Lipstick plants offer stunning options for your cozy indoor space. Popular varieties include ‘Mona Lisa’ with classic red blooms, ‘Rasta’ with unique curly foliage, and ‘Variegata’ featuring cream-green leaves perfect for low light areas. Most thrive in bright indirect light with 50%+ humidity and require minimal maintenance. Their trailing habits make them ideal for hanging baskets, while upright varieties like ‘Twister’ work well in smaller spaces. The following selections will transform any room into a tropical retreat.
Key Takeaways
- Lipstick plants like ‘Mona Lisa’, ‘Variegata’, and ‘Twister’ add vibrant colors and unique foliage to create cozy indoor spaces.
- These trailing plants thrive in bright indirect light and humidity above 50%, making them perfect for bathrooms and kitchens.
- Varieties such as ‘Thai Pink’ and ‘Tangerine’ offer distinctive blooms that enhance interior design with minimal space requirements.
- Most lipstick plants are low-maintenance, requiring watering only when soil is dry and occasional misting for optimal growth.
- Their cascading growth habit makes them ideal for hanging baskets or elevated planters, instantly adding visual interest to any room.
Aeschynanthus ‘Mona Lisa’ – The Classic Beauty
The Aeschynanthus ‘Mona Lisa’ stands as the crowning jewel among lipstick plants, earning its name from its stunning tubular red flowers that resemble freshly applied lipstick.
You’ll find this variety especially easy to grow in hanging baskets where its trailing stems, reaching 2-3 feet long, can cascade beautifully.
It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers humidity levels above 50%. Additionally, maintaining proper humidity levels is crucial for the overall health and vibrancy of the plant.
Aeschynanthus Radicans ‘Variegata’ – Stunning Marbled Foliage
While equally striking as its Mona Lisa cousin, Aeschynanthus Radicans ‘Variegata’ captivates with its spectacular marbled foliage rather than just its blooms.
You’ll adore this variety for its:
- Cream and green variegated leaves that brighten dark corners
- Lower light tolerance than solid varieties
- Cascading growth habit perfect for hanging baskets
- Year-round visual interest even when not flowering
- Easy propagation from stem cuttings in water
Additionally, this plant can thrive in low light conditions, making it ideal for spaces with limited natural sunlight.
Aeschynanthus ‘Rasta’ – Distinctive Curly Leaves
Moving from variegated beauty to textural interest, Aeschynanthus ‘Rasta’ offers plant enthusiasts a truly distinctive lipstick plant variety with its remarkable curly foliage.
You’ll immediately notice its spiraled, twisted leaves that create visual depth in hanging baskets. This unique cultivar still produces the classic tubular red flowers but adds textural drama to your space. Its growth habit remains trailing, making it perfect for shelves or hanging displays. Additionally, providing consistent temperatures will help ensure the plant thrives in your home environment.
Aeschynanthus Speciosus – the Basket Vine
Known for its dramatic cascading stems, Aeschynanthus speciosus earns its “Basket Vine” nickname through its perfect suitability for hanging displays.
You’ll appreciate this variety for its showstopping presence in your home.
- Produces vibrant, tubular red blooms that attract hummingbirds
- Features glossy, deep green leaves that create striking contrast
- Thrives in bright, indirect light conditions
- Requires moderate watering, letting soil dry between waterings
- Lives for many years with proper care, making it a low maintenance choice for plant lovers.
Aeschynanthus Longicaulis – the Long-Stemmed Wonder
The magnificent Aeschynanthus longicaulis, with its extraordinary trailing stems that can reach up to three feet in length, creates a dramatic vertical display in any indoor garden.
You’ll love its vibrant green foliage and tubular, orange-red blooms that appear year-round with proper care.
Place it in a hanging basket near a bright window, avoiding direct sunlight, and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Additionally, incorporating indoor plants can significantly enhance the overall air quality and aesthetics of your space.
Aeschynanthus ‘Black Pagoda’ – Dark and Dramatic
Unlike its cousins in the lipstick plant family, Aeschynanthus ‘Black Pagoda’ stands out with its dramatically dark, rippled foliage that creates an instant focal point in any indoor garden.
- Zebra-like stripes add mystery to your plant collection
- Thrives in bright, indirect light—perfect for your bathroom
- Prefers high humidity but tolerates average home conditions
- Compact growth habit fits perfectly on shelves
- Low maintenance—water only when soil feels dry, ensuring optimal soil moisture for healthy growth.
Aeschynanthus Pulcher – the Blooming Powerhouse
When your home needs a splash of vibrant color, Aeschynanthus pulcher delivers with its spectacular clusters of tubular red flowers that resemble tubes of lipstick emerging from dark calyces.
