Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus)
The Aeschynanthus originates from Southeast Asia and is considered one of the most beautiful hanging plants. Its name means flower of shame, because it keeps its flowers hidden for a long time. But when they do appear, they are beautifully red flowers! There are different species of Aeschynanthus. Each species is slightly different, but what they all have in common is that they are cultivated with passion by our grower Hillplant. A true specialist in hanging plants, with a collection of ‘Hillhangers’! A tip from our grower Chris van den Heuvel: ‘preferably give this plant lukewarm water to prevent spots on the leaves.’ Enjoy this special hanger!
The Latin name for the Lipstick Plant is Aeschynanthus, which means “shame” and “flower”. Hence the nickname “flower of shame”, but the popular hanging plant literally has nothing to be ashamed of, because it is truly a gem!
The Lipstick Plant grows naturally on other plants and trees. Therefore, the Aeschynanthus has no ground roots. A nice term for this is epiphyte. But you don’t have to worry about your Lipstick Plant when you buy it for your living room. As long as you take good care of the Aeschynanthus, it will do fine in a pot or a high vase!
Did you know…
The tendrils (stems) of the Lipstick Plant can grow up to three meters long in nature? Quite a grower!
Lipstick lant care
Want to know everything about Lipstick Plant care? Our grower Chris from Hillplant cultivates the Lipstick Plant, or Aeschynanthus, together with his brother John at their nursery in Sleeuwijk. Together, they literally know everything about Lipstick Plant care. Their best tips can be found on this page! Briefly:
- Plenty of light, but no direct sunlight
- Keep the potting soil moist
- Fertilize twice a month
- An easy houseplant
Care tips
Watering the Lipstick Plant
- Give lukewarm water
- Better too little than too much
- Water more during blooming
The Lipstick Plant loves moist soil. Make sure the potting soil does not dry out, but also does not turn into a swamp, as this can cause root rot. Usually, a small amount of water twice a week is sufficient. During the warm summer months, the Lipstick Plant uses more water than in the colder winter months, and it also uses more water during the blooming period.
Feel the potting soil with a finger to see if it is moist or dry. This way, you know if you can water your Aeschynanthus again. When in doubt, it is better not to water.
Super tip from our grower Chris: give the Lipstick Plant lukewarm water. The Aeschynanthus is not a fan of cold. Cold water should be avoided because it can cause spots on the leaves if it is too cold.
Best location for the Lipstick Plant
The Lipstick Plant loves a lot of light but not direct sun. In nature, the plant hangs and grows under other trees and plants. The best location for the Aeschynanthus varies, but we help you get started:
- For a south-facing window – Maintain a distance of four meters
- For an east or west-facing window – Maintain a distance of two meters
- For a north-facing window – Can be placed directly by the window, provided there are no buildings or trees close to the window that block the light
Temperature
The ideal temperature for the Lipstick Plant is 15 – 21 °C. If your Aeschynanthus no longer produces flowers, it can help to place the plant in a cooler room where it is about 15 °C.
Humidity
Even though the Lipstick Plant hangs in the tropical jungles of Southeast Asia, the plant is not necessarily used to high humidity. Therefore, it is not necessary to spray the Aeschynanthus with a plant sprayer.
Because of these preferences, the Lipstick Plant is very suitable as:
- Bedroom plant
- Bathroom plant
- Living room plant
- Office plant
Repotting the Lipstick Plant
You only need to repot the Lipstick plant when it really grows out of the pot and the pot cracks. This will be about once every two to three years. Be sure to repot the Aeschynanthus outside of the blooming period.
Fertilizing the Lipstick Plant
For the best Lipstick Plant care, it is advisable to fertilize your Aeschynanthus. This helps the plant grow and produce flowers. The flowers require a lot of energy. Regular Pokon houseplant fertilizer is perfect for your Lipstick Plant. You can fertilize twice a month or every week. Less is fine, but not more. Over-fertilizing can be harmful to the Aeschynanthus.
Is the Lipstick Plant toxic?
Some houseplants are toxic. Ingesting them can cause irritation or even an allergic reaction. The Lipstick Plant is not toxic, but it is still not a good idea to eat the plant.
Pruning the Lipstick Plant
Does the Lipstick Plant flower?
Yes! The Lipstick Plant gets its name from its red flowers. These resemble lipsticks. Cool, right?! The Lipstick Plant’s blooming period lasts for half a year and starts in spring. If your Lipstick Plant does not flower between September and April, do not worry; the blooming period is over, and the plant will be less likely to produce flowers!
Super tip from Chris: is your Aeschynanthus not flowering? Place it in a cooler room where it is about 15 °C for four months. The bedroom is usually perfect. The cold will encourage the Lipstick Plant to produce new flowers more quickly. You will soon see new buds appearing!
Is the Lipstick Plant air purifying?
Some plants have air-purifying qualities. They clean the air and filter out harmful substances. The Lipstick Plant is not air-purifying. Want to know which plants are? Check out our air-purifying houseplants.
Diseases and pests on the Lipstick Plant
The Lipstick Plant is not susceptible to diseases and pests. However, root rot can occur with too much water. Be careful with this, as root rot is difficult to tackle. In case of root rot, it is best to repot the Lipstick Plant. The new, dry potting soil will absorb the excess water. Additionally, the new potting soil contains many good nutrients, which will help the Aeschynanthus recover better.
Appearance of the Lipstick Plant
Is your Lipstick Plant not doing as well as you expected? That can happen! Every plant has its own unique needs, so care is not always straightforward. The most common appearance issues are listed below:
Spots on the Leaves
Spots on the leaves of the Aeschynanthus indicate a water problem. You may have given water that is too cold. The Lipstick Plant does not like this. Let it be and give water at room temperature or lukewarm water from now on. Ugly leaves can be pruned.
No new flowers
Is your Lipstick Plant not producing new flowers? This can mean two things:
- The plant is not in the growing period. From spring to autumn, the plant has more energy and can produce flowers. This starts around April and ends around September. Outside of the growing period, the Lipstick Plant will rarely produce flowers.
- The conditions are “too good”. The Aeschynanthus will be less likely to produce flowers if it is perfectly happy. If the temperature is always perfect and it gets enough water, the Lipstick Plant may not see a reason to produce flowers. A tip from our grower Chris: place your Lipstick Plant in a cooler room. 15 °C is perfect. You will soon see new buds appearing in the plant.
Yellow leaves
Does your Aeschynanthus have yellow leaves? This is a sign of too little sunlight. Place or hang your Lipstick Plant in a spot with more light, but be careful: avoid direct sunlight.
