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Aeschynanthus humilis

Phonetic Spelling
es-ke-NAN-thus HEW-mil-is
Description

Lipstick vine is a tropical, evergreen herbaceous perennial native to southern China and Indo-China. Plants of this genus are trailing and creeping epiphytes living in damp forests, rooted in the moss and debris that accumulates on the branches of trees. It is a member of the gloxinia family (Gesneriaceae). The species epithet is Latin for “low-growing.”

Lipstick vine requires good lighting and semi-moist, well-drained potting mix. It prefers warm, humid conditions but with air circulation. Place it in a south or west facing window but avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves. The plant does well under artificial light. An environment of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit at night and 10 to 15 degrees warmer during the day is adequate for this plant. Water regularly, especially if growing the plant in a hanging basket, but let the soil become slightly dry between watering. After the plant flowers, prune the stems back to a height of 6 inches or so to encourage new growth. In winter, keep the plant cooler and drier to encourage flower bud formation in the spring. When the plant is resting, the temperature should be 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Lipstick vine is prized for its glossy, waxy foliage and its colorful flowers. The buds emerge from a dark maroon tubular calyx, like the way lipstick emerges from its case. This species has shorter stems than many other species in the genus. They do not trail too long and are easier to manage in a pot. This plant can be propagated from stem cuttings.

Lipstick vine is attractive without flowers, but it is a knockout when it blooms. It can be grown in a pot or hanging basket. Like many houseplants, it can spend the summer months outside. Place it in dappled or partial shade, under a tree or pergola. 

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: Other than the problems common to indoor plants, lipstick vine has no known disease or insect issues. Drafts or improper watering can cause the lower leaves to drop.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Topaz'
    Yellow flower.
'Topaz'
Tags:
#houseplant#interiorscape#tropical herbaceous perennial#ornamental vine#long bloom time#tropical vine#flowering vine#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#tropical#container plant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Topaz'
    Yellow flower.
'Topaz'
Tags:
#houseplant#interiorscape#tropical herbaceous perennial#ornamental vine#long bloom time#tropical vine#flowering vine#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#tropical#container plant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Aeschynanthus
    Species:
    humilis
    Family:
    Gesneriaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Leaf Cutting
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    China, Indo-China
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 4 in. - 0 ft. 8 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 8 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Epiphyte
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil pH:
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    1-3 inches
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Orange
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Umbel
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Long Bloom Season
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Tubular
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Colored Sepals
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Bright red to orange/yellow flowers bloom at the leaf tips of the plant. The sepals at the base of the flower are tinged red-purple and are 5-lobed to the middle of the 'tube'. The anthers and filaments of the stamen are in pairs at the apex. The pistil extends 1/2 to 1 1/4 inches from the base of the flower. When grown in the proper conditions, the lipstick plant flowers create a dramatic display.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Leathery
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Whorled
    Leaf Shape:
    Oblanceolate
    Spatulate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Leaves are 1 1/2 to 3 inches long, 1/2 to 1 inch wide, and present in whorls of 3 off of a petiole about 1/16 inch long. The upper surface of the leaf is smooth, the under surface of the leaf is hairy. The lateral veins in the leaf are invisible. Leaves may in whorls or opposite.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    Hairy to smooth. Psuedo terminal buds.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Hanging Baskets
    Houseplants
    Landscape Theme:
    Asian Garden
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Diseases
    Insect Pests