How to Grow Lipstick Plant
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Lipstick Plant
Aeschynanthus pulcher
flowerLipstick plant is a tropical, trailing epiphytic houseplant prized for its distinctive tubular flowers that resemble a tube of lipstick emerging from dark red calyces. Native to Southeast Asia, it features glossy, deep green foliage and vibrant red or orange flowers that bloom from late winter through spring. The plant's elegant cascading growth habit makes it ideal for hanging baskets and elevated planters.
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Example Lipstick Plant timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Lipstick Plant
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Lipstick Plant blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lipstick Plant dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 11-12; primarily grown as a tropical houseplant indoors in cooler regions
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Establishment
4-8 weeksYoung plant with small green leaves and initial root development. Plant may appear somewhat delicate with minimal branching.
Water carefully to avoid root rot; maintain high humidity. Avoid fertilizing for first 4-6 weeks. Place in bright, indirect light.
Vegetative Growth
3-6 monthsPlant develops trailing stems and glossy, deep green, oval-shaped leaves. Stems become more established and fuller with branching.
Provide consistent moisture and bright indirect light. Feed with diluted balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks during spring and summer. Pinch back stem tips to encourage bushier growth if desired.
Pre-flowering
1-2 monthsPlant reaches maturity; stems are established and trailing well. Foliage is dense and vibrant green. Leaf nodes may show swelling where buds will form.
Continue bright indirect light and consistent moisture. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer in favor of phosphorus-rich bloom fertilizer. Ensure cooler temperatures (55-65°F) in winter to trigger flowering.
Flowering
6-12 weeksDistinctive tubular flowers emerge in clusters from dark red or burgundy calyces, resembling lipstick tubes. Flowers are typically bright red, orange-red, or scarlet.
Maintain bright indirect light and adequate humidity. Continue watering when top soil is dry. Do not move plant during flowering as it may drop buds. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming.
Post-flowering & Rest
2-3 monthsFlowers fade and drop naturally. Plant enters a period of reduced growth and energy allocation to vegetative maintenance.
Reduce fertilizing frequency. Allow slightly drier periods between waterings but maintain humidity. Provide a cool winter rest period (55-65°F) to support next season's blooms.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; isolate infected plant; manually remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs
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Increase humidity to 50-70%; mist plant regularly; spray with neem oil or miticide; remove heavily infested leaves
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Manually scrape off with soft brush; treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; inspect regularly
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Spray with water to dislodge; apply insecticidal soap; use neem oil; encourage beneficial insects indoors
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Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; apply BTi (Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis) to soil
Uses
Indoor Ornamental Plant
HouseholdLipstick plant is an excellent decorative houseplant for hanging baskets, wall planters, and elevated shelves. Its cascading stems and vibrant flowers add tropical elegance to indoor spaces. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
CraftThe distinctive red tubular flowers can be used in tropical floral arrangements and displays, adding unique texture and color. The waxy, long-lasting flowers hold their form well in arrangements. [source]
Hummingbird Attraction
WildlifeIn tropical gardens where lipstick plant can grow outdoors, the tubular flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. The nectar-rich blooms are particularly appealing to these species. [source]
Traditional Asian Uses
MedicinalIn some Southeast Asian traditional medicine practices, Aeschynanthus species are used in herbal preparations, though scientific evidence for medicinal benefits is limited. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Lipstick plant is ornamental and not harvested in the traditional sense. Flowers can be enjoyed on the plant for several weeks. Stems can be propagated by taking 4-6 inch cuttings in spring or summer; root in moist perlite or water and transfer to soil once roots develop (2-3 weeks).
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The common name 'Lipstick Plant' refers to the way the bright red or orange tubular flower emerges from a darker red or burgundy calyx, resembling a tube of lipstick being pushed up from its case.
- 🌱 Aeschynanthus is an epiphytic plant in nature, meaning it grows on trees in tropical rainforests rather than in soil, which is why it thrives in loose, bark-based growing mediums that mimic its natural habitat.
- 🌱 The plant is named from the Greek words 'aischyne' (shame or disgrace) and 'anthos' (flower), creating an unusual botanical name, though the reasons for this nomenclature are historically debated.
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