Lipstick Plant
Aeschynanthus radicans
AKA: Basket Vine, Lipstick Vine
easy_to_medium
medium water
medium, bright_indirect
Pet safe
Lipstick plants are tropical trailing houseplants known for their glossy leaves and bright red tubular flowers that resemble lipstick emerging from a tube.
Care snapshot
☀️ Light
Medium, Bright Indirect
💧 Water
Medium
💨 Humidity
Medium To High
📈 Growth
Moderate
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
- Cut a healthy stem with at least two leaf nodes.
- Remove the lower leaves.
- Place the cutting in water or moist soil.
- Roots usually form within 2–4 weeks.
Lipstick Plant Problems (Fast Fix Guide)
No flowers
Cause: Low light
Fix: Move to brighter indirect light
Leaf drop
Cause: Cold stress or overwatering
Fix: Increase warmth and improve drainage
Wrinkled leaves
Cause: Underwatering
Fix: Water thoroughly and maintain consistency
Pet Safety
- Lipstick plants are considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
- Still discourage chewing to protect foliage.
When the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry.
Usually due to insufficient light or lack of new growth.
It prefers moderate to high humidity for best growth and flowering.
Yes. It is generally considered non-toxic.
Video tips
Extra reading
FAQ
When the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry.
Usually due to insufficient light or lack of new growth.
It prefers moderate to high humidity for best growth and flowering.
Yes. It is generally considered non-toxic.
