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Aeschynanthus radicans [ es - kee - NAN - thus , RAD - ee - kans ] is also known as the Lipstick Plant because it ’s shining red or coral colored blossoms resemble a tube of lipstick .
The lip rouge plants genus name is derived from the Greek Word of God for “ shame,”aischune , and is in reference to the blushing vividness of the flowers .
The specific epithet , radicans , refers to the plant ’s settle base .
The lipstick is a perennial indoor plant and a extremity of the Gesneriaceae family along withEpiscia , African Violet , Columnea . Aeschynanthus hail from the Asian tropic such as Malaysia , India , and China .
The lip rouge vine though related to African Violets yet is an epiphyte that raise on trees in the wild ( similar to orchids ) .
Lipstick plant do well with gobs of bright , indirect luminance , a carefully measured amount of water , and even feeding .
Lipstick Plant Care
Size & Growth
The lipstick industrial plant is a fast - grow , trailing houseplant bring about long stems up to 16″ inches in distance making a beautiful hang basket plant .
If the lip rouge is grown in the ground during warm weather , the lipstick plant will jog and spread out .
In this subject , the lip rouge plants overall pinnacle is only about 3″ – 4″ inches . The lip rouge will spread 2′ – 3′ feet .
Evergreen foliage colors of the lipstick and its development habit vary depending upon the variety .
Leaves of the lipstick may crop in colour from very sick fleeceable to dark green to even a deep burgundy .
Some lipstick plants are motley , and others grow in a long , curling , donkey - tail - like organisation .
Flowering & Fragrance
The lipstick has tube shaped flowers arrive in shade of crimson , orangish , purple , pink , and motley compounding .
Flowers appear in dense clusters at the end of the farsighted stems .
Lipstick industrial plant flower throughout the growing time of year ( typically May through September ) if well worry for .
Overwatering will deter the lipstick from flowering . This stresses lip rouge plants slimly . By provide the soil to become somewhat teetotal between waterings encourages bloom .
Light & Temperature
uprise Aeschynanthus in promising light but indirect light . verbatim sun will burn off your Lipstick Plant .
Too little sunlight will cause a lack of efflorescence . Providing lip rouge plants with plenitude of bright ambient lighting will produce ample blooming .
The hardy , epiphytic lip rouge houseplant wish a warm temperature . 75 ° – 85 ° degrees Fahrenheit ( 24 ° – 29 ° C ) is best during the develop season .
During the fall and winter months , temperature ranging from 57 ° – 60 ° degrees Fahrenheit are best ( 14 ° – 15 ° C ) .
The lipstick works is winter hardy in USDA hardiness zone 10 and 11 .
Watering & Feeding
When watering the lip rouge plant permit the top fourth of the dirt to dry out before watering good .
Typically , you will irrigate lip rouge plants weekly during the develop season and every two hebdomad , or even once a month , during the cooler months .
Keep in mind your goal is to provide water in the way the lipstick would naturally obtain it in its tropical homeland .
In the Asiatic tropics , there is typically a dry season and the monsoon season .
Although Lipstick plant can do middling well with stock household humidity , it ’s a good idea to place the flora ’s pot on a pebble tray with water to conjure the humidity around the plant .
Be sure not to allow the industrial plant to seat in water as this will cause root guff .
You may also get hold it helpful to obscure the plant on a regular basis , but do n’t overdo it .
Excessive water do fungal growth .
Feed Lipstick Plant doubly a month during the grow season ( spring through summertime ) .
During the autumn and wintertime months , feed monthly using houseplant fertilizer with a in high spirits phosphorus content .
It ’s ripe to adulterate plant food by one-half when feeding this plant .
Soil & Transplanting
Use a slightly acidulous potting soil that is quick enfeeble , balanced , and well aerated .
When plant , be sure the roots are ripe at the surface of the soil .
Being completely entomb will encourage root bunk .
The best fourth dimension for repotting and transplanting is the spring , just before the growing time of year begin .
Grooming & Maintenance
Pruning wayward staunch of the vining lipstick plant on a regular basis will encourage a fuller and bushier fall field goal .
Deadhead spend flower to further more bud .
When flowering has completed , prune the intact flora to a height of about 6″ inch . This will encourage fresh , new growth .
How To Propagate Aeschynanthus Radicans
To propagate the Lipstick Plant , divide the stem in the springtime when you repot .
Be sure to leave a few stems and leaf in position , and use fresh , promiscuous potting mix for best outcome .
Keep the freshly transfer plants just as you would adult plant in an area with ample , smart collateral sunlight , warmth , and cautiously measured watering .
It is also possible to turn this plant life from theme cuttings .
Cuttings of about 6″ inches should be taken from the gratuity of healthy stems and placed in uninfected piss in a setting suited for mature plants ( i.e. , burnished , collateral lighting , systematically warm temperatures , good air circulation ) .
Change the water every couple of daylight to prevent stagnancy .
Roots should seem within a yoke of week .
Aeschynanthus Radicans Pests and Diseases
Lipstick Plant is open to infestation by all the normal menage pests such as aphids , wanderer mites , and mealy bug .
Read more : OurFavorite Natural Pest Solution
Provide ample air circulation , respectable lighting and the right amount of water to help prevent weakened flora which attract these pestis .
Excessive tearing will also cause problems with origin rot , stem bunkum , and other fungal infections .
bring home the bacon the right amount of melody circulation , urine and humidity to avoid these problems .
Is The Lipstick Plant Poisonous or Toxic?
The Lipstick Plant is a good houseplant for households with pet and kids .
It is nontoxic .
Even so , this is an decorative plant and should not be use up by people or PET .
Are Lipstick Plants Invasive?
This sensitive tropic industrial plant is not invasive in any part of the United States .
Suggested Uses For Aeschynanthus Lipstick Plant
Lipstick Plant makes an excellent fall basket , but it also does well sic in a wall sconce , as a tabletop plant or even attached to driftwood and grown like orchids and other epiphytes .
