Aeschynanthus radicans — Care Sheet (Lipstick Plant)
Plant Name
Common names: Lipstick Plant, Aeschynanthus radicans
Scientific name: Aeschynanthus radicans
Overview
Aeschynanthus radicans, commonly called the Lipstick Plant, is a trailing tropical plant prized for its shiny green foliage and vibrant tubular flowers that resemble a lipstick tube. Perfect for hanging baskets, open terrariums, or paludariums, it adds cascading color and movement. It prefers humid, warm, and bright environments but is sensitive to overwatering and stagnant air.
Quick Tips (Success Checklist)
🌿 Thrives in high humidity (50–80%)
🌤️ Bright indirect light; some morning sun is fine
💧 Keep soil lightly moist; avoid soggy substrate
🪴 Use a well-draining, airy mix
✂️ Pinch tips to encourage bushy growth
🚫 Avoid cold drafts or waterlogged soil
Key Features
Size: 30–60 cm trailing stems indoors; longer outdoors or in large baskets
Growth rate: Moderate
Growth habit: Trailing / cascading
Leaf character: Glossy, dark green, elliptic leaves
Flowers: Tubular, red (lipstick-like), spring–summer bloom
Suitable Environments
✅ Hanging basket indoors
✅ Open terrarium / paludarium
✅ Bright shelf or cabinet with airflow
⚠️ Closed terrarium: Only if well-ventilated
🚫 Aquarium / submerged: Not suitable
Substrate / Soil
Ideal mix: Light, airy, moisture-retentive but fast-draining
40% coco peat / fine orchid bark
30% perlite or pumice
20% fine pine bark
10% worm castings / light compost
Tip: Roots are sensitive; avoid dense, water-retentive soils that can rot stems.
Light
Ideal: Bright indirect light
Tolerates: Moderate light
Avoid: Direct midday sun (burns leaves)
Low light: Survives, but flowers may not develop
Temperature
Ideal range: 18–26°C
Absolute low: 15°C (short periods)
Absolute high: 30°C (with good airflow)
Humidity
Minimum: 50%
Ideal: 60–80%
Thrives in open terrariums or paludariums where humidity is stable
Watering
Keep substrate lightly moist at all times
Allow top layer to dry slightly between watering
Avoid water pooling around stems and crown to prevent rot
Feeding / Fertiliser
Feed lightly during active growth (spring–summer)
Botaniqra recommendation:
Botaniqra VegForce (Leaf Boost) — diluted feeding every 3–4 weeks
Botaniqra Maintenance (Set & Forget) — optional occasional substrate feeding
Propagation
Stem cuttings: 8–12 cm stem cuttings root easily in moist substrate or water
Pinch tips to encourage branching and bushier growth
Common Problems
Yellowing leaves or leaf drop
➡️ Overwatering, low light, or stress from sudden environment changes
Leggy stems
➡️ Insufficient light; pinch tips to promote fuller growth
Rotting stems or crown
➡️ Waterlogged soil or poor drainage
Pests
Occasionally mealybugs or spider mites; treat early
Buying Advice (What to Expect)
🌱 This trailing plant is perfect for shelves, hanging baskets, and open terrariums.
May pause flowering briefly after shipping
Some leaf drop is normal during acclimation
Pinching stems encourages bushy, vibrant growth