Aeschynanthus humilis
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Aeschynanthus hildebrandii
- Phonetic Spelling
- es-ke-NAN-thus HEW-mil-is
- Description
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Lipstick Vine is a tropical perennial evergreen vine native to China and Indo-China. The plant is typically grown in a container that can be moved in over the winter or, indoors, as a houseplant. The blooms that appear in the summer appear to be extending from a lipstick tube, hence the common name. This genus of plants was originally an epiphytes living in damp forests. Thus, when grown indoors or in a container, use potting soil mixed with sphagnum and keep moist, but not soggy, using tepid water.
Lipstick Vine requires good lighting and semi-moist, well-drained soil conditions to grow. It also prefers warm and humid conditions. When placed outdoors, site it in dappled or partial shade. When grown as a houseplant, place it in a south or west facing window. In general, let the soil become slightly dry between watering.The plant prefers warmth, humidity and good light and does well under artificial light. A warm environment: 60° to 70°F at night; during resting period 65° to 70°F is best to encourage bud formation.Water regularly, especially if grown in hanging baskets. In winter, keep the plant cooler and drier, which will encourage bud set for new flowers. After flowering, prune stems back to a height of 6 inches or so to encourage new growth.
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. If the plants looks straggly, prune the longest stems back to 2 inches. If new growth does not appear, reduce water and withhold fertilizer.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Topaz'
Yellow flower.
- 'Topaz'
- 'Topaz'
- Tags:








- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Topaz'
Yellow flower.
- 'Topaz'
- 'Topaz'
- Tags:
-
-
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.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Epiphyte
- Houseplant
- Perennial
- Vine
- Habit/Form:
- Arching
- Cascading
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
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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
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Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Length:
- 1-3 inches
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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:
- Bracts
- 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.
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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.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Surface:
- Hairy (pubescent)
- Stem Description:
- Hairy to smooth. Psuedo terminal buds.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Hanging Baskets
- Houseplants
- Landscape Theme:
- Asian Garden
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Diseases
- Insect Pests