How to Grow Lipstick Plant
iNaturalist
Lipstick Plant
Aeschynanthus pulcher
flowerLipstick plant is a trailing or cascading tropical epiphytic plant renowned for its showy, tube-shaped flowers that emerge from dark burgundy calyces, resembling a tube of lipstick. Native to rainforests of Southeast Asia, it produces glossy, oval-shaped leaves on slender stems and thrives as an indoor houseplant or in warm greenhouse conditions. The vibrant red and yellow flowers attract hummingbirds and pollinators in its native habitat.
When should you plant Lipstick Plant in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Lipstick Plant timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Lipstick Plant
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Lipstick Plant blooms
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lipstick Plant dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 11-12; primarily grown indoors in cooler climates
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Get my Lipstick Plant timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-4 weeksYoung plant develops root system with glossy oval leaves arranged alternately on slender burgundy stems
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright indirect light and maintain warmth (65-75°F). Avoid fertilizing first month
Vegetative Growth
3-4 monthsPlant produces increasingly longer trailing stems with abundant glossy foliage, stems may reach 12-24 inches
Maintain bright light, warm temperatures, and high humidity. Fertilize every 2 weeks with diluted balanced liquid fertilizer. Pinch stem tips to encourage branching
Flowering
3-6 weeks per bloom cycleDistinctive dark burgundy calyces appear at stem tips, opening to reveal vibrant red-orange tubular flowers with yellow throat
Maintain consistent moisture and humidity. Avoid moving plant. Continue light fertilizing but reduce nitrogen slightly. Flowers last 2-3 weeks
Post-Flowering
4-6 weeksFlowers fade and drop; plant enters rest period with reduced growth rate
Reduce watering slightly. Allow plant to rest for 4-6 weeks before encouraging new growth through increased light and warmth. Light pruning can stimulate new blooms
Dormancy/Winter
2-3 monthsGrowth slows significantly; plant maintains foliage but produces few or no flowers
Reduce watering frequency. Maintain temperatures above 60°F. Provide maximum available light. Minimize fertilization
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7-10 days; isolate plant to prevent spread; manually remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab
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Increase humidity to 60%+; spray with water to rinse leaves; use miticide if severe; ensure good air circulation
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Remove manually with tweezers or dull knife; treat with horticultural oil; monitor weekly for reinfestation
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Yellow sticky traps to monitor; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase air circulation
Uses
Tropical Interior Décor
HouseholdThe cascading foliage and striking red flowers make lipstick plant ideal for hanging baskets, shelves, and interior design. Its trailing habit creates elegant visual interest in offices, homes, and conservatories. [source]
Hummingbird Attractor
WildlifeIn tropical gardens and greenhouses, the tubular red flowers attract hummingbirds and other nectarivorous birds, supporting pollinator populations. [source]
Traditional Asian Remedies
MedicinalIn Southeast Asian traditional medicine, Aeschynanthus species have been used in folk remedies, though scientific evidence is limited. Always consult healthcare providers before use. [source]
Floral Garnish
CulinaryThe vibrant flowers are occasionally used as an edible garnish in upscale cuisine, adding visual appeal and a subtle floral note to dishes, though they are not typically consumed as food. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Lipstick plant is grown ornamentally for its flowers rather than harvest. Cut back stems after flowering to encourage bushier growth and future blooming. Sterilize pruning tools with rubbing alcohol between cuts. Remove dead or yellowing leaves promptly. Flowers are typically left on plant for visual display rather than harvested, though cut stems with blooms can last 7-10 days in water indoors
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The common name 'Lipstick Plant' derives from the distinctive way the bright red flowers emerge from dark burgundy or black calyces, resembling a tube of lipstick being pushed up from its case.
- 🌱 Aeschynanthus pulcher is an epiphytic plant in nature, growing on tree branches in tropical rainforests rather than in soil, which is why it thrives in loose, bark-based potting media indoors.
- 🌱 The genus name Aeschynanthus comes from Greek words meaning 'shame flower,' possibly referring to the flower's blushing red color or the plant's preference for shaded, hidden growing spots in its native habitat.
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