Lipstick plants are unique, beautiful, and surprisingly easy to care for. This detailed growing guide will show you everything you need in order to keep them thriving for many years to come.
If you’re looking for a beautiful and unique houseplant to add to your collection, I highly recommend getting yourself a lipstick plant.
They are gorgeous, with thick waxy leaves and unique flowers – and lipstick plants will bloom profusely with the right care.
Plus the cascading vines look beautiful in a hanging basket, or spilling over the top of a pillar or shelf.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn all about how to care for a lipstick plant including watering, fertilizer, potting soil, lighting, troubleshooting problems, and much more!
Lipstick Plant Quick Care Overview
| Scientific name: | Aeschynanthus radicans |
| Classification: | Tropical plant |
| Common names: | Lipstick Plant, Basket Vine |
| Hardiness: | Zone 11 |
| Temperature: | 65-85°F |
| Flowers: | Red, burgundy, yellow or orange, blooms late summer-fall |
| Light: | Full to partial shade, bright light indoors |
| Water: | Keep soil moderately moist, do not overwater |
| Humidity: | High |
| Fertilizer: | Flowering plant food spring-summer |
| Soil: | Fast-draining soil |
| Common pests: | Aphids, spider mites, mealybugs |
What Is A Lipstick Plant?
A lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus radicans), also known as basket vine, is an unusual flowering houseplant that is native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia.
It gets the common name from the blooms, which are very unique. As they open, they look like lipstick coming out of its tube.
The flowers form at the ends of long trailing stems, which can reach lengths of 2′ or more. Though most commonly grown in pots or the ground, they can be epiphytes in their native habitat.
Common Lipstick Plant Varieties
There are lots of different types of lipstick plant varieties out there, so you can add several to your collection. Here are a few of the most common ones you might find…
- Black Pagoda – This unique hybrid has mottled foliage and bright yellow-orange flowers that taper to red on the tips.
- Curly leaf (Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Curly’, aka “Curly Q”) – The leaves on this variety curve upward, giving them a slightly wavy look.
- Mona Lisa (Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Mona Lisa’) – This type has darker green foliage with smaller leaves, and gets redish-orange flowers, a really lovely contrast.
- Rasta (Aeschynanthus ‘Rasta’, aka “twisted lipstick plant”) – A wonderful cultivar that has eye-catching twisted leaves, making it beautiful even when it’s not flowering.
- Variegated – If you’re really lucky, you’ll be able to find one of the rare variegated hybrids, which can have golden-green or white and green leaves.
Flowers
The flowers are what give the lipstick plant its common name. The reason? Well, when they open, they look like tubes of lipstick.
Depending on the specific variety you have, the colors can range from burgundy to yellow or orange, with bright red being the most common.
How To Grow Lipstick Plants
Before we talk about the specifics of lipstick plant care, it’s important to understand where to grow them. Choosing the right location is important for their longevity.
Hardiness
Unfortunately, lipstick plants are not hardy at all. They can only survive as perennials in zone 11 where it stays warm year-round.
If you live anywhere else, then you must keep them as houseplants or bring them indoors before it drops below 60°F.
Where To Grow
As long as it stays warm enough, lipstick plants can grow equally well outdoors as they can indoors.
Thankfully, they do great in pots with adequate drainage, so they’re easy to move.
Indoors place them in a spot where they’ll get bright filtered sunlight. Outdoors, keep them in the full to partial shade location.
Lipstick Plant Care & Growing Instructions
Now that you know where to grow them, let’s dive into all the details about how to care for a lipstick plant. As long as you follow these basic requirements, yours will thrive for years to come.
Watering A Lipstick Plant
Lipstick plants prefer to be kept on the dry side, but never left totally dry. They’re drought tolerant, and do not like being overwatered.
However, if they become severely dehydrated, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off.
Ideally, the top few inches should feel dry, and the rootball should stay lightly moist, but never wet or completely dried out.
Be certain to always check the moisture level before giving them more, to avoid overwatering. If you struggle with this, I highly recommend you get an inexpensive soil moisture gauge to help you out.
Humidity
A humidity environment is also very important, so a bathroom or kitchen would make a great home. They like it to stay around 50-60%, and you can use a monitor to track it.
Otherwise, you can mist the leaves regularly as part of your lipstick plant care routine, run a humidifier near it, or keep it on a pebble tray.
