Consulta Plantas

Care of the indoor plant Aeschynanthus or Lipstick plant

The genus Aeschynanthus, made up of more than 200 species of plants native to India and the island of Java, is classified in the Gesneriaceae family. Some species are: Aeschynanthus speciosus, Aeschynanthus marmoratus, Aeschynanthus tricolor, Aeschynanthus boschianus, Aeschynanthus pulcher, Aeschynanthus lobbianus.

Common name: Lipstick plant.

They are shrubs that can be hanging, climbing or epiphytes. The thick leaves are opposite, whole and dark green on the upper side and lighter on the underside. The tubular flowers appear in clusters and produce a pleasant smell; They can be red, yellow, or purple.

They are used as houseplants or greenhouse plants in hanging pots.

Aeschynanthus needs semi-shade exposure and high ambient humidity. It is a demanding plant with the temperature since from autumn to mid-winter the temperature cannot drop below 18 ºC (64.40 ºF); in addition it is necessary to intersperse a month with temperatures between 12 and 15 ºC (53-59 ºF) so that it flourishes.

They need a special soil for houseplants or mix, in equal parts, heather and peat soil. In case of transplant, it is advisable to do it at the end of winter.

Watering (with water without lime) will be abundant in summer and will decrease from autumn. You can spray the leaves with lime-free water, but not the flowers.

Fertilize every 15 days with mineral fertilizer for houseplants from early spring to mid-summer.

They do not need pruning, only remove dry branches.

Sometimes these plants are attacked by mites.

They propagate by seeds sown in summer or by cuttings (spring or autumn) planted in a greenhouse or covered with plastic.

Images of the indoor plant Aeschynanthus or Lipstick plant