Striking and dramatic! –good descriptions of the indoor blooming plant commonly known as Lipstick Plant. Grown for the bright red, tubular flowers it bears off and on all year, the Lipstick Plant is actually a Gesneriad, closely related to African violets, streptocarpus and gloxinia. Lipstick plant, G. Aeschynanthus, is often confused with G Columnea, a plant that looks very similar and has the same growing requirements. It is native to damp forests of the West Indies and the tropical regions of South America. In the wild, it grows as an epiphyte, a plant that grows on another plant (like an orchid). Because of its arching habit, lipstick plant is often grown in a hanging basket. Although there are several varieties of Aeschynanthus available as indoor plants, they are seldom identified beyond the common name of Lipstick Plant or vine. While they look alike, each has distinct characteristics. Some are more compact with smaller leaves and flowers. Others are more open with larger flowers. The variety A. speciosus has longer, more prominent flowers that are orange-yellow. A. radicans is the one most commonly called Lipstick because its dark red flowers resemble a lipstick emerging from its case. A. marmoratus, sometimes called  Zebra Vine, has green and maroon mottled foliage and less significant blooms. And A. micranthus is more compact with lots of smaller flowers.

When picking out a Lipstick Plant, look for signs of new growth (it is usually slightly lighter in color and glossier) and a full, compact habit. Whenever possible, select a plant that is just beginning to bloom. Some varieties have foliage with a reddish blush. This is perfectly healthy. Avoid plants with any signs of insects or disease.

Tips for Growing Healthy Lipstick Plant
What are the light requirements for lipstick plant? To keep them healthy and productive, be sure Lipstick Plants get lots of light, but avoid direct afternoon sun, especially when they are young plants.

How much water do they need? It is important that the soil never be allowed to dry out, and at the same time, the soil should never be soggy. When they are actively growing in warm weather, they may need water as often as every other day. During winter and when they are more mature plants, they will need a little less moisture. Allow the water to come to room temperature before watering the plants.

Do they have any special temperature requirements? Lipstick Plants like it a little warm (75-80º) during the summer and average indoor temperatures in winter. Avoid exposing them to temperatures below 55º.

Does the lipstick plant need much humidity? Yes! They are native to hot, moist places and need high humidity to stay healthy. During spring and summer, mist the foliage every day or two. In fall and winter, spray twice a week. Humidity can also be provided with humidity trays or by running a room humidifier.

How much fertilizer do they require? During spring and summer, feed Lipstick Plants every two weeks with a liquid fertilizer such as Schultz's Instant Liquid Plant Food or a water-soluble such as Bachman's Excel Gro. Cut back to once a month during fall and winter. 

What type of soil do they prefer? Lipstick Plants prefer a quality peat-based potting soil with excellent drainage and moisture retention. Sand can be added to improve drainage if necessary.

When should I repot my lipstick plant? When young and actively growing, they may need repotting every spring. As they mature, they can be kept in the same pot for several years at a time. They don't mind being root-bound.
Will they need any grooming? Other than an occasional shower to remove any dust, Lipstick Plants don't often need any special attention. If they begin to look a bit open and scraggly, pinch them back and they will fill back in.

How are they propagated? Lipstick Plants can be easily propagated from tip cuttings, especially in spring. Use a rooting hormone and keep the cuttings warm until fully rooted and ready to transplant.

Troubleshooting Problems with Lipstick Plant
Why isn't my plant blooming? They don't bloom well when they are very young. Mature plants can fail to bloom because they lack food, but most often because they are in too large a container. Being pot bound triggers lipstick plants to bloom. As long as they have plenty of room, they tend to put their energy to new growth instead of blooming.

What causes leaves to drop off my lipstick plant? This is usually because the plant has gotten too cold (below 55º). It can also be triggered by a cool or dry spell in the summer. Try soaking  thoroughly and moving it to a warmer location.

Sometimes the leaves seem to dry out. Why? When the humidity is too low, Lipstick Plants develop brown, dried leaves that hang on the plant. Mist the plant more often, place it on a humidity tray or run a room humidifier for an hour or two each day.

What causes black spots on the leaves? This is usually caused by a fungal disease called Botrytis and happens most often when the temperatures are cool and humidity is high. If it happens, pinch off the affected leaves and move the plant to a warmer area. Also, during the winter, the plants need less humidity.

When the plant wilts, but it has plenty of water, what is the problem? Excessively hot weather can trigger wilting, even in a plant that is well watered. Be sure the whole root system is adequately moist. If you suspect the core of the root system may be dry, even though the outside is damp, submerge the roots in a container of room temperature water and wait until the air bubbles stop and then allow it to drain.

Why do the flowers sometimes turn black? When the humidity is too low, flowers will darken almost to black and fall off.

What causes the leaves to look unhealthy and speckled? Look under the leaves for signs of spider mites. Spider mites are treated with a regimen of insecticidal soap or pyrethrins. Also, monitor the humidity levels. Spider mites are worst in dry conditions.

Additional Bachman's Information
General Care for Indoor Plants
Watering Basics for Indoor Plants
Signs of Trouble with Indoor Plants
Caring For Plants While You're Gone

© Bachman's 2008