How to Grow Lipstick Plant Better? A Detailed Guide to Care Methods

Lipstick plant is a type of hanging plant that draws people's attention because of its bright red flowers, and many people are especially fond of it. Growing lipstick plant well is not an easy task, and people need to understand the care methods for lipstick plant.

Lipstick plant, also known as flower vine grass, is a perennial evergreen trailing herbaceous flower in the family Gesneriaceae, genus Aeschynanthus. The leaves are ovate, opposite, and slightly fleshy. The inflorescences are mostly axillary or terminal, and their shape closely resembles a lipstick; the calyx is tubular, much like the tubular casing of a lipstick, which is why it is called "lipstick plant." Its deep green leaves paired with bright red, unusual corollas make it much loved, and it is an excellent choice among trailing flowering plants for home interiors.

Care methods for lipstick plant - suitable soil: For lipstick plant, loose, fertile sandy loam is best, and drainage must be good. For potted plants, slightly acidic soil is preferable; a potting mix made from peat soil, sand and vermiculite can be used, with an appropriate amount of superphosphate added. Care methods for lipstick plant - light: It likes a semi-shaded environment. Except for the strong light at midday in midsummer, which should be appropriately shaded, it should be given sufficient light at other times, especially in winter. If the light at the placement site is too strong or insufficient, the leaves tend to turn pale green or yellow-green.

Care methods for lipstick plant - temperature: Lipstick plant should be placed in a cool, ventilated spot, and attention should be paid to maintaining environmental humidity. Avoid continuous high temperature and high humidity; poor drainage and ventilation will cause rot. Lipstick plant is not cold-tolerant, and in winter it needs to be brought indoors to overwinter.

Care methods for lipstick plant - watering frequency: The potting soil should be kept moist often, but never allow water to accumulate in the pot, as this can cause root rot. From March to September, during the peak growth period, the water requirement is relatively high, so it should be watered and misted frequently to increase humidity. In autumn, as the weather gradually turns cool, gradually reduce the amount of watering and fertilizing. In winter, the potting soil should be kept slightly dry. Care methods for lipstick plant - small pruning tips: During vigorous growth, pinching back appropriately can promote branching. After the winter flowering period ends, promptly cut off the spent stems that have already flowered, which can save nutrients, encourage new shoots, and help it produce more buds and flowers.

During the flowering period of lipstick plant, attention should be paid to applying less nitrogen fertilizer, increasing the intensity of indoor light, and keeping the room temperature relatively low, which helps promote flowering. In addition, another point to note is that after the winter flowering period ends, the spent stems that have already flowered should be promptly cut off, so that lipstick plant can save nutrients and encourage new shoots.

Through the introduction in this article, are you now clearer about the care methods for lipstick plant? Whether growing lipstick plant or other hanging plants, you need to grasp their growth habits and care for them patiently and carefully so that they can grow even better.