots with excellent drainage and breathable material (e.g., terracotta or woven planters).
Steps for Planting
- Fill your pot ¾ full with your prepared potting mix.
- Gently remove the Lipstick Plant from its nursery pot.
- Loosen the roots slightly and place it in the center of the new container.
- Fill in the sides with more soil, leaving an inch of space from the rim.
- Water thoroughly and let the excess drain completely.
Pot Size and Repotting Tips
Start with a pot that’s just one size larger than the root ball. Repot every 2–3 years, preferably in spring, when the roots begin to crowd or grow out of the drainage holes. Avoid upsizing too quickly, as overly large pots can lead to overwatering issues.
Growing Conditions for Lipstick Plants
To help your Lipstick Plant thrive indoors, it’s essential to replicate its native tropical conditions as closely as possible. From light and humidity to fertilization and propagation, here’s what you need to know:
Ideal Lighting
Lipstick Plants love bright, indirect sunlight. Place them near an east or north-facing window where they can enjoy ample light without direct sun exposure, which can scorch the leaves.
If natural light is limited, consider using grow lights to keep your Lipstick Plant happy and blooming year-round.
Temperature & Climate Needs
These plants prefer warm, stable indoor temperatures between 60–80°F (15–27°C). Keep them away from cold drafts or sudden temperature fluctuations, especially during winter.
Humidity Requirements
Being tropical, Lipstick Plants thrive in high humidity. Aim for 50–60% humidity or higher. Use a humidifier, place the pot on a humidity tray, or group plants together to boost moisture in the air.
Yellowing leaves or bud drop can be a sign of low humidity levels.
Fertilizing Schedule
Fertilize your Lipstick Plant once a month during the growing season (spring through early fall) with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Avoid fertilizing in winter when growth slows.
Propagation Tips
Lipstick Plants are easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Choose a healthy, non-flowering stem and root it in either water or a moist potting mix.
- Cut just below a node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Place in water or directly in soil.
- Keep warm and humid until roots develop.
Propagation not only gives you new plants but also helps rejuvenate a leggy or aging parent plant.
Lipstick Plant Care Tips
Once planted and settled into the right environment, consistent care is key to keeping your Lipstick Plant vibrant, healthy, and blooming. Here’s how to give it the best attention:
Watering Your Lipstick Plant
Proper watering is crucial. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering may cause wilting and poor growth.
Tip: Water thoroughly, then let excess water drain completely. Never let the plant sit in soggy soil.
Pruning for Shape and Health
Regular pruning helps encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Use sterilized scissors to trim leggy stems or remove dead/damaged leaves. Pruning also improves air circulation around the plant, reducing the risk of pests.
Best time to prune: after flowering or early spring before active growth begins.
Encouraging Blooming
If your Lipstick Plant isn’t blooming, it may need more light or nutrients. Ensure it's getting bright, indirect light and being fertilized regularly during the growing season. Cooler nighttime temperatures (around 60°F/16°C) can also stimulate bud formation.
Low light and infrequent feeding are the most common causes of a Lipstick Plant not blooming.
Common Lipstick Plant Problems
Here are a few issues to watch for:
- Yellow Leaves – Usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage.
- Bud Drop – Often due to temperature changes, dry air, or under-watering.
- Pests – Watch for mealybugs and spider mites, especially in dry conditions. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Keep a close eye under leaves and at the nodes—where pests love to hide.
How to Maintain a Healthy Lipstick Plant
Keeping your Lipstick Plant happy long-term involves more than just light and water—regular care, seasonal adjustments, and quick action when issues arise all contribute to a vibrant, blooming plant. Here’s how to maintain a healthy Lipstick Plant all year round.
Establish a Regular Maintenance Routine
Consistency is key. Set a weekly schedule to check for watering needs, wipe dust off leaves, and inspect for pests. Rotate the plant occasionally to ensure even growth and light exposure.
Clean leaves gently with a damp cloth to boost photosynthesis and keep your plant looking fresh.
Recognize Signs of Stress
Watch for changes in leaf color, wilting, or a sudden drop in buds. These may indicate issues with lighting, humidity, or watering.
- Pale or yellowing leaves: Overwatering or poor drainage
- Leaf drop: Temperature shock or dry air
- No blooms: Insufficient light or nutrients
Quick diagnosis and correction can restore Lipstick Plant health before serious damage sets in.
Seasonal Care Tips
During the colder months, Lipstick Plants often enter a semi-dormant phase. Reduce watering, hold off on fertilizing, and move the plant away from cold windows or drafts. Use a humidity tray or room humidifier to counteract dry indoor air.
Don’t worry if blooming slows—this is normal during winter.
Best Practices for Long-Term Health
- Keep humidity consistent year-round.
- Fertilize monthly during the growing season.
- Use filtered or rainwater if your tap water is hard.
- Prune lightly to shape and rejuvenate the plant.
Lipstick Plant tips: Keep it in a slightly snug pot, and avoid frequent relocations.
When and How to Repot
Repot your Lipstick Plant every 2–3 years or when you see roots emerging from the drainage holes. Spring is the best time to do this.
Steps for repotting Lipstick Plant:
- Choose a pot just 1–2 inches larger in diameter.
- Use fresh, well-draining potting mix.
- Gently loosen the root ball and replant.
- Water lightly and keep in indirect light until re-established.
Troubleshooting Growth or Bloom Issues
If your Lipstick Plant seems stagnant:
- Increase light exposure
- Boost humidity
- Reassess your fertilizing schedule
- Check for compacted or old soil