This variety blooms repeatedly throughout the year when given bright, indirect light.
You’ll enjoy its trailing vines, reaching up to 3 feet long, which look stunning in hanging baskets or cascading from shelves. Additionally, incorporating herbs that thrive in beginner gardens can complement the aesthetic and provide fresh flavors for your culinary endeavors.
Aeschynanthus Marmoratus – Nature’s Mosaic Pattern
Sporting unique mottled leaves with striking silver-green marbling patterns, Aeschynanthus marmoratus stands out as one of the more distinctive varieties in the lipstick plant family.
You’ll love this variety for its visual appeal even when not flowering.
- Creates a dramatic cascade from hanging baskets
- Requires less light than flowering varieties
- Thrives in bathroom humidity
- Complements modern decor with its artistic patterns
- Stays compact, perfect for small spaces
- This plant is also known for its air-purifying properties, making it a healthy addition to your home.
Aeschynanthus ‘Cassiopeia’ – Celestial Bloomer
Named after a constellation, Aeschynanthus ‘Cassiopeia’ dazzles with its spectacular clusters of bright orange-red tubular flowers that resemble a cosmic explosion of color. You’ll find this variety easier to grow than other lipstick plants, making it perfect for beginners. To ensure optimal growth, consider plant growth requirements such as humidity levels and light exposure.
| Care Aspect | Requirement | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright indirect | No direct sun |
| Water | When top inch is dry | Reduce in winter |
| Humidity | 50-60% | Mist regularly |
Aeschynanthus Lobbianus – the Trailing Splendor
Aeschynanthus Lobbianus, with its cascading vines and dramatic crimson blooms, creates a spectacular visual display in hanging baskets or elevated planters.
Cascading crimson blooms transform ordinary spaces into tropical showcases when Aeschynanthus Lobbianus drapes elegantly from above.
You’ll find this trailing lipstick plant variety particularly rewarding when placed where its 3-foot stems can showcase their full potential.
- Brightens dim corners with minimal light requirements
- Rewards you with tubular red flowers year-round
- Creates conversation-starting visual interest
- Requires little maintenance beyond basic care
- Purifies indoor air while adding tropical ambiance
- This low-maintenance plant is a great addition to any home garden, especially when combined with easy-to-grow varieties for a thriving indoor garden.
Aeschynanthus ‘Twister’ – Spiraled Elegance
The spiraled foliage of the ‘Twister’ variety offers an exciting alternative to its trailing cousin.
You’ll notice its distinctive corkscrew-shaped leaves, arranged in a unique spiral pattern along compact stems. This cultivar grows more upright than other lipstick plants, making it perfect for smaller spaces where you need vertical interest.
When it blooms, the bright red flowers emerge dramatically from dark calyces, just like traditional lipstick plants.
Aeschynanthus ‘Thai Pink’ – Soft Pastel Performer
Pastel elegance distinguishes the ‘Thai Pink’ variety from its more vibrantly colored relatives in the lipstick plant family.
You’ll find this cultivar brings a softer aesthetic to your space while maintaining the trailing growth habit that makes lipstick plants so appealing.
- Produces delicate pink tubular blooms against rich green foliage
- Thrives in bright, indirect light conditions
- Requires less frequent watering than other houseplants
- Creates a gentle color contrast in plant collections
- Grows well in hanging baskets or elevated planters
Aeschynanthus Buxifolius – the Compact Charmer
Unlike its trailing cousins, this compact member of the Aeschynanthus family offers a more contained growth habit that’s perfect for smaller spaces and tabletop displays. You’ll love how its small, box-like leaves create a dense, attractive shape that rarely exceeds 12 inches in height.
| Feature | Care Needs | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Glossy leaves | Medium light | Space-saving |
| Orange blooms | Weekly watering | Low maintenance |
| Bushy form | Standard humidity | Year-round interest |
Aeschynanthus ‘Tangerine’ – Vibrant Orange Blooms
Among the showiest lipstick plant varieties, Aeschynanthus ‘Tangerine’ stands out for its spectacular, flame-colored tubular blooms that appear in clusters along trailing stems.
- Creates a warm, tropical ambiance in any room
- Requires less light than other flowering houseplants
- Blooms multiple times throughout the year with proper care
- Pairs beautifully with blue or purple flowering plants
- Serves as a conversation starter with its unique flowers
Aeschynanthus Javanicus – the Java Beauty
Originating from the humid forests of Java, Indonesia, Aeschynanthus javanicus showcases elegant, glossy foliage and distinctive red tubular flowers with dark purple-black tips.
You’ll find this variety thrives in bright, indirect light with consistent moisture. Its trailing habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets where the stems, reaching up to 3 feet long, can cascade dramatically over the edges, creating a stunning visual display.
