Lipstick Plants: Vibrant Cascading Houseplants for Every Space
Lipstick plants (Aeschynanthus) are stunning tropical trailing plants prized for their glossy foliage and tubular red, orange, or pink flowers that emerge from dark calyxes resembling lipstick tubes. Native to Southeast Asian rainforests, these epiphytic beauties thrive as hanging plants or in elevated planters where their cascading vines create dramatic living displays.
Why Choose Aeschynanthus Lipstick Plants?
Lipstick plants combine ornamental appeal with relatively easy care, making them ideal for intermediate plant enthusiasts seeking statement pieces. Their trailing growth habit reaches 60–90 cm, perfect for shelves, macramé hangers, or kokodama displays. Unlike many flowering houseplants, Aeschynanthus blooms reliably indoors with proper bright indirect light.
Popular Aeschynanthus Varieties in Our Collection
Lipstick Plant Care Essentials
Light: Bright indirect light is crucial for flowering. East or west-facing windows work best. Insufficient light prevents blooming while direct sun scorches leaves. Learn more in our Beginner Plant Care 101 guide.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist during growing season (spring–summer) but allow the top 2–3 cm to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter. Lipstick plants prefer humidity above 50%—mist regularly or use pebble trays. Avoid hard water which causes leaf spotting.
Soil: Use well-draining, airy potting mix with perlite, orchid bark, or coco coir. Epiphytic roots require excellent aeration to prevent rot.
Temperature: Maintain 18–27°C year-round. Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 15°C which trigger leaf drop.
Feeding: Apply diluted liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks during active growth. Reduce to monthly in autumn/winter.
Pruning: Trim leggy vines after flowering to encourage bushier growth and more bloom sites. Propagate stem cuttings easily in water or soil.
Common Questions About Lipstick Plants
Why isn't my lipstick plant flowering? Insufficient light is the primary cause. Move to a brighter location and ensure 12+ hours of bright indirect light daily. Cool night temperatures (15–18°C) for 4–6 weeks can also trigger blooming.
Are lipstick plants pet-safe? Yes, Aeschynanthus species are non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them excellent choices for pet-friendly homes.
How do I increase humidity for my lipstick plant? Group with other plants, use a humidifier, place on water-filled pebble trays, or mist foliage 2–3 times weekly. Bathrooms with bright windows provide ideal conditions.
Troubleshooting Lipstick Plant Issues
Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering or poor drainage. Brown leaf tips suggest low humidity or fluoride in tap water—switch to filtered or rainwater. For pest problems like aphids or mealybugs, consult our Neem Oil guide or consider beneficial predator bugs.
Leggy growth with sparse leaves indicates insufficient light. Prune back and relocate to a brighter spot. Refer to our summer plant care tips for seasonal adjustments.
Styling Lipstick Plants in Your Home
Aeschynanthus excels in hanging baskets, wall-mounted planters, or atop tall plant stands where cascading vines create vertical interest. Pair with other tropical epiphytes or display solo as a focal point. The kokodama presentation offers a minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic perfect for modern interiors.
Shop our curated selection of premium lipstick plants, carefully selected for health and vigor. All plants ship with secure packaging and care instructions to ensure they arrive ready to thrive in your Berlin home or across Europe.
