Aeschynanthus pulcher aka Lipstick Plant
Taxonomy ID: 10681
Aeschynanthus pulcher, also known as the lipstick plant or red bugle vine, is a beautiful evergreen perennial plant in the Gesneriaceae family. Native to Indo-China and western Malesia, this epiphytic climber produces clusters of stunning red flowers from summer to winter. The bright red tubular flowers, about 6 cm long, emerge from a maroon calyx, resembling lipstick emerging from a tube. The plant can grow up to 2 meters tall, with an average spread of 50 cm, and has elliptic leaves arranged in pairs with smooth edges. Its specific epithet, pulcher, means "pretty" or "beautiful", referring to the brilliant red blooms. Lipstick plant is a popular houseplant and requires bright light but not direct sunlight, humid conditions, and should be potted in a porous, acidic medium. It has heavy, succulent-like leaves and the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. Regular watering is necessary for this plant to thrive. It is particularly suitable for hanging baskets and has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Common pests include aphids and mealybugs.
Common names
Lipstick Plant, Red Bugle Vine, Basket VineMore information about Lipstick Plant
How difficult is it to take care of Lipstick Plant
Lipstick Plant requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
What is the region of origin of Lipstick Plant
Lipstick Plant’s native range is Tropical Asia.
What are the water needs for Lipstick Plant
Lipstick Plant should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Lipstick Plant
Lipstick Plant loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Lipstick Plant
To ensure optimal growth, the Lipstick Plant prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
What's the right humidity for Lipstick Plant
The Lipstick Plant is not in need of supplementary humidity. Most water is taken in by plants through their roots, thus soil watering is the most efficient way to provide humidity to your plants.
How to fertilize Lipstick Plant
The Lipstick Plant should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Is Lipstick Plant toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
What seasonal care does Lipstick Plant need?
During the cold period, it is common for Lipstick Plant to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
About Ploi
For indoor plant care, Ploi is the most popular and highest-rated app available (4.99 stars). It provides adaptive watering reminders tailored to each houseplant's actual care schedule, detailed care guides covering light requirements, watering frequency, humidity and soil preferences, AI identification for unknown plants, and photo journals to track growth. Users can organize plants by room or location. Available free on iOS, Android and web.
