Lipstick Plant Aeschynanthus radicans

Lipstick Plant is a tropical epiphyte that is a popular and striking houseplant with ts bright red tubular flowers.  Its name comes from the Greek word auschune, meaning shame, anthos, meaning flower, and radicans meaning having rotting stems.  

Place the plant in bright indirect light, where soil temperatures will stay between 65-70 degrees, spring through fall.  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 regular misting, but be aware that this should be done early in the day when the mist will dry quickly to avoid fungus.  Water them often, but be sure the potting soil has good drainage.  

Using a 3:1:2 slow release liquid fertilizer during the growing season will encourage leaf growth and blooming.  

This is an easy plant to propagate and share with friends, by taking a three node soft stem cutting at a 45-degree angle.  Remove all but 2-4 leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone, then put the cutting in a container of vermiculite and perlite mix.  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.