Aeschynanthus radicans

Lipstick Plant is a tropical, evergreen, epiphytic herbaceous perennial native to Thailand, the Malaysian peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo. It is a member of the gloxinia family (Gesneriaceae). Its genus name is compounded from two Greek words, aischyne, meaning “shame,” and anthos, meaning flower, referring perhaps to the blushing red flowers. The species epithet is a Latin word meaning “rooting.”

The lipstick plant needs bright indirect light (but not full sun). It likes warmth but does best when the soil temperatures will stay between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. During the winter, it can be kept a bit cooler and drier. If the temperature falls below 50 degrees, leaf drop will occur. The lipstick plant enjoys high humidity but with air circulation; stagnant moist air will encourage fungal disease. Water them often but be sure the potting soil has good drainage. Using a dilute liquid fertilizer, such as one made for orchids, during the growing season will encourage leaf growth and blooming.  

The lipstick plant is a popular and striking houseplant with its bright red tubular flowers and waxy, green leaves, often edged with red. This is an easy plant to propagate and share with friends by taking a three-node soft stem cutting. Remove all but the uppermost 2 to 4 leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Pot up the cutting in a mixture of equal parts vermiculite and perlite and keep moist. Roots should appear in two weeks.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Insects affecting lipstick plant include aphids, mealybugs, and mites. Botrytis blight and leaf spot are diseases that can occur. Fungal problems can be avoided by keeping leaves dry and out of contact with potting medium.