Lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) is an epiphytic vine native to Malaysia. Epiphytes grow on branching trunks and crevices of trees or rocks. This plant does not suck food from the host, but instead absorbs moisture and nutrients from the debris that collects around the roots. Lipstick plants can be grown outdoors, but are more commonly used as houseplants everywhere. 0.3-1 meter long creeping stem on a lipstick plant, ideal for hanging in a bright room. When this plant thrives in its environment and is cared for properly, it will appear bright red buds which before blooming looks like the shape of lipstick.
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Method 1 of 2: Helping Plants Grow
Step 1. Use ready-to-plant soil for African violets mixed with powdered charcoal
The lipstick plant originally grew in moist forest soil. So, the best potting mix is one mixed with spagnum moss that is kept moist, but not soggy. A soil mixture for African violets combined with powdered charcoal is a great mix for lipstick plants and is commercially available.
Step 2. Put the plant in a very bright place, but not exposed to direct sunlight
Choose a spot next to a south- or west-facing window to hang the plant, and put light curtains between the plant and the window.
Step 3. Keep the room temperature between 18 and 21 °C throughout the season
Also keep the humidity in the room between 25 and 49%.
- If you live in a subtropical climate, keep the room temperature close to 18 °C in winter to stimulate the plant to grow new flowers.
- Do not hang plants near heating or air conditioning drains, or near exits where plants may be exposed to cold winds.
Step 4. Water the plant with pre-settled room temperature water
Precipitated water is tap water that has been left in an open container for at least 24 hours. By leaving it like this, the chlorine contained in the tap water will be lost. Water the plant with the water when the soil surface begins to dry out. Pour evenly over the soil until water begins to drip from the bottom of the pot.
- To make pre-settled water, just pour the water into a bucket or bucket a few days before the lipstick plant needs to be watered. After the water is used up for flushing, refill the container. That way, you will always have a supply of water to water your plants.
- Allow the top layer of soil 2.5-5 cm deep to dry before watering again. During winter, allowing the soil to dry out slightly will stimulate the lipstick plant to grow more flowers in the spring and summer.
Step 5. Empty the water holding tray at the bottom of the pot after watering the plant
Water should not be allowed to pool in the tray as it can rise back above the soil and make the roots too wet.
Step 6. Prune the lipstick plant once it's finished flowering
Pruning will stimulate the growth of new and healthy stems and leaves. Each stem should be trimmed and left 15 cm long. Use regular sharp scissors or shears cuttings, then cut just above the leaf.
If the lipstick plant looks disheveled – which may be due to excess or lack of water, or exposure to cold winds – prune the longest vine and leave about 5 cm
Method 2 of 2: Fertilizing and Transferring Plants to New Pots
Step 1. Fertilize the plant once every two weeks during the flowering season
As long as the plant is actively growing and flowering, apply fertilizer to help it grow and develop.
- You can apply a fertilizer that is water-soluble in a ratio of 3-1-2 or 19-6-12 and contains micronutrients.
- Dilute the fertilizer as much as of the dose recommended by the manufacturer. The generally recommended dilution rate is about 1 teaspoon per 4 Liters of water. However for lipstick plants, it should be about teaspoon per 4 Liters of water.
Step 2. Apply fertilizer to plants by first mixing it with of lukewarm water as recommended on the package, unless you are using fertilizer for African violets
Mix a diluted fertilizer with water, instead of sprinkling it directly over the soil.
You can also use a slow-release fertilizer for houseplants. Give according to the manufacturer's directions, usually 1-2 tablespoons for each plant, and sprinkle evenly over the soil surface
Step 3. To encourage better growth, transfer the lipstick plant to a new pot if it has grown too big
Plants are considered to grow tight when the roots have filled the pot. Roots may even grow out of drainage holes at the bottom of the pot or the plant may appear much larger than its container.
- Choose a pot that is 2.5 - 5 cm larger than the old pot and make sure the new pot has drainage holes under it.
- Pour 2.5 cm of ready-to-plant soil mixture for African violets into the pot.
- Gently hold the stem of the lipstick plant parallel to the soil surface, tilt the pot, and pull the plant out.
- Use sharp scissors to cut any remaining roots that are extending far beyond the main root tissue.
- Place the lipstick plant in a new pot and fill it with ready-to-plant soil until it is full.
- Water with settled water until the soil is wet and water drips out of the bottom of the pot.
