The Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) is a tropical beauty that adds a splash of bold colour to any indoor space. Named for its unique blooms that resemble tubes of red lipstick emerging from a darker casing, this plant brings both charm and sophistication to hanging baskets and shelves alike. Native to the humid rainforests of Southeast Asia, the Lipstick Plant thrives in warm, moist, and bright environments, making it a perfect choice for plant enthusiasts who love trailing greenery with a pop of colour.
In this professional guide, you’ll learn how to care for your Lipstick Plant—from the right amount of light and water to pruning, propagation, and solving common issues—so it stays healthy, lush, and blooming year-round.
Table of Contents
🌞 Light Requirements
The Lipstick Plant flourishes in bright, indirect light—the same kind of lighting found under a tropical canopy.
- Best placement: Near an east- or west-facing window with filtered sunlight.
- Too little light: May cause weak, leggy growth and fewer flowers.
- Too much direct sunlight: Can scorch the delicate leaves.
💡 Tip: Rotate your plant occasionally to encourage even growth and prevent one-sided stretching.
💧 Watering Your Lipstick Plant
Proper watering is essential to keeping your plant vibrant.
- Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy.
- Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Always ensure good drainage, as sitting in water can cause root rot.
During the growing season (spring and summer), water more frequently; during fall and winter, reduce watering as the plant’s growth slows.
⚠️ Signs of overwatering: Yellowing leaves and a soft, mushy stem.
⚠️ Signs of underwatering: Dry, shriveled leaves and stunted growth.
🌱 Ideal Soil Mix
The Lipstick Plant loves loose, well-draining soil that mimics its natural epiphytic environment.
- Use a mix of peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark.
- Avoid dense soils that trap water.
- Slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0) is ideal.
This type of soil ensures good aeration for the roots, helping your plant grow strong and healthy.
🌡️ Temperature and Humidity
Being a tropical native, the Lipstick Plant enjoys warm and humid conditions.
- Temperature: 65–80°F (18–27°C) is perfect.
- Humidity: Aim for 50% or higher.
If you live in a dry climate, you can boost humidity by:
- Using a humidifier,
- Placing the pot on a pebble tray with water, or
- Misting the leaves lightly a few times a week.
Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes—they can cause leaves to drop.
🌸 Fertilizing for Healthy Growth
To encourage abundant blooms, feed your Lipstick Plant regularly.
- Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) or one labeled for flowering houseplants.
- Apply once every 2–3 weeks during spring and summer.
- Stop fertilizing in winter to allow the plant to rest.
Over-fertilizing can burn the roots, so always follow dilution instructions.
✂️ Pruning and Maintenance
Regular pruning keeps your Lipstick Plant looking full and bushy.
- Trim leggy stems after flowering to promote branching.
- Remove dead leaves or faded flowers to maintain plant health.
- Pinch off the growing tips occasionally to encourage dense, trailing foliage.
Pruning not only improves appearance but also stimulates new blooms.
🌿 Repotting Your Lipstick Plant
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots start crowding the pot.
- Choose a pot just 1–2 inches larger than the current one.
- Refresh the soil to maintain aeration and nutrients.
- Repot in spring, when the plant begins its active growth phase.
🌱 Propagation
You can easily propagate Lipstick Plants from stem cuttings.
- Cut a 4–6 inch section from a healthy stem.
- Remove leaves from the bottom half.
- Place the cutting in water or moist potting mix.
- Keep in a warm, bright area until roots form (in about 3–4 weeks).
Once rooted, transfer to a small pot with the regular Lipstick Plant mix.
⚠️ Common Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
| Yellow leaves | Overwatering | Allow soil to dry before next watering |
| Drooping stems | Underwatering or cold | Increase watering slightly, move to warmer spot |
| Brown leaf tips | Low humidity | Mist or use a humidifier |
| No flowers | Insufficient light or nutrients | Move to brighter spot and feed regularly |
🌺 Blooming Tips
Encouraging your Lipstick Plant to bloom can be easy with a few tricks:
- Provide bright, indirect light year-round.
- Slightly reduce watering in late winter to trigger flowering.
- Keep it in a warm, stable environment—sudden changes can delay blooming.
When happy, it rewards you with clusters of bright red, orange, or pink flowers that last for weeks.
🌿 Final Thoughts
The Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) is a stunning addition to any indoor garden—its trailing vines, glossy leaves, and vivid blooms make it truly eye-catching. With the right mix of light, humidity, and regular care, it’s surprisingly easy to maintain.
Whether hanging near a sunny window or cascading from a high shelf, this tropical gem will brighten your space and lift your mood year-round. Treat it with a little attention, and your Lipstick Plant will keep “putting on lipstick” season after season. 💋🌸
