Red Lipstick Plant Plant Care
Adenoncos sumatrana J.J.Sm.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is characterized by its striking, large, heart-shaped leaves with velvety texture. Originating from the rainforests of Sumatra, it is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage that adds a tropical touch to indoor spaces. With its vibrant green color and unusual leaf shape, Adenoncos sumatrana is sure to stand out in any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Red Lipstick Plant?
Water Red Lipstick Plant every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Red Lipstick Plant?
Red Lipstick Plant (Adenoncos sumatrana) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Adenoncos genus. Red Lipstick Plant is native to Sumatra, Indonesia. Red Lipstick Plant is also known as Adenoncos sumatranus, Sumatran Lipstick Plant.
Red Lipstick Plant displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Red Lipstick Plant produces colorful, fragrant blooms in various shades.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Red Lipstick Plant?
Adenoncos sumatrana requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Red Lipstick Plant Need?
Red Lipstick Plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Red Lipstick Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Red Lipstick Plant Prefer?
Adenoncos sumatrana grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Red Lipstick Plant prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Red Lipstick Plant?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark chips and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Red Lipstick Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Red Lipstick Plant?
Feed Red Lipstick Plant every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Red Lipstick Plant?
Repot every 1-2 years after flowering. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Red Lipstick Plant?
Red Lipstick Plant can be propagated through division, back bulbs. Similar propagation techniques also apply to adenoncos long-leaved plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Red Lipstick Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Red Lipstick Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Red Lipstick Plant?
Red Lipstick Plant is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Red Lipstick Plant Need?
Red Lipstick Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Red Lipstick Plant is native to Sumatra, Indonesia. In cooler regions, grow Red Lipstick Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Red Lipstick Plant is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Adenoncos genus — compare its care with other Adenoncos species on PlantoScan.
Adenoncos is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Red Lipstick Plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Adenoncos sumatrana J.J.Sm., family Orchidaceae (first published in Bull. Dép. Agric. Indes Néerl. 22: 44 (1909)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Red Lipstick Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Red Lipstick Plant Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species