Have you ever seen a lipstick plant before? They’re pretty cool looking hanging plants, and they’re easy to care for too! In this post, we’re going to give you all the information you need on lipstick plant care. So if you’re thinking about getting one, or already have one, keep reading!
Lipstick Plant Care: a Complete Guide to Aeschynanthus Radicans
The lipstick plant is a beautiful, unique houseplant that gets its common name from its striking red flowers. Most varieties of lipstick plant are native to tropical regions of Asia, where they grow as epiphytes in the rainforest canopy. These tropical plants are not difficult to care for, but they do have some specific requirements. Let’s talk for a while about lipstick plant care and how to keep it indoors to make it healthy and beautiful.
Watering and Humidity
The lipstick plant is a beautiful, low-maintenance houseplant that gets its name from its stunning flowers, which resemble tubes of lipstick. While the plant is fairly easy to care for, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to watering and humidity. The plant prefers moist soil, so be sure to water it regularly and mist its green leaves with water if the air is particularly dry. The plant also enjoys high humidity, so placing it in a bathroom or near a humidifier can be beneficial.
Soil
Any gardener knows that soil is essential for a proper lipstick plant care. Not only does it provide nutrients and support for roots, but it also helps regulate moisture levels and prevent weed growth. One way to ensure that your lipstick plant has the best possible chance to thrive is to make sure that the soil is healthy. The ideal potting soil for a lipstick plant is loose and well-draining, with a neutral pH level.
If your soil is too dense or too acidic, you may need to amend it before planting. You can also add organic matter to the soil, such as compost or manure, to help improve its structure. With a little care and attention, you can create the perfect environment for your lipstick plant to grow and thrive.
Sun Needs
When it comes to sun needs, this flowering is not particularly picky. It will do well in both full sun, partial shade, and indirect light. However, it will bloom more abundantly if it receives a few hours of direct sunlight each day. If you live in a particularly hot climate, you may want to give your plant some protection from the afternoon bright light to prevent foliage scorch. Overall, as long as your plant is getting enough light, it should be happy.
Fertilizing
Most people know that plants need water and sunlight to grow, but did you know that they also need nutrients? Just like people, plants need food to survive and thrive. One of the best ways to provide nutrients for your plants is through fertilization. Fertilizers are available in many forms, from liquid to granular.
When choosing a fertilizer, it’s important to select one that is specially formulated for the type of plant you are growing. For example, a fertilizer for roses will be different from a fertilizer for ferns. Once you’ve selected the right fertilizer, you’ll also need to keep an eye on the application process. Over-fertilizing can disturb your lipstick plant care, so it’s important to do it according to the instruction.
Lipstick Plant Care: Diseases
The lipstick plant is a beautiful, easy-to-care-for flowering plant that can brighten up any room. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to disease. The most common disease of this indoor plant is powdery mildew, which manifests as white or gray powdery spots on the leaves. Powdery mildew is caused by too much moisture and can be controlled by increasing air circulation and reducing humidity levels. If your plant has powdery mildew, you can also try spraying it with a diluted solution of water and baking soda.
Another disease that can affect the lipstick plant is root rot, which is caused by overwatering. If you think your plant has root rot, it’s important to stop watering it immediately and allow the soil to dry out. You can also try adding a fungicide to the soil to help control the disease.
Lipstick Plant Propagation
To propagate your lipstick vine, you can grow it from stem cuttings or by division. To grow from stem cuttings, first fill a small pot with well-draining potting mix. Then take a cutting from the tip of a healthy stem, making sure to include several leaves. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone, then plant it in the pot. Keep the soil moist and wait for the cutting to root, which can take several weeks.
To propagate by division, carefully remove your lipstick plant from its pot and divide the roots into two or more sections. Replant the new plant in its own pot, using fresh potting mix. Water well and wait for the plants to recover before fertilizing.
Lipstick Plant – Can You Plant It Outdoors?
This plant is fairly easy to care for and can be planted outdoors in certain climates. If you live in an area that experiences warm weather year-round, you can plant your lipstick plant in a pot and place it on your porch or patio. Just make sure to bring it indoors when temperatures start to drop in the fall.
Lipstick plants do best in bright indirect light. They can tolerate some direct sun, but too much direct sunlight will cause the leaves to scorch. These plants prefer to be on the drier side, so allow the soil to dry out completely between watering. Water your plant about once a week or when the soil is dry to the touch.
As you can see, lipstick plant care is relatively easy. If you are planning to grow lipstick plants, be sure to follow our care tips!