How to Care for Lipstick Plants and Watch Them Bloom!
Today, we’re diving into the care of the stunning Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans), named for its bright red tubular flowers that resemble a tube of lipstick. With its glossy leaves and showy blooms, the Lipstick Plant brings a vibrant pop of color and life to any indoor space. Although they have tropical origins, Lipstick Plants are relatively easy to care for indoors, provided you meet their basic needs. Here’s everything you need to know to help them thrive and blossom!
1. Lighting Needs
Lipstick Plants do best in bright, indirect light, which encourages flowering and healthy growth. Place yours near a window with filtered light, like an east or west-facing window. Avoid direct, intense sunlight, as it can cause leaf burn, but low light can also stunt growth and reduce blooming.
Tip: If you notice sparse or leggy growth, try moving your plant to a brighter spot, as this is often a sign that it needs more light.
2. Watering Routine
Lipstick Plants enjoy a consistent watering schedule but don’t like to sit in soggy soil. Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry, usually every 1-2 weeks, depending on the season. During active growing periods in spring and summer, you may need to water more often; in winter, cut back on watering as the plant’s growth slows.
Tip: Lipstick Plants are sensitive to overwatering, which can cause root rot, so always check the soil moisture first. Let excess water drain from the pot, and empty the saucer to avoid waterlogged roots.
3. Humidity and Temperature Requirements
As a tropical plant, Lipstick Plants appreciate moderate to high humidity. Aim for a humidity level of around 50-60%, which can be maintained with a humidifier or by placing your plant on a pebble tray with water. Average household temperatures are fine for Lipstick Plants, but avoid temperatures below 55°F, which can cause stress and slow growth.
Tip: If you notice browning on the edges of the leaves, it may be a sign that your Lipstick Plant needs more humidity. Misting the plant occasionally can help, especially in dry indoor environments.
4. Ideal Soil Mix
Lipstick Plants prefer a light, well-draining soil mix. A combination of regular potting soil with added perlite or orchid bark works well, providing adequate drainage and airflow to the roots. This helps prevent the soil from staying too wet, which could lead to root rot.
Tip: Avoid heavy or compacted soils, as they can suffocate the roots and hold too much moisture. For best results, use a pot with drainage holes to ensure excess water can escape.
5. Fertilizing Tips
Feed your Lipstick Plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. This will support healthy growth and encourage flowering. During the fall and winter, you can reduce or skip fertilizing, as the plant’s growth naturally slows.
Tip: To boost blooms, consider using a phosphorus-rich fertilizer, which can help stimulate flowering.
6. Pruning and Propagation
Pruning is helpful for keeping your Lipstick Plant compact and promoting fuller growth. Trim back leggy stems and remove any dead or damaged leaves to maintain a bushy shape. Pruning after flowering can also help prepare the plant for the next blooming cycle.
Lipstick Plants are easy to propagate through stem cuttings. Cut a healthy stem with a few leaves, dip it in rooting hormone (optional), and place it in water or moist soil until roots form. Once rooted, you can transfer it to soil to grow a new plant!
7. Encouraging Blooms
Lipstick Plants typically bloom in spring and summer. To maximize blooms, provide consistent lighting, regular feeding, and avoid repotting during their blooming season, as they can be sensitive to changes. Periods of cooler nighttime temperatures (around 60°F) can also encourage flowering, so if possible, keep your plant in a slightly cooler spot during the night.
With the right balance of light, water, and humidity, your Lipstick Plant will thrive and reward you with its brilliant red blooms. For more plant care tips or to explore our collection of unique plants, visit us at Artistic Foliage – we’re here to support your green journey!