Aeschynanthus, plant care and growing guide

aeschynanthus-information-advice-care

Aeschynanthus (Aeschynanthus radicans), also popularly called Lipstick Plant, is a perennial, tropical, flowing epiphyte, native to South and Central America, as well as Southeast Asia. The popular name is given by the red, tubular, lipstick-like flowers. The plant blooms from summer to early autumn, but if the environmental conditions are optimal, it can bloom all year round. The leaves are glossy, fleshy, elliptical, dark green. Aeschyanthus is usually found as an apartment plant, being a suitable choice for hanging baskets or tall containers.

Aeschynanthus – varieties and cultivars
  • Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Curly’: the flowers are red, and the leaves are slightly curved, having a unique appearance;
  • Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Mona Lisa’: it stands out thanks to its red-orange flowers;
  • Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Variegata’: the leaves are variegated, having shades of green, yellow or white;
  • ‘Rasta’: with curved leaves and red flowers that bloom at the end of summer-beginning of autumn.

Environmental conditions

Light. It prefers spaces with abundant but filtered light. The direct rays of the sun can cause sunburn, while insufficient light will lead to weak flowering and falling leaves.

Temperature. It needs a temperature between 18 and 23 ℃. Temperatures below 10 ℃ or sudden changes in temperature cause the leaves to fall.

Humidity. Being a tropical species, it grows and develops optimally in conditions of heat and high atmospheric humidity. Atmospheric humidity can be kept high by spraying regularly with water at room temperature or by placing the flowerpot on a tray of wet gravel.

Substrate. It needs a well-ventilated substrate, which allows a good water drainage. The flowerpot or container must contain drainage holes.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

Aeschynanthus – care

Watering. During the warm season, it is recommended to water the plant regularly, so that the substrate can remain relatively damp. During the cold season, the frequency of watering will be reduced.

Fertilizing. Aeschynanthus reacts favorably to the application of fertilizers. Products specially formulated for flowering plants can be applied during the growing season.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

Pruning. Shape correction cuts can be carried out, which can also stimulate the plant’s vegetative growth.

Transplanting. It can be carried out in spring, when the roots of the plant have occupied the entire volume of the pot. The new flowerpot can be approximately 2.5 cm larger than the previous one.

Propagation. Aeschynanthus can be propagated by stem cuttings, harvested in spring or summer, or by seeds (rarely).

Diseases and pests

It can be affected by powdery mildew or various leaf spots, while high and persistent humidity in the substrate can lead to root rot and implicitly to the death of the plant. Among the pests, aphids, wooly apple aphids and mites may infest the plant.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
Additionally:
  • The plants are sensitive to drafts. Therefore, it is not recommended to place them near open doors/windows or air conditioning;
  • The falling of the flowers or buds can be caused by inadequate humidity in the substrate or by changing environmental conditions;
  • The absence of flowers is an indicator that the plant does not receive enough light or it is not properly fertilized.
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