Lipstick Plant in a handmade cream ceramic pot

Lipstick Plant

Complete Care Guide

Aeschynanthus radicans

Lipstick plants are tropical trailing houseplants known for their glossy leaves and bright red tubular flowers that resemble lipstick emerging from a tube.

Easy_to_mediumMedium To High humidityPet-safer choice
BRING THE CARE GUIDE TO LIFECheck out our lab to see how this will go in your home

Care varies with climate, season, roots and indoor conditions. Check your plant and soil before watering.

Lipstick Plant Care at a Glance

Lipstick plants are eye-catching trailing houseplants prized for their vibrant red blooms and glossy foliage.

Best For

  • Hanging baskets
  • Bright indoor spaces
  • Flowering plant lovers
  • Pet-friendly homes

Not Great For

  • Low light rooms
  • Cold environments
  • Overwatering habits

Light Requirements

Bright indirect light is essential for flowering. East- or west-facing windows work well indoors.

How to Water a Lipstick Plant

Water when the soil surface begins to dry. Lipstick plants dislike soggy soil but should not dry out completely.

Watering Tips

  • Always use pots with drainage holes.
  • Reduce watering slightly in winter.
  • Wilting leaves often indicate thirst.

Humidity & Environment

Lipstick plants thrive in higher humidity. Bathrooms and kitchens are excellent locations, or use a humidifier.

Pruning & Flowering

Prune after flowering to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Flowers form on new growth.

How to Propagate Lipstick Plant

  1. Cut a healthy stem with at least two leaf nodes.
  2. Remove the lower leaves.
  3. Place the cutting in water or moist soil.
  4. Roots usually form within 2–4 weeks.

Lipstick Plant Problems (Fast Fix Guide)

No flowers

Possible contributor: Low light

Try after checking: Move to brighter indirect light

Symptoms overlap. Check soil moisture, light and roots before treating.

Leaf drop

Possible contributor: Cold stress or overwatering

Try after checking: Increase warmth and improve drainage

Symptoms overlap. Check soil moisture, light and roots before treating.

Wrinkled leaves

Possible contributor: Underwatering

Try after checking: Water thoroughly and maintain consistency

Symptoms overlap. Check soil moisture, light and roots before treating.

Pet Safety

  • Lipstick plants are considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
  • Still discourage chewing to protect foliage.

More ways to learn

These links open external video sites.

TikTok care videos

FAQ

How often should I water a lipstick plant?

When the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry.

Why won’t my lipstick plant flower?

Usually due to insufficient light or lack of new growth.

Does lipstick plant need high humidity?

It prefers moderate to high humidity for best growth and flowering.

Is lipstick plant safe for pets?

Yes. It is generally considered non-toxic.

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