About Lipstick Plant
A tropical trailing vine with glossy, thick leaves and tubular red flowers that emerge from dark maroon calyxes — resembling a tube of lipstick being twisted open. Perfect for hanging baskets where the cascading vines show off blooms at eye level. Lipstick Plant belongs to the Gesneriaceae family and originates from Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia); related species native to the Philippines..
Lipstick plant thrives in Philippine conditions — the warmth and humidity are ideal. It's a popular choice for hanging baskets on covered patios, balconies, and indoor plant collections. The trailing habit makes it excellent for Filipino homes with limited floor space. Related species grow wild in Philippine forests. Available at plant shops and online sellers, especially varieties like 'Mona Lisa' that bloom more readily.
Also known as: Lipstick Vine, Basket Vine, Aeschynanthus.
Popular Varieties
- Aeschynanthus radicans (classic red)
- 'Mona Lisa' (easier blooming)
- 'Black Pagoda' (dark leaves, green-orange flowers)
- 'Rasta' (curled, twisted leaves)
- Aeschynanthus longicaulis (zebra-striped leaves)
How to Plant Lipstick Plant in the Philippines
Lipstick Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings. The recommended method is stem cuttings.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Cut 10-15 cm stem tips with at least 3-4 leaf pairs.
- Step 2: Remove lower leaves.
- Step 3: Plant in moist sphagnum moss or perlite-peat mix.
- Step 4: Keep warm and humid — cover with plastic bag if needed.
- Step 5: Roots develop in 4-6 weeks. Transfer to hanging basket when established.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Bright indirect light (morning sun is fine — avoid harsh afternoon sun). Position your lipstick plant where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Keep slightly moist during growing season. Allow to dry slightly between waterings in cooler months. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 20-30°C (warm, consistent temperatures promote blooming). 60-80% — thrives in Philippine humidity The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing lipstick plant outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Diluted balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks during growing season.
Pruning
Trim trailing stems after flowering to encourage branching and denser growth.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. Safe for all households.
Common Problems & Solutions
No flowers
Cause: Insufficient light or plant is too young
Solution: Move to brighter location (avoid direct sun). Allow plant to mature — typically blooms on 1-2 year old growth.
Leaf drop
Cause: Cold drafts, overwatering, or sudden temperature change
Solution: Keep away from AC vents. Reduce watering. Maintain consistent environment.
Leggy stems with sparse leaves
Cause: Insufficient light causing elongation
Solution: Move to brighter indirect light. Prune back leggy stems to encourage bushy new growth.
Brown leaf tips
Cause: Low humidity or salt buildup from hard water
Solution: Increase humidity. Flush soil with rainwater periodically. Mist regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Lipstick Plant in the Philippines?
Lipstick Plant needs bright indirect light (morning sun is fine — avoid harsh afternoon sun). Water keep slightly moist during growing season. allow to dry slightly between waterings in cooler months.. Feed with diluted balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks during growing season.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 20-30°C (warm, consistent temperatures promote blooming) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Lipstick Plant?
The recommended method is stem cuttings. Cut 10-15 cm stem tips with at least 3-4 leaf pairs. Remove lower leaves.
Is Lipstick Plant toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. Safe for all households.
Can Lipstick Plant grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Lipstick Plant grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Lipstick Plant?
Common issues include: No flowers (caused by insufficient light or plant is too young — move to brighter location (avoid direct sun). allow plant to mature — typically blooms on 1-2 year old growth); Leaf drop (caused by cold drafts, overwatering, or sudden temperature change — keep away from ac vents. reduce watering. maintain consistent environment); Leggy stems with sparse leaves (caused by insufficient light causing elongation — move to brighter indirect light. prune back leggy stems to encourage bushy new growth).
Growing lipstick plant in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!