Aeschynanthus ‘Purple Star’ – Regal Flowering Variety
The ‘Purple Star’ cultivar stands out as one of the most striking lipstick plants available to indoor gardeners today. Its distinctive dark foliage and vibrant purple-red blooms create a dramatic display in hanging baskets or on shelves.
- Produces clusters of tubular, star-shaped flowers year-round
- Thrives in bright, indirect light with consistent moisture
- Creates an instant tropical feel in any room
- Requires minimal pruning, perfect for busy plant parents
- Grows trailing vines up to 3 feet long when mature
Aeschynanthus Parvifolius – the Small-Leaved Gem
Delicate beauty defines Aeschynanthus Parvifolius, a compact lipstick plant variety that’s perfect for smaller spaces and tabletop displays.
You’ll love its tiny, dark green leaves that create a dense, cascading appearance. Unlike larger varieties, this small-leaved gem grows more slowly, reaching only 12-18 inches in length.
It still produces the classic tubular red flowers but in a more proportionate size to its foliage.
Aeschynanthus ‘Krakau’ – Bold Red Standout
Among the showiest lipstick plant varieties, Aeschynanthus ‘Krakau’ commands attention with its extraordinarily vibrant blooms.
- Produces clusters of fiery red, tube-shaped flowers that truly resemble lipstick tubes
- Thrives in bright, indirect light with consistent moisture
- Cascades beautifully from hanging baskets, perfect for adding drama
- Blooms multiple times throughout the year with proper care
- Complements modern or tropical interior design styles effortlessly
Aeschynanthus Micranthus – the Miniature Marvel
Smaller in stature but equally impressive, Aeschynanthus micranthus offers a more petite alternative for plant enthusiasts with limited space.
Its tiny leaves, measuring just half an inch, create a delicate cascading effect that’s perfect for hanging baskets or small shelves.
You’ll love how it produces clusters of small, tubular orange-red flowers that contrast beautifully against its compact, trailing foliage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Lipstick Plants Toxic to Pets?
Yes, lipstick plants (Aeschynanthus species) are considered non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
You can safely include these attractive trailing houseplants in your pet-friendly home without worrying about potential poisoning.
Unlike many common houseplants that contain harmful compounds, lipstick plants don’t pose a threat if your curious pet decides to take a nibble.
However, it’s still best to discourage pets from chewing on any plants to prevent digestive upset.
Can Lipstick Plants Grow in Artificial Light Only?
Yes, your indoor beauty can thrive under artificial light, though it’s not ideal.
Lipstick plants need bright, indirect light for 12-14 hours daily, which quality LED or fluorescent grow lights can provide.
Position lights 6-12 inches above plants and use timers for consistency.
You’ll still need to monitor your plant’s response, adjusting light intensity or duration if leaves appear pale or growth slows.
Artificial-only growing works, but natural light produces better flowering.
How Do You Propagate Lipstick Plants From Cuttings?
To propagate lipstick plants from cuttings, take 4-6 inch stem cuttings with several leaves, cutting just below a leaf node.
Remove bottom leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant in moist potting mix or water.
Keep the cutting warm (65-75°F), in bright indirect light, and maintain humidity with a plastic bag.
Roots typically develop in 2-4 weeks, after which you can transplant to a permanent pot.
Do Lipstick Plants Attract Any Pests or Insects?
Like a dinner party that attracts uninvited guests, your lipstick plant might host some unwelcome visitors.
You’ll typically encounter mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids on your plant, especially when conditions are too dry. These pests feed on sap, causing yellowing leaves and stunted growth.
Check regularly for white cottony masses (mealybugs), tiny webbing (spider mites), or clusters of small insects (aphids).
Maintain humidity and inspect new plants to prevent infestations.
Can Lipstick Plants Survive in Low Humidity Environments?
Lipstick plants can survive in low humidity environments, but they won’t thrive.
You’ll need to compensate by misting your plant regularly, placing it on a pebble tray with water, or using a small humidifier nearby.
These tropical natives prefer humidity levels of 40-60%, and you’ll notice crispy leaf edges and slow growth when conditions are too dry.
Group it with other plants to create a more humid microclimate.
Conclusion
You’ve discovered the beauty of lipstick plants, with their trailing vines, glossy leaves, and vibrant blooms. Whether you choose the classic ‘Mona Lisa,’ the marbled ‘Variegata,’ or the petite ‘Micranthus,’ these versatile tropicals will transform your space. Hang them from baskets, place them on shelves, or add them to plant collections—they’ll thrive with proper care. Your home deserves these living decorations that clean your air while delighting your eyes.