Light Requirements
The lipstick plant prefers bright, indirect sun, and will bloom its best when given plenty of light. Mine thrives near a south facing window in my living room, where it gets filtered sunlight all year long.
When they don’t get enough light, they won’t bloom. If you don’t have a room in your home that gets indirect, bright light, then you can add a grow light to supplement.
If you put yours outdoors during the summer, be sure to keep it out of the direct sun. A partial to full shade location is the best choice. Direct sunlight is too intense, and it can burn the foliage.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for lipstick plants is between 65-85°F. Anything outside of that range will start to impact their health.
They can withstand temps as low as 40°F in short bursts. But long periods of cold exposure will cause them to stop growing and begin dropping their leaves. Freezing weather will quickly kill them.
While they can handle the heat much little better, they may begin to suffer if it gets extremely hot (above 100°F). In that case, keep them in the full shade, and increase the humidity level.
Best Potting Soil
Lipstick plants don’t require any special soil, and will usually grow just fine in general potting mix.
But if you tend to overwater, I recommend amending your potting soil with coarse sand and perlite or pumice to add extra drainage.
Otherwise, it’s best to use a commercial medium that’s fast draining, or an African violet mix.
Fertilizer For Lipstick Plants
To get the best blooms, fertilize in the spring through summer as part of your regular lipstick plant care routine.
I recommend using organic option rather than chemical ones because they work better, and there’s less of a chance of burning the sensitive roots.
A general purpose option or compost tea would work great. You could also use slow-release granules if you prefer, or one for flowering plants.
Common Lipstick Plant Pests
Healthy, well cared for lipstick plants don’t usually have problems with pests. But sometimes aphids, spider mites, or mealybugs can become a problem.
If you find any bugs, be sure to treat for them immediately. I recommend using either neem oil, an organic insecticidal soap, or a combo of both.
Or make your own spray by mixing 1 tsp mild liquid soap per 1 liter of water. You can also spot-treat insects by dabbing them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Repotting Tips
They will bloom better when they’re root-bound, so don’t repot your lipstick plant until it’s absolutely necessary. There’s no set schedule for how often to do it, that depends on how fast it grows.
You’ll know it’s time when the roots have completely filled the pot and are coming out the drainage holes. When it’s time, only go up one pot size for the best results.
How To Prune A Lipstick Plant
Pruning lipstick plants will encourage them to grow fuller, rather than longer vines, but it’s usually not a necessary part of their care.
If yours is looking untidy, or not very full, then you can trim them to the desired length. The best time to do it is right after it’s done blooming, or any time in the spring through early summer.
Be sure to use a sharp pair of precision pruners, or use bonsai shears to prune the delicate vines.
Aeschynanthus Lipstick Plant Propagation Tips
Propagating lipstick plants is actually really easy by taking stem cuttings, or by division. They can also be multiplied by seeds, but this is the slowest option.
Stem cuttings can easily be rooted using a propagation chamber. Be sure to dip the cut ends in rooting hormone first, this will help to speed things up.
Learn all about how to propagate your lipstick plant step by step here.
Troubleshooting Lipstick Plant Care Problems
For the most part, lipstick plants are easy to care for. But through the years, you’ll likely run into some common problems. Use my tips below to get yours back to health.
Lipstick Plant Dropping Leaves
The most common cause of lipstick plant leaves falling off is improper watering, usually too much. Check the soil by sticking your finger one inch down to make sure it’s dry before giving it more.
If it’s wet, then allow it to dry out a bit before watering it again. I recommend getting a soil moisture gauge to help you get it just right.
However, leaf drop could also be caused by extreme temperatures, especially if it gets down below 60°F.
Flowers Or Buds Dropping Off
Bud or flower drop is also usually caused by improper watering, either too much or too little.
It can also be caused by sudden shifts in temperature, or change of environment (like if you recently moved the plant to a new location).
Avoid moving the plant while it’s setting flower buds, and keep it away from heating and cooling vents, as well as fireplaces and space heaters.
Leaves Turning Yellow On Lipstick Plant
If the leaves on your lipstick plant are turning yellow, that means it either needs more water, more light, or maybe both.
Always check the soil moisture level, and if it’s wet then don’t give it more water. If it is in a low light location, move it closer to a sunny window or add a grow light to supplement.
Lipstick Plant Won’t Bloom
If your lipstick plant won’t bloom, then it’s not getting enough light, or needs to be fertilized.
