| Houseplant
Cultural
information: Lipstick plants produce
bright red flowers that emerge from a sheath that looks as if the
flower is being twisted from a lipstick tube.
Lipstick plants grow best if placed in very
bright filtered light, just shy of full sun. Full sun can burn the
leaves in dry climates.
Most Aeschynanthus
varieties are potted in hanging baskets making if difficult to feel the soil
for moisture. A trick for knowing when to water your hanging
basket is by weight. When you acquire a new Lipstick plant make sure that
it has been recently watered and note the weight of the plant.
Check your plants weight a couple times per week. When the plant
feels light it's probably time to water. If you can feel the
soil, allow the surface to dry down about one half inch to one inch between
waterings.
Feed monthly during the spring and
summer, bi-monthly
during the winter. Stem cuttings can be rooted in a container of
water or vermiculite.
Propagation of nearly all
varieties of Lipstick vine is fairly difficult, but worth a try.
Stem cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone then placed in
moist vermiculite. Cover the cutting and pot with a clear plastic
bag until a fair amount of roots have grown. Keep the vermiculite
moist at all times.
Common houseplant pests include:
Foliar Mealy bug and Aphids.
Lipstick plants are generally available in
small 3" or 4" containers, as well as 6",
8" and 10" hanging baskets. It is possible to find some
varieties of Lipstick plants
grown in sitting pots.
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