Aeschynanthus pulcher aka Lipstick Plant

Aeschynanthus pulcher is an evergreen vine in the Gesneriaceae family. Its common names include lipstick plant and red bugle vine. It comes from southern Indo-China through western Malesia. Kew places it in the wet tropical biome. It grows on trees or rocks, rather than only in soil. Gardeners grow this tender plant indoors, in greenhouses, and in conservatories.

Its climbing stems form roots above the ground. The RHS gives a garden height of 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. Its shorter description puts the height near 2.5 feet [0.75 metre]. The spread reaches 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metre]. Plants take about two to five years to reach full size. Glossy, dark green leaves stay on the plant year-round. Each oval leaf grows about 0.15 feet [0.045 metre] long. The leaves and climbing stems provide interest beyond the flower season.

Flowers appear from summer into winter, grouped at the stem tips. Each cluster holds six to eight blooms. The bright red flowers form tubes with hooded tops. Their throats are yellow. Each flower reaches about 0.2 feet [0.06 metre] long. The contrast between red blooms and dark leaves gives the plant its display value. Its long flowering season suits use as an indoor specimen.

Give it bright light filtered from direct sun. The RHS also lists partial shade as a suitable position. Use a peat-free potting mix made for houseplants. Keep the mix moist, but let excess water drain away. Water well during the growing season and reduce watering in winter. From mid-spring through late summer, feed once a month. Use a general liquid feed at half strength. The RHS lists loam and accepts acid, neutral, or alkaline conditions. Its H1A rating calls for year-round protection above 59°F [15°C]. A sheltered indoor site fits these needs.

Pruning can keep weak or long shoots in check. Trim these stems when needed rather than following a fixed schedule. Take softwood cuttings in spring to raise new plants. Semi-ripe cuttings offer another way to grow more plants in summer. Watch for aphids and mealybugs, which may attack the plant. The RHS reports few disease problems overall. The supplied sources give no evidence about edible uses or toxicity. They therefore do not establish whether people or pets can safely eat it.