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How to Grow Lipstick Plant

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Lipstick Plant

Aeschynanthus speciosus

flower

Lipstick plant is a tropical, epiphytic vine with waxy, dark green foliage and distinctive tubular flowers that emerge from dark purple-red calyces, resembling lipstick tubes. Native to Malaysian rainforests, it thrives as a hanging basket plant in warm, humid conditions. The striking red and yellow flowers attract hummingbirds and pollinators in its native habitat.

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Example Lipstick Plant timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Lipstick Plant

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. 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

☀️
Sun: Bright, indirect light; 10-12 hours daily. Avoid direct sun which can scorch leaves.
💧
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when top inch of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in winter. Ensure high humidity (60-80%) by misting, grouping plants, or using a pebble tray.
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Spacing: Not applicable for hanging baskets; space multiple plants 12-18 inches apart if growing as ground cover indoors inches
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Days to maturity: 120-180 days to first flowers from young cutting
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Planting depth: Plant cuttings at soil surface or barely beneath; do not bury the base of trailing stems

Soil

Type: Well-draining, orchid bark-based potting mix or epiphytic mix
pH: 6.0-6.5
Amendments:
Orchid bark Sphagnum moss Perlite Charcoal

Growing Zones

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Zones 10-11; grown indoors year-round in cooler climates

10b 11

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Growth Stages

1

Propagation/Rooting

3-4 weeks

Stem cuttings develop root primordia in moist medium. No visible foliage growth yet.

Maintain 70-75°F temperature and 80%+ humidity. Use rooting hormone to encourage development. Provide bright, indirect light.

2

Establishment & Vegetative Growth

6-10 weeks

New leaves unfold from nodes along stems; plant develops creeping, trailing habit. Glossy, elliptical foliage emerges.

Maintain warm temperatures (65-75°F), high humidity, and bright indirect light. Pinch growing tips to encourage branching. Begin regular fertilizing at half-strength.

3

Flowering

4-8 weeks (spring-summer)

Distinctive lipstick-like tubular flowers with bright red corolla and dark burgundy-purple calyx appear at branch tips. Flowers last 2-3 weeks.

Maintain consistent moisture and humidity. Ensure 12+ hours of bright light daily to promote blooming. Reduce fertilizer nitrogen; increase phosphorus to encourage flowers.

4

Dormancy & Rest Period

2-3 months (winter)

Growth slows significantly; flowering decreases or ceases. Plant appears less vigorous.

Reduce watering frequency. Maintain 60-65°F at night if possible. Provide bright light but tolerate slightly lower light levels. Minimal fertilizing needed.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Hoya Philodendron Pothos Peperomia Begonia African Violet

Avoid planting near:

Drafty vents Direct heat sources Plants requiring dry conditions (succulents, cacti) Flowering plants that compete for high humidity

Common Pests

  • Spray with 70% isopropyl alcohol or insecticidal soap. Repeat weekly as needed. Isolate infested plant from others.

  • Increase humidity significantly (misting 2-3x daily). Spray with neem oil or miticide. Ensure good air circulation.

  • Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab. Treat with horticultural oil spray on 7-10 day intervals.

  • Allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. Use yellow sticky traps. Apply nematodes (Steinernema feltiae) to soil if severe.

Uses

🏠

Ornamental houseplant

Household

Lipstick plant is prized as a striking hanging basket specimen with vibrant, long-lasting tubular flowers that add tropical color and elegance to indoor spaces. Its trailing growth habit makes it ideal for elevated displays. [source]

🦋

Hummingbird & pollinator attraction

Wildlife

In tropical regions and conservatories, the tubular red-yellow flowers attract hummingbirds and sunbirds. The nectar-rich blooms provide valuable food resources. [source]

💊

Traditional herbal use

Medicinal

In Malaysia and Southeast Asia, lipstick plant has been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, though scientific validation is limited. Always consult healthcare professionals before use. [source]

🎨

Floral arrangements & botanical display

Craft

The dramatic flowers are occasionally used in high-end tropical floral arrangements and botanical garden displays for their unique waxy texture and vivid coloration. [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 not harvested for food. Enjoy flowers in situ on the plant. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooming. Propagate from stem cuttings (3-4 inches long) in spring for new plants.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 The flower's resemblance to a tube of lipstick—with the bright red petals emerging from a dark burgundy calyx—inspired its common name 'lipstick plant.'
  • 🌱 Aeschynanthus speciosus is an epiphytic plant, meaning it naturally grows on trees in tropical rainforests without being parasitic, absorbing moisture from humid air and decaying plant matter.
  • 🌱 The genus name 'Aeschynanthus' comes from Greek words meaning 'shame' and 'flower,' though the reason for this naming remains obscure among botanists.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead pH
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