The ‘Black Pagoda’ Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus longicaulis ‘Black Pagoda’) is a popular houseplant known for its striking foliage and unique blooms. Its dark green leaves feature distinctive patterns, often with purpley-black undersides, creating an appealing contrast. The plant produces tubular flowers that emerge from dark calyces, resembling tubes of lipstick, which is how it earned its common name. This plant’s cascading growth habit makes it well-suited for hanging baskets or elevated displays, adding a tropical aesthetic to indoor spaces.
Understanding Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant Care
Light Needs
The ‘Black Pagoda’ Lipstick Plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Placing it near an east or north-facing window, where light is filtered, is ideal. While it can tolerate medium light, insufficient light may lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves.
Watering Practices
This plant prefers its soil to dry out between waterings. Water thoroughly when the top inch or two of the soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while it tolerates underwatering better. Reduce watering frequency during cooler, less active months.
Soil Requirements
‘Black Pagoda’ Lipstick Plants prefer a well-draining, airy potting mix. Its roots benefit from good aeration. A suitable mix combines two parts store-bought potting soil with one part perlite. Orchid bark, coco coir, or pumice can also enhance drainage and provide a chunky texture.
Temperature and Humidity
These plants prefer warm temperatures, between 65°F and 85°F (18°C and 29°C). Protect them from temperatures below 50°F (10°C), which can cause leaf drop. They appreciate average to high humidity levels, around 50-60%. To increase humidity indoors, use a pebble tray with water, group plants together, or employ a small humidifier.
Fertilizing
During its active growing season, typically spring through early autumn, the ‘Black Pagoda’ Lipstick Plant benefits from regular fertilization. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, and apply it every two to four weeks. Fertilization should be reduced or stopped completely during the cooler, dormant months to prevent nutrient buildup in the soil.
Pruning Your Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant
Pruning encourages bushier growth and maintains the plant’s shape. It also removes dead, diseased, or leggy stems, contributing to overall plant health. The best time to prune is after flowering or in early spring, before new growth begins. Make clean cuts just above a leaf node using sharp, sterilized scissors or pruners. This stimulates new growth from the node, leading to a fuller plant.
Propagating Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant
Propagating the ‘Black Pagoda’ Lipstick Plant is done using stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem and cut a section a few inches long, ensuring it includes at least two to three leaf nodes. Remove the leaves from the bottom nodes, as these will be submerged.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in a moist potting mix. If using water, place the cutting in a glass with enough water to cover the bare nodes, changing the water regularly. For soil propagation, insert the cutting into a well-draining, moist medium. Providing warmth and consistent humidity, such as by covering the pot loosely with a plastic bag, aids in successful rooting within a few weeks. Once roots are established and reach about 2-3 inches, transplant the cuttings into their own pots.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Leaf discoloration is a common concern for ‘Black Pagoda’ Lipstick Plants. Yellowing leaves indicate improper watering (too much or too little) or insufficient light. Browning leaf tips suggest low humidity or underwatering, while brown spots are from sunburn if exposed to direct sun. Adjusting watering habits and ensuring appropriate light exposure resolves these issues.
A lack of flowering stems from inadequate light or incorrect fertilization. Providing bright, indirect light and fertilizing during the growing season encourages blooms. While resistant, these plants may encounter pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Regular inspection of the leaves, especially the undersides, helps in early detection. Minor infestations are treated by wiping affected areas with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.