LIPSTICK Rooted Starter Plant about 2 inches tall RARE

Lipstick Rooted Starter Plant about 2 inches tall 1 Live Plant RARE.

This is a rooted starter plant/plug. Ships no pot

The Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans), also known as the lipstick vine or basket vine, is a striking evergreen perennial often grown as a houseplant. It's native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, where it grows epiphytically, meaning it grows on other plants or trees for support, rather than rooting in the ground. 

Lipstick Plant – Care and Propagation

Lipstick Plant Care Guide: Growing Aeschynanthus radicans ...

Aeschynanthus Care Guide (lipstick plant) - Highland Moss

How to Grow and Care for Lipstick Plant

Curly Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus Radicans) - Angus & Celeste

Key Characteristics:

Flowers: The most notable feature are its vibrant, tubular red flowers that emerge from dark buds, resembling a tube of lipstick. These flowers typically bloom in clusters, making it an ideal choice for hanging baskets or tall containers.

Foliage: It has waxy, dark green, elliptical leaves, sometimes edged with red. The leaves are thick and leathery, providing a handsome sheen.

Growth Habit: It has a trailing or cascading growth habit, making it well-suited for hanging baskets or shelves. 

Care Requirements:

Light: Lipstick plants prefer bright, indirect light, mimicking their natural habitat under tree canopies. An east- or west-facing window is ideal.

Watering: Maintain consistent moisture, but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Soil: Use a well-draining, loose potting mix, potentially amended with perlite or orchid bark.

Temperature and Humidity: It thrives in warm temperatures (65-75°F) and high humidity. Misting or using a pebble tray can help increase humidity.

Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced, liquid houseplant fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). 

Flowering:

With proper care, lipstick plants can bloom year-round, with the most abundant flowering in spring and summer.

To encourage more blooms, ensure adequate light, the right amount of fertilizer, and a cooler, drier period in winter to help set buds.

Pruning after flowering also encourages new growth and flowering. 

Propagation:

Lipstick plants are easily propagated from stem cuttings.

Take a cutting, dip the end in rooting hormone (optional), and plant it in moist soil or water. Roots should form in a few weeks. 

Common Problems:

Overwatering: Can lead to root rot and leaf drop.

Insufficient light: May result in leggy growth and reduced flowering.

Pests: Watch for aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs.

Diseases: Susceptible to fungal issues like leaf spot and powdery mildew, especially in humid conditions with poor air circulation. 

Varieties:

There are several varieties with different leaf shapes and flower colors, including: 

'Curly': Has wavy leaves.

'Mona Lisa': Features orange-red flowers.

'Rasta': Known for its densely twisted leaves.

'Black Pagoda': Has variegated foliage and green and yellow blooms. 

Note: Lipstick plants are considered non-toxic to pets and humans.