The lipstick plant: grow this plant for its gracefully pendent stems and beautiful, exotic blooms - includes list of three species and sources for buying the plant

Flower & Garden Magazine, Oct-Nov, 1993 by Inger Skaarup

A Small Nursery In My neighborhood proudly proclaims on its storefront sign: "Not a Blooming Plant in the Place." Although fabulous foliage plants have found their undisputed niche, unfailingly brightening up drab interiors, dedicated indoor gardeners appreciate plants that occasionally reward their caretakers with a show of blossoms. The lipstick plant will do just that, and with blooms that are unique in every stage of their development.

The lipstick plant, Aeschynanthus, is also commonly referred to as the basket vine for its trailing stems that are especially suited for cascading gracefully from hanging baskets. It belongs to the Gesneriaceae family and is native to the damp forests of Asia. The genus Aeschynanthus includes more than 170 species of trailing or climbing plants, many of which are epiphytic, growing from the branches of trees.

This native habitat gives many clues pertaining to the environment and care the lipstick plant must have to thrive indoors. A humid atmosphere is its most important requirement. In a home setting, a sunny bathroom or kitchen may be a good spot. In other rooms, you might increase the humidity with a humidifier, or place the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water.

Place the plant in a warm, sunny or half-shady place. A south-facing window is ideal. However, in areas with very intense afternoon sun, the foliage may begin to show signs of fading or burning; try a light exposure from an east-facing window instead.

This plant loves heat, preferring day temperatures of over 75 degrees and nights in the 65- to 70- degree range. In the winter when growth slows, the plant may be kept in a somewhat cooler location, but night temperatures should never fall below 55 degrees.

Water the lipstick plant generously, especially in the summer, but don't worry if the soil surface occasionally dries out between waterings. Use tepid rather than cold water to prevent foliage discoloration and the appearance of brown spots. To promote flowering, fertilize every other week in spring and summer using a nitrogen-free fertilizer at half the recommended strength. In the fall and winter, ease up on the watering and fertilizing schedule to allow the plant a rest period.

The lipstick plant grows best in a loose, well-drained soil, high in sphagnum peat moss and sharp sand or perlite. Repot infrequently as the plant blooms best if slightly potbound.

If you can fulfill these rather undemanding conditions, the lipstick plant is likely to not only bloom, but to do so abundantly between spring and late fall. The showy red, orange, yellow or greenish blossoms start as tiny buds inside a tubular case. As the flowers unfurl, they resemble tubes of lipstick, hence the plant's common name. After flowering, cut the plant back to 6 to 12 inches. It will send up new stems from the base to create bushy new growth and numerous blossoms next time around.

If the plant seems spent and needs to be replaced, or if additional plants are desired, propagate the lipstick plant in spring or summer from 3-inch stem cuttings. The cuttings will root fairly easily under glass or in a tray placed inside a plastic bag. To promote root growth, dip the cut ends in a rooting hormone before planting, then provide bottom heat to the rooting tray. After roots have developed, transplant up to six cuttings into a container for a bushy plant.

Although the lipstick plant is not especially susceptible to diseases, some of the common houseplant pests may appear. Mealybugs like this plant, and aphids and thrips may also become a problem if the plant has been kept too dry. Treat these infestations with a pyrethrum-based insecticide, making sure to cover stem and leaf junctions completely.

Add a lipstick plant to your indoor garden. Its interesting features go beyond the foliage to its graceful trailing stems and fascinating flowers.

Aeschynanthus for the Indoor Garden

There are a number of cultivated species available from nurseries and mail order sources, including:

Aeschynanthus micranthus variegate. Glossy, leathery foliage is accented with ivory-white striations; the small flowers are an intense red-purple.

A. pulcher. Long chains of broad, bronze leaves terminate with clusters of dark calyxes. Tubular scarlet flowers with yellow throats emerge from each calyx.

A. radicans. This free-flowering species has cascading shiny green leaves with burgundy undersides. Red flowers emerge from black calyxes.