Move it to a brighter spot, or add a grow light. If you’ve never fed it before, then try giving it a weak dose of liquid fertilizer in the spring through summer to give it a boost.
FAQs
In this section I’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions about Aeschynanthus radicans. If you can’t find your answer here, ask it in the comment section below.
When do lipstick plants bloom?
Lipstick plants generally bloom during the late summer and early fall, but can flower anytime throughout the year. Mine continues to bloom on and off all winter, which is such a treat.
Are lipstick plants toxic?
No. Lipstick plants are not toxic to pets or humans, so you’re safe to grow them around cats, dogs, and the kiddos.
Are lipstick plants easy to grow?
Yes, lipstick plants are easy to grow once you know how to provide what they need. The keys to success are to avoid overwatering, give them plenty of indirect sunlight, and high humidity.
Where do I put my lipstick plant?
The best spot to put your lipstick plant is in a bright location where it will get plenty of humidity. Indoors, place it near a sunny window. Outdoors, put it in a full to partial shade location.
Is a lipstick plant a succulent?
No, a lipstick plant is not a succulent. Though it is drought tolerant and has thick leaves, it’s technically a tropical plant.
How fast do lipstick plants grow?
Lipstick plants can grow fairly fast with the proper care. They can put on several inches per year, but are usually slower indoors than outside.
Lipstick plants are fun and easy to care for. Now that you know all about how to grow them, you’ll have great success. Simply follow the instructions in this detailed guide for the best results.
If you want to learn all there is to know about maintaining healthy indoor plants, then you need my Houseplant Care eBook. It will show you everything you need to know about how to keep every plant in your home thriving. Download your copy now!
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Share your lipstick plant care tips in the comments section below.
HRose says
I cut back my lipstick plant to much. There is new growth from the center of the plant. On the other side of the plant there is no growth and no stems. Will the plant regenerate itself. It does have many roots left in the soil. I received this and it was probably in shock and then I caused even more of a problem. Thanks for any advise you can send me.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Oh no, sorry you’re having trouble with your lipstick plants. As long as it still has some healthy stems, then it should grow back. It may take some time to recover, so be patient.
Majed Suhrab says
Thanks for very informative information presented. Frankly speaking after I went through your article I felt I were an expert in lipstick plant care.
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome! So glad you found the article helpful, and now you’re a lipstick plant expert. 🙂
Annabel says
My plant has a lot of red blooms right now but i am noticing a lot are falling off, about 1-2 a day. When they fall they dont appear dead blooms, like it is shedding fresh blooms. Is this normal?
Amy Andrychowicz says
If it’s only losing one or two flowers, then it may not be a big concern. However, if your lipstick plant is dropping buds or healthy flowers daily, then that’s not normal. Bud or flower drop is usually caused by improper watering, either too much or too little. It can also be caused by sudden change of temperature, or change of environment (like if you recently moved the plant to a new location).
Erin Douglas says
I have a cutting that I got from my uncle a few years ago. It rooted well, but all I get is one long spindly branch. so I pruned it hoping that it would produce more foliage or “arms.” If I do get an extra branch it doesn’t grow and the all the energy goes into one shoot! What the heck am I doing wrong. I’m about to toss it and look for a new plant but I also have some sentimental attachment to it since my uncle has passed.
Amy Andrychowicz says
It sounds to me like your lipstick plant may not be getting enough light, and that’s why the branch is spindly. Make sure it’s in a spot where it gets bright, indirect sunlight. They don’t like direct sun, but won’t grow well in low light either. Also, check to make sure you’re watering it correctly. They prefer to be kept slightly on the dry side, and don’t like to be overwatered. So, stick your finger once inch into the soil. If it’s really dry, then you should give it a bit more water. If it’s wet, then you’re overwatering it. Hope this helps!
Jason says
I’ve got a couple nice variegated lipstick plants, and I’m wondering if you can tell me what it is that triggers them to turn purple on the leaves?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Lipstick plant leaves can turn purple when they get a lot of light. As long as the plant and the purple leaves look healthy, then all it good. 🙂
Ellie says
Hello, I was wondering where on the moist meter the lipstick plant is happiest at?
Many thanks – great tips.
Amy Andrychowicz says
I would keep the moisture on your lipstick plant on the lower end of the green zone on your moisture meter. So, it should always be somewhere between 3-5.
