Aeschynanthus radicans with red flowers

Credit: Mokkie

Aeschnynanthus radicans in pots and hanging baskets

Credit: Elaine Fieth

Young shoot of Aeschynanthus radicans

Credit: Victor Engel

Aeschynanthus radicans yellow flowers

Credit: Mokkie

Aeschynanthus radicans with pink flowers

Credit: Mokkie

Aeschynanthus radicans, the lipstick plant

A climbing epiphyte native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, Aeschynanthus radicans belongs to the Gesneriaceae family. This plant is famous for its lipstick-like flowers.

How to recognize Aeschynanthus radicans, the lipstick plant?

Aeschynanthus radicans is an evergreen perennial with a drooping habit. Its stems, smaller than those of aeschynanthus longicaulis, are no more than 50 centimetres long.

The dark-green, glossy, fleshy leaves are oval in shape. Opposite each other on the stems, they can reach lengths of five to ten centimetres.

Flowers grow in clusters at the ends of the stems. Scarlet-red, narrow and tubular, they are surrounded by green calyxes. This attracts many birds, which are happy to pollinate them!

After flowering, the flowers produce oval fruits. They contain numerous seeds.

Aeschynanthus radicans is not toxic to humans or pets. However, ingestion of any plant material may cause gastrointestinal upset. But don't worry! Its pungent odor dissuades the curious from tasting it.

Our maintenance tips

The plant appreciates light, but fears direct sunlight. Place it behind an east- or west-facing window.

Watering

Aeschynanthus radicans likes to keep its potting soil constantly moist. Don't wait for the substrate to dry on the surface before watering.

Water the soil with rainwater at room temperature. Don't use hard water, as it could kill your plant.

Soak the root ball until water runs off through the drainage holes. Drain off any excess water.

Drain any stagnant water from the planter or saucer to prevent root rot.

Spray

Your Aeschynanthus radicans is a tropical plant. It appreciates humidity. Spray its foliage with water at room temperature.

Avoid calcareous water, which leaves white marks on the leaves. Prefer rainwater or filtered water.

Repotting

Every spring, repot your Aeschynanthus radicans to give it more space.

Obtain a pierced pot three to five centimetres larger in diameter than the previous one. Line the bottom with clay balls or pebbles.

Aeschynanthus radicans appreciate light, well-drained soil. You can use a mixture of heather earth and perlite or a potting soil for flowering plants to which you add sand.

Pour on a layer of substrate and plant your specimen. Fill the pot with your mixture and tamp gently. Water with non-calcareous water at room temperature to encourage rooting.

Place your pot on a dish of moist clay balls to improve humidity.

Fertilization

To promote the growth of your Aeschynanthus radicans, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.

Feed your Aeschynanthus radicans with a flowering plant fertilizer twice a month to support flowering.

Cleaning

The dust that accumulates on foliage hinders photosynthesis and the growth of your Aeschynanthus radicans. You can remove it with a damp cloth or clean sponge.

Prune

Pruning encourages branching and helps maintain a dense growth habit.

After flowering, remove wilted flowers and cut back stem ends. Use pruning shears or scissors to cut back between three and five centimetres. Remember to clean your tool before use to avoid spreading disease!

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Obtain a small, pierced pot. Fill it with a mixture of potting soil for flowering plants (about two-thirds) and sand (one-third).

Make a pilot hole with a pick, a pencil or your finger. Plant your Aeschynanthus radicans cutting.

Keep the soil moist by watering before the surface dries out.

Diseases / Threats

Aphids

Red spiders

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Gesneriaceae - Gesneriaceae
Type	Aeschynanthe - Aeschynanthus
Species	Aeschynanthus radicans - Aeschynanthus radicans
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrat	Humus soil
Planting methods	In pots In tubs Planter
Categories	Interior Flowery Hanging plants
Tags	Beginner Flowery
Origin	Southeast Asia
Hardiness (USDA)	10a
Leaf color
Flower colors