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.

Lipstick plant with trailing vines and red tubular flowers indoors

Care snapshot

☀️ Light
Medium, Bright Indirect
💧 Water
Medium
💨 Humidity
Medium To High
📈 Growth
Moderate

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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

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.

Video tips

Extra reading

TikTok care videos

FAQ

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