The orange lipstick plant, scientifically known as Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Orange’, is a tropical, trailing houseplant celebrated for its glossy foliage and striking blooms. This plant earns its common name from the way its vivid orange flowers emerge from dark, tubular calyxes. This cascading epiphyte is a beautiful choice for hanging baskets, bringing a splash of vibrant color to an indoor setting.
Ideal Growing Environment
The orange lipstick plant thrives in conditions that mimic its native tropical rainforest habitat, requiring consistently warm temperatures and high humidity. Positioning the plant in an area that receives bright, indirect light is necessary for encouraging a robust display of flowers. Too little light results in a lack of blooms and leggy growth, while harsh, direct sun exposure can scorch the leaves.
Ideal temperatures for active growth and flowering range between 65°F and 80°F, but the plant must be protected from cold drafts and sudden temperature drops. Temperatures falling below 60°F can cause stress and leaf drop. Since this plant is a natural epiphyte, it appreciates very high ambient humidity.
To meet the high humidity requirements, especially in dry indoor air, several methods can be employed. Placing the planter on a pebble tray filled with water allows for localized humidity as the water evaporates. Grouping the lipstick plant with other houseplants can also create a beneficial microclimate. A small room humidifier positioned nearby provides the most reliable source of elevated moisture.
Watering and Feeding Schedules
Proper watering is essential for maintaining the health of the orange lipstick plant, as overwatering is the most frequent cause of houseplant failure. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, ensuring excess water drains completely from the pot’s bottom. Allowing the roots to sit in stagnant water quickly leads to root rot, causing yellowing leaves and wilting.
The soil mixture must be airy and fast-draining to prevent saturation. Use a high-quality potting mix blended with amendments like orchid bark, perlite, or peat moss to create a light texture. This composition ensures the roots receive moisture without becoming waterlogged.
During the active growing season (spring through summer), the plant benefits from regular nutrient supplementation. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formula, diluted to half the recommended strength. This feeding should occur once a month to support foliage growth and flower production. Suspend fertilization entirely throughout the late fall and winter months when the plant’s growth naturally slows.
Pruning and Troubleshooting
Routine pruning maintains a dense, attractive shape and encourages a greater abundance of flowers. The long, trailing stems can become sparse or “leggy” over time, especially if light is insufficient. Trimming back these vines by several inches stimulates new growth from the nodes, leading to a bushier, more compact plant.
The optimal time to prune is immediately after a flowering cycle has finished. This prepares the plant for new growth that will bear future blooms. Always use clean, sharp scissors or shears to make cuts just above a leaf node to promote healthy recovery.
Troubleshooting common issues often involves adjusting environmental factors, as these plants are sensitive to inconsistent care. If the plant fails to bloom, the cause is usually insufficient light or a lack of a proper winter rest period with slightly cooler, drier conditions. Sudden leaf drop is commonly a reaction to cold drafts or improper watering, such as over-saturation or allowing the soil to dry out completely. Watch for houseplant pests like mealybugs and spider mites, which can be treated by wiping the leaves with rubbing alcohol or using an insecticidal soap.
How to Propagate New Plants
Propagating the orange lipstick plant is a straightforward process best performed using stem cuttings during the spring or summer growing season. Select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a section that is four to six inches long, ensuring the cut is made just beneath a leaf node. The nodes are the points on the stem where new roots will develop.
Remove the leaves from the bottom two inches of the cutting, leaving two to four leaves at the tip. These prepared cuttings can be rooted in two primary ways:
- Place the stems in a glass of water, ensuring the bare nodes are submerged, and change the water weekly.
- Plant the cutting directly into a small pot filled with a moist, well-draining mix of perlite and potting soil.
Whether rooting in water or soil, place the container in a warm location that receives bright, indirect light. New roots should begin to form within a few weeks. Once the roots are established, the young plant can be transferred to a permanent container.