Quynh says
My lipstick flower buds drop before blooming. What am I doing wrong?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Lipstick plant bud drop could be caused by a few different things… over or under watering, temperature swings, change of location, or bugs. First, make sure you are watering it correctly (allow the soil to dry slightly before watering).
Also, have you moved the plant recently? Or has the temperature or lighting changed in it’s location (like with the change of season)? Is it near an open window on cool nights, or in a sunny window during the hot afternoon?
Another thing to check for is bugs. Take a close look at the buds and leaves to make sure you don’t see any brown spots, white fuzz, or webbing that could indicate a pest infestation. Good luck!
Dar says
Hi
This is the second flowering season for my lipstick plant. It produces beautiful lipsticks but there is this white goo that forms around the flowers which is unpleasant to look at. I would like to find out what this is so it can be treated.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Uh oh, sounds like your lipstick plant has mealybugs. They don’t look like bugs, they look like white cotton or goo as you describe. Here’s more details about them, and tips for how to get rid of them… How To Get Rid Of Mealybugs On Houseplants.
Alexis says
I’ve had a curly lipstick plant for about 6 months and the last month or so it’s lost almost all of its stems. The leaves are dropping and the whole thing is drying out. However the soil is still moist. My apartment is extremely humid (+70% all year, +80% in winter) and the plant is near a south-facing window.
I haven’t watered it in several weeks, and water from the bottom (into a basin) and as mentioned the soil is moist all the way through. Do you know what’s going on? It’s almost completely dead now.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Oh no, sorry to hear your lipstick plant is sick! Lipstick plants can be very fussy if they don’t get the right amount of water (either over or under watering). Sometimes the plant won’t show any signs of distress, and then it starts dropping leaves and stems all at once. If the soil is completely moist, especially after not watering for several weeks, then my guess is that it’s been overwatered.
They require less water during the winter than in the summer, so that might be the problem. Watering plants from the bottom can be tricky because it’s hard to tell if the soil is too wet, since the top will be dryer than the bottom. And, when watering from the bottom, you have to be careful not to allow the plant to sit in water for too long. Any water that’s left after about 30 min should be dumped out.
So at this point, the best you can do is stick your finger at least one inch into the soil to see how wet it is on the bottom layers. If it’s still wet, then allow it to dry more between waterings, and don’t fertilize or repot it right now. Then all you can do is leave it alone and hope it recovers.
Carolyn Gbur says
My lipstick plant’s leaves have little bumps on the underside. What can this be?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Uh oh, sounds like it could be scale insects on your lipstick plant leaves. I hope not, but here’s an article I wrote that will help you identify them and get rid of them, just in case… How To Get Rid Of Scale Insects On Houseplants.
Ali says
hi i have twisted lipstick but the leaves become brown and shriveled and fall down . I dont know what should I do . pleas guid me . thanks
Amy Andrychowicz says
It sounds like a problem with watering. If a lipstick plant dries out too much, the leaves will start to turn brown and fall off. So, check your plant more often to make sure the soil isn’t drying out completely between waterings.
Daniel Krus says
I recently obtained some Lipstick Plant cuttings. I freshened the cutting, took off the bottom set of leaves, immersed the cut part in some rooting hormone and planted it in a growing medium. I now notice some “roots” at the next leave junction. Are these “air roots”? Or, am I supposed to now transplant the plant to a bigger pot and plant these visual “roots” below the soil line? Any insight would be appreciated.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Congratulations on getting your lipstick plant cuttings to root, that’s super exciting!! I would leave them growing in the growing medium until you start to see new leaf growth on the cuttings. That way, you can be sure they are rooted, and ready to pot up into potting soil.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Hi p3chandan, thanks for your nice comment!
Amy
p3chandan says
Its a beautiful houseplant more like a creeper especially in a hanging basket with the leaves and bright red blooms cascading down. Your plant looks perfect in that corner!
Amy - Get Busy Gardening says
I love easy to care for blooming houseplants too – especially ones that bloom in the fall and winter! I've never seen a lipstick plant for sale in the garden centers near my house either. You can order them online. I was lucky and found mine at a garage sale (of all places!).Amy
Eliza says
I get so excited when I see a blooming houseplant that is touted as "easy." I've seen this plant before in books but I don't know where to get one. I don't think our garden centers have it. Very pretty! I like that the blooms are a little fuzzy, too.