How to Grow and Care for a Twisted Lipstick Plant

The Twisted Lipstick Plant, Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Rasta’, has uniquely curled green leaves that cascade over the sides of pots, making it ideal for hanging baskets. Its common name comes from the vibrant, tubular red flowers that emerge from darker calyces, resembling a tube of lipstick. Native to the tropical rainforests of Asia, this plant brings a lush, exotic appearance to indoor spaces.

Twisted Lipstick Plant Care

Light

The Twisted Lipstick Plant flourishes in bright, indirect light, which supports robust growth and encourages flowering. An east-facing window that provides gentle morning sun is an ideal location. Avoid harsh, direct afternoon sunlight, as it can scorch the waxy leaves and cause discoloration. Insufficient light may also cause the plant to drop its leaves.

Soil

As an epiphyte, this plant requires an airy soil mixture that drains exceptionally well. A standard potting mix is too dense and retains excessive moisture, which can lead to root rot. Create an effective medium by combining peat moss with amendments like perlite, orchid bark, or coarse sand. This chunky mix improves aeration and prevents the soil from becoming waterlogged.

Water

This plant prefers consistent moisture, but the soil should never be soggy. Water thoroughly with lukewarm or room-temperature water when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry. Cold water can shock the plant’s root system. After watering, ensure all excess has drained from the pot to prevent the roots from sitting in water. The plant’s growth slows in winter, so it will require less frequent watering.

Temperature and Humidity

This plant thrives in the warm, humid conditions of its native habitat. Maintain indoor temperatures between 70-80°F (21-27°C) and protect it from cold drafts or temperatures below 50°F (10°C). To increase humidity, you can mist the leaves, place the pot on a pebble tray with water, or use a humidifier. A well-lit bathroom also provides the steam and warmth this plant enjoys.

Fertilizer

During the spring and summer growing season, feed the plant to support foliage and flower production. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month during watering. Do not fertilize in the fall and winter when growth slows. Over-fertilizing can lead to a salt buildup in the soil that damages the roots.

Encouraging Blooms

A lack of bright, indirect light is the primary reason these plants fail to bloom. Moving the plant to a brighter location is the main adjustment needed to encourage flowering. Flowers appear in spring and summer, but proper care can encourage them in other seasons.

This plant flowers more prolifically when slightly root-bound. The mild stress of a snug pot redirects the plant’s energy to flower production instead of vegetative growth. Avoid repotting too frequently; it is only needed every two to three years. When you do repot, select a new container that is only slightly larger.

A period of cooler winter temperatures can also stimulate spring blooming. Allowing the plant to experience a subtle temperature drop for a few weeks, while keeping it above 50°F (10°C), mimics its natural cycle. This rest period helps trigger the development of flower buds for the spring.

Pruning and Propagation

Prune your Twisted Lipstick Plant after its blooming cycle to maintain its shape and vigor. Trimming the stems back by about one-third encourages a fuller, bushier habit and prevents the plant from becoming leggy. This also stimulates new growth points, which can lead to more flowers in the subsequent season.

The stems removed during pruning are perfect for propagating new plants. Stem cuttings can be rooted in either water or a soil medium. For water propagation, place a cutting with several leaves in a jar of water, ensuring at least one node is submerged. Change the water every few days, and roots should form within a few weeks.

Alternatively, cuttings can be planted directly into a well-draining soil mix. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to improve the success rate and insert it into moist soil. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment that encourages rooting. Keep the soil lightly moist, and the cutting should establish itself in several weeks.

Common Problems

If your plant develops long, sparse stems with few leaves, it is likely not receiving enough light. This condition, known as legginess, is the plant’s attempt to stretch toward a light source. Relocating the plant to a spot with more bright, indirect light and pruning the leggy stems will promote more compact growth.

Yellowing leaves are a common symptom of overwatering. When the soil remains saturated, the roots can begin to rot, preventing them from absorbing water and nutrients. Yellow leaves can also be a sign of cold shock from drafts or sudden temperature drops.

Keep an eye out for common houseplant pests such as spider mites and mealybugs. Spider mites are tiny and create fine webbing on the undersides of leaves, while mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses in leaf axils and stems. These pests can be managed by wiping them off with a damp cloth or treating the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.