This flower's foliage rivals that of pothos, and its fiery red blooms make it an excellent potted plant for indoor balconies.
Growing flowers is now a must in many people's home life; it beautifies the home, lifts the spirits, and cultivates character. Some flower lovers prefer flowers with high ornamental value that are less commonly seen.
Today Hua'er will introduce a flower whose foliage rivals that of pothos and whose blooms are fiery red; it is an excellent potted plant for indoor balconies. Because of its very high ornamental value, it has been deeply loved by many flower lovers in recent years.
This flower is the lipstick plant, also known as flower vine grass or lipstick flower. Its inflorescences are mostly axillary or terminal, with tubular calyxes, and the flower color is bright red, much like lipstick, which is why it is called "lipstick plant." This is also a major reason many flower lovers like it, and paired with its deep green leaves, it is very beautiful.
The lipstick plant likes a warm, bright, semi-shaded environment and is fairly easy to care for. Usually you only need to pay attention to these 3 points.
1. Light
The lipstick plant likes light; only with sufficient sunlight can it grow and bloom better. If light is insufficient, the leaves will turn pale green or yellow-green, and the blooming will be poor. You can place it on a sunny windowsill or balcony for care, but in summer, when sunlight is too intense, give it appropriate shading.
2. Fertilizer and water
From March to September, the lipstick plant is in its peak growing season and needs ample fertilizer and water. The potting soil should be kept appropriately moist, and some water mist should be sprayed on the leaves every morning and evening to increase humidity. Fertilization should mainly be compound fertilizer; you can apply some decomposed bean cake fertilizer, and once it enters the flowering period, stop applying nitrogen fertilizer.
Note one thing: some flower lovers report that the terminal buds of the lipstick plant will die for no apparent reason. If you find this happening, it is because the plant lacks calcium. Supplement calcium in time and it will recover.
3. Pruning
The lipstick plant usually does not need much pruning. During the peak growing season, you can appropriately pinch off the growing tips to make it produce more flower buds and make the plant fuller. After the flowers fade, promptly prune off the spent flowers to reduce nutrient consumption, stimulate new branches, and make it produce more buds and flowers.
That is all for the care of the lipstick plant. If flower lovers have other additions, you can share them with everyone in the comment section below. If you want to learn more about flower-growing knowledge, you can follow Hua Jian Ke!