Aeschynanthus pulcher aka Lipstick Plant

Taxonomy

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 Vine

How to care for Lipstick Plant

Difficulty

Lipstick Plant requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Lipstick Plant should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

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.

Lighting

Lipstick Plant requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Lipstick Plant will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

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.

Toxicity

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.

Humidity

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.

Fertilizer

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.

Region of origin

Lipstick Plant’s native range is Tropical Asia.


More info:
Wikipedia