Aeschynanthus radicans aka Lipstickplant

Aeschynanthus radicans is an evergreen vine known as lipstick plant. It belongs to the Gesneriaceae, or gloxinia, family. Its native range includes Thailand, the Malaysian peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo. In damp forests, it grows as an epiphyte on trees. Its thin stems arch and trail from tree branches. This habit suits hanging baskets, where stems can hang freely.

Published garden sizes differ between sources. RHS gives a height of 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. It lists a spread of 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Missouri Botanical Garden lists a height near 0.26 feet [0.08 metres]. Its listed spread reaches 3 feet [0.91 metres]. Green stems have smooth surfaces and no hairs. The dark green leaves grow in opposite pairs. They have plain edges and an oval to lance-shaped outline. Their thick, leathery flesh stores water for dry spells. Some leaves have red edges. Growth proceeds at a moderate rate.

Flowers appear in clusters at the ends of stems. They can bloom from spring through autumn, with gaps between flushes. Red flower tubes push out from dark burgundy calyces. This contrast gives the plant its lipstick name. The flowers have yellow throats and five uneven lobes. The upper lobes are shorter than the lower ones. Leaf-like bracts sit at the base of each flower. The flowers can have an unpleasant smell. The fruit is a capsule about 0.125 feet [0.038 metres] long.

Give this plant bright, filtered light rather than full sun. It needs warmth, high humidity and good air flow. Use a rich potting mix that drains well. Keep the mix moist without making it soggy. Water less in winter, when growth slows. Temperatures below 50°F can cause leaves to fall. RHS rates it H1A, for warm indoor or glasshouse growing. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 10–11. Feed during the growing season to support leaves and flowers.

Grow it as a flowering houseplant or in a conservatory. Its trailing form also suits baskets in greenhouses and sunrooms. Trim weak shoots or stems that grow too long. Stem cuttings provide a way to make new plants. Sources report few major problems, but pests can still occur. Watch for aphids, mealybugs and mites. Botrytis blight and leaf spot can also affect it. Keep leaves dry and clear of the potting mix. Avoid stale, damp air, which can favour fungal disease.