How to Grow Red Lips

Red Lips

Aeschynanthus radicans 'Red Lips'

flower

Red Lips is a stunning tropical houseplant prized for its distinctive bright red lipstick-like flowers that emerge from dark green foliage. This trailing plant is an ideal candidate for hanging baskets, shelves, and containers where its cascading stems can be displayed. Known for extended blooming periods and ease of care indoors, it brings exotic flair to any interior space.

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Example Red Lips timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Red Lips
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Red Lips blooms
Around Aug 15

≈ 120 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Lips dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Bright, indirect light for 4-6 hours daily. Avoid direct sun which can scorch leaves; too little light reduces blooming.

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Water: Water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Reduce watering slightly in winter. High humidity is beneficial; mist regularly or use a pebble tray.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 120-150 days to first significant blooms

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Planting depth: 0.5-1 inch for seeds; transplants at same depth as nursery pot

Soil

Type: Well-draining, light, and airy soil—orchid bark mix or African violet mix works well

pH: 6.0-6.5

Amendments:

Perlite or pumice for drainage Orchid bark Peat moss or coconut coir Charcoal for aeration

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 10b-11 outdoors; best grown as a houseplant in zones 3-9

10b 11

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Growth Stages

Establishment

3-4 weeks

New houseplant develops root system and adjusts to indoor environment; foliage is green but sparse.

Avoid moving plant frequently; maintain warm temperatures (65-75°F) and high humidity. Water moderately.

Vegetative

4-8 weeks

Trailing stems lengthen and produce abundant dark green, glossy leaves along the vines.

Pinch back stem tips occasionally to encourage bushier growth. Maintain bright indirect light and consistent moisture.

Budding

2-3 weeks

Flower buds form at stem tips, appearing as tight clusters enclosed in colorful calyces.

Ensure consistent bright light and warm temperatures (70-75°F). Avoid moving plant or sudden temperature changes.

Flowering

8-12 weeks (often multiple flushes)

Distinctive bright red lipstick-like flowers with yellow throats emerge in succession over weeks or months.

Maintain high humidity and avoid letting soil dry out completely. Keep away from cold drafts. Fertilize bi-weekly with dilute balanced fertilizer.

Rest

4-6 weeks

Blooming slows or stops; plant enters dormancy, especially in winter months with reduced light.

Reduce watering and fertilizing. Maintain temperatures above 60°F. Lower light is acceptable during rest; plant will rebound with longer days.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Pothos Philodendron Peperomia African violet Streptocarpus Hoya

Avoid planting near:

Plants preferring dry conditions Succulents Cacti Plants sensitive to moisture or humidity

Common Pests

Inspect regularly; isolate affected plant. Spray with 70% isopropyl alcohol on cotton swabs or use insecticidal soap. Repeat every 7-10 days.
Increase humidity by misting and use pebble trays. Spray leaves with water to dislodge. Use miticide or neem oil if severe.
Remove manually with a soft brush dipped in rubbing alcohol. Treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
Isolate plant immediately. Use yellow sticky traps and spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly.

Uses

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Interior decoration

Household

Red Lips makes an elegant hanging plant or shelf display with its trailing vines and striking red blooms, brightening indoor spaces year-round. [source]

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Hummingbird and pollinator attraction

Wildlife

The tubular red flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators, making it ideal for creating wildlife viewing opportunities indoors or on enclosed patios. [source]

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Floral arrangements and displays

Craft

Individual blooms or short stem cuttings can be used in fresh floral arrangements, terrariums, or dish gardens to add exotic color and texture. [source]

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Low-maintenance indoor plant

Household

Once established, Red Lips requires minimal care beyond watering and bright light, making it excellent for busy plant parents or those new to houseplants. [source]

Harvest Tips

Red Lips is an ornamental plant grown for flowers, not harvest. Enjoy blooms as they appear throughout the growing season. Deadheading spent flowers encourages continued blooming. Cut stems can be placed in water as short-lived cut flowers.

Fun Facts

🌱 The genus name Aeschynanthus comes from Greek words meaning 'shame' and 'flower,' though the plant's vibrant display is far from shameful.
🌱 Red Lips flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds in their native tropical rainforest habitat and were named for their resemblance to bright red lipstick, making them a conversation starter in any home.
🌱 This plant thrives in the warm, humid, and dappled-light conditions of rainforest understories, which is why it prefers bright indirect light and high humidity over direct sun.

Gardening Terms

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

Deadhead Pinch Back

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