The Purple Star Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Purple Star’) is a distinctive houseplant. Its common name comes from its vibrant, tubular flowers, which emerge from dark calyces resembling a tube of lipstick. The ‘Purple Star’ variety features hot pink or purple blooms that contrast with its glossy, deep green leaves. This plant often exhibits a trailing growth habit, making it suitable for hanging baskets or elevated displays.
Caring for Your Purple Star Lipstick Plant
Light Needs
The Purple Star Lipstick Plant thrives in bright, indirect light conditions. Placing it near an east or north-facing window is often ideal. Too much direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, leading to damage. Conversely, insufficient light can result in leggy growth and a noticeable reduction in flowering.
Watering
Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. Water thoroughly until excess drains from the pot’s bottom. Overwatering causes root rot, while underwatering leads to wilting leaves. Good drainage prevents the plant from sitting in saturated soil.
Soil Requirements
A well-draining, airy, and slightly acidic soil mix is suitable. As an epiphyte, it benefits from a substrate mimicking its native environment. A blend of peat, perlite, or pine bark, similar to an orchid mix, provides aeration and drainage. This mix prevents compaction and promotes healthy root development.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant prefers average room temperatures, ideally 65-80°F (18-27°C). It requires high humidity, reflecting its tropical origins. Increase humidity using a pebble tray, a room humidifier, or by grouping plants. Consistent humidity prevents leaf crisping and encourages blooming.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring through fall), fertilize regularly. A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer applied monthly is appropriate. Follow product instructions for dilution and frequency to avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm the plant. Fertilizing promotes robust growth and abundant flowering.
Pruning for Health and Shape
Pruning maintains the plant’s health and aesthetic appeal. Trimming leggy or dead stems encourages bushier growth and more prolific blooming. The best time to prune is after flowering. Light trimming can also shape the plant and control its size.
Repotting
Repotting is usually necessary every one to two years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Signs include roots growing out of drainage holes or circling the pot. Choose a container only slightly larger than the current one. Fresh, well-draining potting mix provides renewed nutrients and space for root expansion.
Propagating Purple Star Lipstick Plant
Propagating is commonly achieved through stem cuttings. Select healthy stems 4-6 inches long, ensuring each has at least two leaf sets. Cut just below a leaf node, where new roots are most likely to form. Remove lower leaves to expose the nodes.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in a well-draining potting mix. For water rooting, place cuttings in a clear glass, ensuring no leaves are submerged, and change the water every few days. For soil propagation, insert cuttings into a moist, light mix. Maintain high humidity by covering them with a plastic bag or dome, placing them in a warm spot with indirect light. Roots typically develop within a few weeks.
Common Issues and Solutions
Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering or underwatering; check soil moisture and allow the top layer to dry. If the plant fails to bloom, it may need more light or fertilizer; adjust placement to a brighter spot and ensure regular feeding. Drooping leaves can signal underwatering, but persistent drooping with soggy soil may indicate root rot, requiring immediate attention. Pest issues like spider mites or mealybugs can affect the plant. Regularly inspect foliage and treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.