Aeschynanthus lobianus – Lipstick Plant

Add a touch of glamour and theatrical flair to your décor with the spectacular Lipstick Plant! Aeschynanthus lobianus is a fascinating trailing plant that earns its name from its unique flower buds: dark tubes from which brilliant red flowers emerge, resembling a tube of lipstick. With its glossy foliage and graceful stems, it instantly transforms any shelf or hanging basket into a vibrant cascade of exotic colour.

Characteristics

• Foliage: Its leaves are fleshy, oval, and a lustrous dark green. When it receives plenty of light, the leaf margins take on a mysterious purple tint.
• Flowering: A true spring and summer showstopper! It produces bright red tubular flowers that emerge from deep purple calyxes for an abundant and long-lasting bloom.
• Light: It thrives in medium to bright light. For optimal flowering, provide plenty of bright indirect light while avoiding scorching midday sun.
• Habit: Its flexible stems are naturally trailing, reaching lengths of up to 60 cm (24 in).
• Growth: Growth is steady and vigorous when given proper fertilization.
• Adaptability: This is a robust plant that adapts well to both dry and humid indoor environments.
• Watering: Allow the soil to dry out slightly on the surface between waterings to avoid excess moisture.

Use

• Types of Use: The queen of hanging baskets, it also looks sublime on a high shelf or in a raised decorative pot.
• Decorative Benefits: It brings a downward vertical dimension and a touch of warm, exotic colour. The contrast between the dark green and vivid red is electrifying.

Care

• Fertilizing: Support its floral production with a flowering plant fertilizer every second watering during the summer season.
• Pruning: Lightly prune the stems after flowering to encourage bushier, more compact growth.
• Pro Tip: Avoid moving the plant once buds have formed to ensure a successful bloom.