How to Grow Lipstick Plant
Wikimedia Commons
Lipstick Plant
Aeschynanthus lobbianus
flowerThe Lipstick Plant is a trailing tropical houseplant prized for its vibrant red tubular flowers that emerge from dark burgundy calyces, resembling lipstick tubes. Native to Southeast Asia, it features glossy, succulent-like foliage and produces clusters of showy blooms that attract hummingbirds in outdoor settings. This epiphytic plant thrives as a hanging basket specimen and is moderately easy to grow indoors with proper humidity and bright light.
When should you plant Lipstick Plant in your zone?
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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
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 11-12 (tropical); best grown as a houseplant in cooler climates
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Get my Lipstick Plant timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-4 weeksNew plant with initial growth of vining stems and glossy green leaves; may appear slow at first
Acclimate to home conditions gradually; maintain consistent moisture and humidity; place in bright indirect light
Vegetative Growth
2-3 monthsVigorous trailing stem development with dark green, waxy foliage; stems extend 12-24 inches or more
Maintain bright indirect light and warm temperatures (65-75°F); fertilize biweekly with balanced liquid fertilizer; increase humidity
Pre-Flowering
2-4 weeksStems mature and leaf growth slows; plant may appear more compact as energy redirects to bud formation
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; switch to phosphorus-rich bloom fertilizer; maintain consistent warmth and humidity; cooler winter rest (60-65°F) triggers blooming
Flowering
4-8 weeks (late winter through spring)Spectacular clusters of tubular red flowers emerge from burgundy calyces along stem tips; blooms last 2-4 weeks
Maintain high humidity and bright indirect light; do not move plant during blooming; continue watering carefully; avoid fertilizer that promotes leafy growth
Rest Period
4-6 weeksAfter flowering, plant enters dormancy with slower growth; foliage remains healthy but no new flowers appear
Reduce watering slightly; provide cooler temperatures if possible (55-65°F); allow brief dry periods between waterings; minimal fertilizer
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Inspect regularly; remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap if severe; isolate plant to prevent spread
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Increase humidity significantly as this is the best prevention; rinse leaves with water; use miticide if infestation is heavy
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat every 7-10 days until resolved
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Remove manually with soft brush; treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; monitor closely for recurrence
Uses
Indoor Décor & Air Purification
HouseholdLipstick Plants are excellent hanging basket specimens that brighten indoor spaces with vibrant blooms and attractive foliage. They help purify indoor air by removing minor pollutants, making them valuable additions to homes and offices. [source]
Hummingbird Attraction
WildlifeIn tropical and subtropical outdoor settings, the tubular red flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds and other nectar-feeding pollinators. This plant is valuable for creating wildlife-friendly garden spaces in warm climates. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
CraftIndividual flower clusters can be cut and used in tropical or exotic floral arrangements, though blooms last longer on the plant. The vibrant red calyces and contrasting flowers create striking visual interest in mixed bouquets. [source]
Traditional Uses
MedicinalIn Southeast Asian traditional medicine, Aeschynanthus species have been used to address minor inflammatory conditions and general wellness, though scientific validation is limited. The plant is prized more for its ornamental and mood-boosting properties in modern horticulture. [source]
Living Wall & Vertical Garden Installation
HouseholdThe trailing habit makes Lipstick Plant perfect for vertical gardening systems, living walls, and mounted displays. Multiple plants create lush, flowering living installations for balconies, patios, and interior spaces. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not typically harvested; grown ornamentally for its flowers. Simply enjoy blooms while on plant. Stems can be carefully pruned to shape plant or propagate (take 3-4 inch cuttings in spring, root in moist orchid bark mix).
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The common name 'Lipstick Plant' derives from the tubular red flowers that emerge from burgundy calyces, creating a striking resemblance to an open tube of bright red lipstick.
- 🌱 Aeschynanthus is an epiphytic plant in nature, growing on tree branches in rainforests rather than in soil; this is why they prefer loose, bark-based potting mixes that mimic their natural habitat.
- 🌱 The name 'lobbianus' honors Charles Lobbianus, a 19th-century botanist and horticulturist, and reflects the plant's historical significance in European botanical collections and cultivations.
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