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lipstick plant

A trailing tropical epiphyte with glossy deep-green leaves and scarlet tubular flowers, ideal for hanging baskets in bright indoor spaces.

Bright LightBeginner FriendlyMedium ScaleHanging PlantNon-Toxic
Ornamental, Air Purifyingalso known as: lipstick vine, basket vine
Assessment

Is This For Me?

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Light ExposureinfoIndoor light recommendation based on the plant's native habitat. "Bright indirect" means near a window but shielded from direct rays.

Bright Indirect — Close to a window but out of direct rays.

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Watering HabitinfoHow forgiving this plant is when you miss a watering or accidentally overwater. High tolerance means more room for error.

Low — Water when soil surface is dry.

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Maintenance DifficultyinfoOverall ease of care rating. Beginner-friendly plants communicate their needs clearly through visible signs.

High — Great for beginners. Communicates needs clearly.

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Spatial RequirementinfoExpected mature size in a typical indoor environment. Actual size depends on light, pot size, and growing conditions.

Medium — Best for Bathroom.

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Seasonal BehaviourinfoHow this plant's growth changes with the seasons. Use this to adjust your care routine throughout the year.

Slows in Winter — Growth dips during shorter days. Ease off watering and skip fertilizer until spring.

thermostat

Temperature NeedsinfoThis range represents the plant's survival tolerance. Optimal growing temperatures are typically 5-10°C higher than the minimum.

15°C – 24°C — Standard Indoor — Typical room temperature works well. No extra attention needed.

Appearance & Space

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Leaf Size

infoBetween 5 and 20 cm — the most common range for houseplants. Think peace lily or Chinese evergreen.

Medium

texture

Leaf Surface

infoPolished, mirror-like shine. Light catches the surface clearly, creating vivid reflections.

Glossy

texture

Leaf Texture

infoThick and firm like a belt. Tough to tear, holds its shape well, and tolerates rough conditions.

Leathery

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Leaf Shape

infoBroad and rounded at both ends. Gently curved, about twice as long as wide.

Oval

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Leaf Type

infoOne continuous leaf blade, even if it has holes or shallow lobes (like Monstera).

Simple

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Visual Form

infoStems hang down over the pot edge, creating a waterfall of foliage. Ideal for shelves and hanging pots.

Trailing

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Foliage Density

infoPacked full of leaves — can't see through at all. Lush, full, and privacy-friendly.

Dense

palette

Variegation

infoA different-coloured border runs around the leaf edge, framing the centre like a picture frame.

Marginal

Size Gauge

Height

Medium / Tabletop (0.9m)

Spread

Moderate (0.9m)

Display Position

Hanging, Tabletop, Shelf

Perfect for

Bathroom, Sunroom

Color Palette

Deep Green
Red

Core Care Logic

01

How Often to Water

Let the soil dry out almost completely before watering again. When in doubt, wait two more days.

02

Finding the Right Light

Right next to a window, but shielded from direct rays. Look for a spot where you can see the sky but the sun never touches the leaves directly.

03

Choosing the Right Soil

This one needs airflow around the roots. Use a blend of bark chips, perlite, and charcoal. The mix should feel light and loose in your hands, not compact.

04

Temperature & Humidity

Comfortable in normal room temperatures, 15–24°C. Nothing special needed. Thrives in high humidity (60–80%). A bathroom or kitchen spot is ideal, or use a humidifier nearby.

05

What to Expect

This is a steady, moderate grower — repot every couple of years and mostly takes care of itself. Just remove the occasional yellow leaf.

What Makes It Special

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Distinctive bright red, tubular flowers (to 5 cm long) emerge from dark maroon/burgundy calyces resembling lipstick tubes, giving the plant its common name 'lipstick plant'


auto_awesomeNaturally epiphytic (sometimes lithophytic), growing on trees in the humid tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia rather than in soil, taking moisture from rain and water vapour
auto_awesomeIn its native habitat the scarlet tubular flowers attract hummingbirds and are pollinated by sunbirds/nectary birds with long thin beaks

Botanical Archive

Gesneriaceae · Aeschynanthus

Aeschynanthus radicans Jack

Borneo, Malaya, Sulawesi

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Storage and Survival Organ

Fleshy Leaves

How this plant survives unfavorable seasons

Seasonal Growth Cycle

Year Round Mild Winter Slow

When to expect new growth and feed actively

Root Sensitivity

High

How carefully you should handle roots during repotting

Attachment Strategy

Epiphytic

How this plant anchors itself in its native environment

Root System

Epiphytic Adventitious

The structure and behavior of the root system

Light Ecology

Dappled Partial

The light environment this plant evolved to thrive in

Growth Habit

Semi Woody

How persistent and structural the plant tissue is

Quick Verdict

A trailing tropical epiphyte with glossy deep-green leaves and scarlet tubular flowers, ideal for hanging baskets in bright indoor spaces.


Quick Facts

Lifecycle

Polycarpic Perennial

Foliage

Evergreen

Growth

Vine

Habitat

Wet Tropical Understory

Habit

Semi Woody

Pruning

None

Feeding

Quarterly

Watering

Deep Dry Down Cycle

Light

Bright Indirect

Temp Range

15°C – 24°C

Function

Ornamental, Air Purifying

Safety

check_circleSafe for pets