Red Lipstick Plant
Family
Gesneriaceae
Origin
Malaysia
Description
Aeschynanthus radicans, commonly called lipstick plant or lipstick vine, is an ephiphytic evergreen vine with slender trailing and arching stems originating in tree branches. It gets its name because the flower buds peek out of dark-red colored tubes, looking like a miniature tube of lipstick. Its leaves are dark green, elliptical, fleshy and smooth-edged.
Environment
Lipstick plant prefers Partial light to shade; bright direct light of morning or afternoon sun is best, but they need to be shaded from the midday sun. These plants were originally epiphytes living in damp forests.
The potting soil should therefore be mixed with sphagnum and kept moist using tepid water, but not soggy.
Prefer 50% or higher humidity; however, they will tolerate low levels with no harm.
Water when the soil is visually dry; don’t over water. They can tolerate periods of dryness with no harm. Drafts or improper watering may cause the lower leaves to drop. If the plants looks straggly, prune the longest stems back as far as 2 inches. If new growth does not appear, reduce water and withhold fertilizer.
After the flowering cycle is complete. Repot when plants look too big for the container. They can remain in a limited space for a long time without harm.
Landscape Use
It makes a nice hanging basket, but also does really well as a mounted plant
