How to propagate lipstick plant by cuttings? Illustrated cutting methods and steps

  Lipstick plant is also known as flower vine grass or lipstick flower, named for its blooms that closely resemble lipstick. With green leaves paired with bright flowers and an unusual corolla, the lipstick plant is greatly loved by flower enthusiasts. It is an ornamental flowering plant with very high appreciation value and a premium choice among hanging houseplants. So how do you propagate a lipstick plant? Lipstick plant is mostly propagated by the cutting method. Below, the editor provides an illustrated guide to how lipstick plant cuttings are taken.

  1. Timing

  Lipstick plant cuttings are best taken in spring and autumn.

  2. Soil mix

  Based on the growth characteristics of the lipstick plant, we know this plant likes loose, breathable, well-draining sandy soil, so we can grow it in sandy soil. Of course, to achieve a loose, breathable, well-draining result, we can also use a mix of tree fern fiber + perlite + coarse sand to make the growing medium.

  3. Cuttings

  If the lipstick plant is propagated by the cutting method, we need to cut healthy vigorous branches as cuttings, each cut into segments 7-10 cm long. Remove the leaves from the end that will be inserted into the soil, keeping only two or three leaves on the upper part of the cutting.

  4. Taking the cuttings

  Before taking cuttings, we need to make sure the cuttings are given suitable temperature and humidity, which is more conducive to the cuttings rooting and sprouting. When taking cuttings, first use a twig or chopstick to poke a hole of suitable size in the soil, then insert the cutting into it; after planting, roots and shoots will form in about one month, and once the root system has grown fairly well, the plant can be transplanted into a pot.

  5. Care

  During the growth of the young plant, besides placing it in a spot that receives indirect light and has good ventilation, we should also water it appropriately according to the plant's growth and the weather. The usual watering method is to spray with a narrow-spout pot, which spreads the water more evenly and makes the amount of water easy to control.

  Notes:

  1. Because the young lipstick plant is very fragile during the growing period, be sure to avoid excessively high temperatures; especially in the hot summer, be sure to provide shade to avoid direct sun exposure.

  2. Lipstick plant is not cold-tolerant. When winter temperatures are too low, the plant should be moved indoors to prevent frost damage or the plant freezing to death.

  3. The optimal temperature for lipstick plant growth is around 25°C, so after winter arrives, to ensure the plant overwinters safely, the ambient temperature needs to be regulated so the plant grows in an environment no lower than 12°C.

  4. Lipstick plant does not have high requirements for air humidity, but if the air is too dry, we also need to maintain moisture appropriately; we can regulate humidity by misting the surrounding environment.