How to Care for Aeschynanthus (Lipstick Plant): Expert Tips for Thriving Plants

Aeschynanthus plants, commonly known as Lipstick Plants, exhibit unique growth patterns and origins that make them intriguing additions to any indoor garden. They are known for their trailing vines, adorned with clusters of tubular, often red or orange, flowers that resemble tubes of lipstick.

Native to tropical regions of Asia and Oceania, Aeschynanthus plants have evolved to thrive in humid and warm environments. With their unique appearance and origin, Aeschynanthus plants bring a touch of exotic beauty to indoor spaces.

Aeschynanthus Care: 10 expert tips for growing it successfully

1. Provide bright, indirect light for your Aeschynanthus. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. Place them near a north or east-facing window with filtered sunlight.
2. Aeschynanthus plants thrive in humid environments. If your home is dry, consider using a humidity tray, misting the leaves, or placing the plant in a bathroom with good indirect light.
3. Use a well-draining potting mix that prevents waterlogging. A mix designed for tropical plants or epiphytes works well for Aeschynanthus.
4. Water your Aeschynanthus when the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure that excess water can drain from the pot to prevent root rot.
5. Maintain consistent watering, avoiding both drought and overwatering. Aim to keep the soil slightly moist without letting it get soggy.
6. Ensure proper air circulation around the plant to prevent the risk of fungal diseases. Avoid placing it in drafty or stagnant air.
7. Regularly pinch back the tips of the vines to encourage bushier growth. Remove spent flowers to divert energy towards new growth.
8. Feed your Aeschynanthus with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to prevent overfeeding.
9. Repot your Aeschynanthus every 1-2 years or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a pot slightly larger than the current one and refresh the soil.
10. Due to their trailing nature, provide support like a trellis or stakes to help the vines grow upwards and maintain an attractive shape.

Aeschynanthus Care Tips

Light & Placement

Proper light and placement are crucial for the health and vibrancy of your Lipstick Plant. They thrive in bright, indirect light. Place them near a window with filtered sunlight. North or east-facing windows are often best, as they provide gentle morning or indirect light. Watch for signs of too much sunlight and avoid direct sun, as it can scorch their delicate leaves.

Expert tip! Sudden changes in light can shock your Aeschynanthus. Gradually acclimate it to a new spot if you're moving it to a different location.

Watering

Aeschynanthus prefer consistent moisture in their soil. Allow the top inch of the soil to dry out between waterings, but avoid letting the plant dry out completely.

Expert tip! Before watering, gently stick your finger into the soil to check its moisture level. If it feels dry at the top, it's time to water. If it's still slightly damp, wait a bit longer. You can also use a water meter.

Water your Aeschynanthus until you see water escaping from the drainage holes. This ensures that the entire root system gets hydrated. While Aeschynanthus like moisture, be cautious not to overwater. Waterlogged soil can lead to root rot and other issues. If you're unsure, remember that it's better to underwater than to overwater.

Fertiliser

You can give your Aeschynanthus some plant fertiliser every 4-6 weeks during the active growing season, which typically spans spring and summer. While Aeschynanthus benefit from fertilization, be cautious not to overdo it. You can also dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid overfeeding. This ensures that your plant receives the necessary nutrients without risking fertilizer burn.

Aeschynanthus propagation

To propagate Aeschynanthus, choose a healthy stem with a few nodes (the points where leaves attach to the stem). Use a clean and sharp cutting shears and make a clean cut just below a node. You can trim or remove the lower leaves to expose a few nodes. These nodes are where new roots will grow!

Place your cuttings in a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mix of perlite and sphagnum moss. To really make your cuttings feel like home, you can create a humid environment by covering the cuttings with a clear plastic bag or a propagation dome. Place the cuttings in a spot with bright, indirect light and watch your new babies grow!

Most common pests & diseases on Aeschynanthus

Aeschynanthus plants, while generally resilient, can still face a few common pests and diseases. Keep an eye out for pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites, which can infest the foliage and affect the plant's health. So be sure to often check your plant to prevent your green friend from being weakened by pests. For that, you can check our PLNTSdoctor page to recognise and eliminate your plant pests!

Is Aeschynanthus poisonous for pets and children?

The Aeschynanthus, better known as Lipstick plant, is considered mildly toxic to pets and children. While the toxicity of this plant is not severe, it's still essential to take precautions, especially if you have young children or curious pets in your home.

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At PLNTS.com we have some beautiful Aeschynanthus plants, like the Aeschynanthus Marmoratus. So if you're looking to add a new green addition to your plant family, these beauties are great! Buy Aeschynanthus online at PLNTS.com.