How to Grow and Care for Pink Lipstick Plant

The Pink Lipstick Plant, known scientifically as Aeschynanthus, is a tropical plant prized for its unique flowers and cascading growth. Native to Southeast Asian rainforests, it grows as an epiphyte, anchoring itself to trees, which makes it perfectly suited for hanging baskets. The plant’s common name comes from its vibrant, tubular flowers that emerge from a darker calyx, resembling a lipstick being extended from its case.

The glossy green leaves provide a beautiful backdrop for the blooms, which appear most prolifically in summer but can show up throughout the year under the right conditions.

Pink Lipstick Plant Care

Light

This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, which mimics the dappled light it would receive under a tropical forest canopy. An ideal location is near an east-facing window for gentle morning sun or a few feet from a west or south-facing window to avoid direct, harsh rays. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves, while insufficient light will lead to sparse foliage.

Water

Consistent moisture is important, but overwatering is a common pitfall that can lead to root rot. These plants are sensitive to their roots sitting in water, a trait from their epiphytic origins. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch or two of the soil feels dry. After watering, ensure any excess water is drained from the pot’s saucer to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.

Soil

The Pink Lipstick Plant requires a potting medium that is light and allows for excellent drainage and air circulation to the roots. A standard, heavy potting soil will retain too much moisture. An ideal mix can be created by combining houseplant compost with materials like perlite, orchid bark, or sand to create a chunkier, more porous substrate.

Temperature and Humidity

As a tropical native, this plant prefers warm and humid conditions, performing best in temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C). It should be protected from temperatures that drop below 50°F (10°C). Sudden temperature fluctuations or placement near drafty windows and vents can cause stress and leaf drop. To increase humidity, you can mist the plant, place it on a pebble tray with water, or use a room humidifier.

Fertilizer

During the active growing season of spring and summer, the Pink Lipstick Plant benefits from regular feeding. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength can be applied every two to four weeks. Reduce feeding in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows down.

Encouraging Blooms

Providing the plant with ample bright, indirect light is the most important step for blooming. If a healthy plant is not blooming, moving it to a brighter location is the primary solution. Other factors can also influence flowering. Some growers switch to a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content before the main blooming season to encourage bud development.

Allowing the plant to become slightly root-bound in its pot can also stimulate more prolific flowering. A period of cooler and drier conditions during the winter can also help set the stage for a strong blooming season in the spring. Simulating a natural dormant period with lower temperatures and reduced watering often precedes a flush of new growth and flowers.

Pruning and Propagation

Pruning is beneficial for maintaining a full, bushy appearance and promoting more flowers. The best time to prune is after the main flowering cycle has finished. Using clean, sharp scissors, cut stems back by about a third to shape the plant and encourage branching.

The cuttings taken during pruning are perfect for propagation. Create new plants from 4-5 inch stem cuttings that have at least a few leaves. Remove the lowest leaves and place the cutting in a glass of water or directly into a moist potting medium. If rooting in water, change it every few days to keep it fresh.

For soil propagation, dipping the cut end in a rooting hormone can help stimulate root development. Plant the cutting in a light, well-draining mix and keep it in a warm, humid environment. Covering the pot with a plastic bag can help maintain high humidity, but it should be aired out daily. Roots form within a few weeks to a couple of months.

Common Problems

Leggy growth, where stems are long and stretched with few leaves, is a clear sign the plant is not receiving enough light. Yellowing leaves are most often caused by overwatering, which can lead to root rot if not addressed.

Pests can occasionally become a problem, with spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs being the most common. Spider mites thrive in dry conditions and create fine webbing, while mealybugs appear as white, cottony masses in leaf joints. Manage these pests by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or by spraying with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

If your plant fails to produce flowers, the cause is almost always insufficient light, which is the primary trigger for blooming.

Toxicity

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), plants in the Aeschynanthus genus are considered non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. This makes it a great choice for plant lovers with pets.

While the plant is not toxic, it is still advisable to prevent pets from ingesting large amounts of any houseplant material, as it could lead to mild digestive upset.