Image: PlantoScan
Lipstick Plant Plant Care
Aeschynanthus radicans Jack
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's most distinctive visual feature is its long, trailing vines with dark green, glossy leaves. Originating from Southeast Asia, Aeschynanthus radicans is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique growth habit and stunning tubular red flowers that bloom year-round.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect
60–80°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Lipstick Plant?
Water 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 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Lipstick Plant Native To?
What Is the Lipstick Plant?
Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) belongs to the Gesneriaceae family within the Aeschynanthus genus. Lipstick Plant is native to Malaysia. Lipstick Plant is also known as Basket Vine.
Lipstick Plant displays a trailing, vine-like growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Lipstick Plant produces tubular, red-orange flowers with yellow throats.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Lipstick Plant?
Aeschynanthus radicans 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 Lipstick Plant Need?
Lipstick Plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Lipstick Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Lipstick Plant Prefer?
Aeschynanthus radicans grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Lipstick Plant prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Lipstick Plant?
Well-draining soil mix with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Lipstick Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Lipstick Plant?
Feed 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 Lipstick Plant?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. 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 Lipstick Plant?
Lipstick Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cupid's brush plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Lipstick Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list 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 Lipstick Plant?
Lipstick Plant is susceptible to aphids, 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 Lipstick Plant Need?
Lipstick Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Lipstick Plant is native to Malaysia. In cooler regions, grow Lipstick Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
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 Aeschynanthus genus — compare its care with other Aeschynanthus species on PlantoScan.
Aeschynanthus is part of the Gesneriaceae plant family — browse all Gesneriaceae genera and species.
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: Aeschynanthus radicans Jack, family Gesneriaceae (first published in Trans. Linn. Soc. London 14: 43 (1823)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list 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.
- Photo: © Daniel Iseli, PlantoScan.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 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.
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