The Koi Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans), also known as Lipstick Plant, Lipstick Vine, or Basket Vine, is a popular houseplant admired for its vibrant appearance and trailing growth. Its unique blooms and lush foliage make it an attractive addition to any collection.
Identifying the Koi Plant
It features long, slender, trailing stems that can extend up to three feet in length, ideal for hanging baskets or elevated displays. Its leaves are glossy, dark green, thick, and leathery, typically growing up to three inches long and arranged densely along the stems. The most striking feature, and the origin of its common name, is its bright, tubular flowers. These vivid red, orange, or sometimes yellow blooms emerge from dark maroon calyces, creating the appearance of lipstick being pushed out of its tube.
Koi Plant Care Guide
Caring for the Koi Plant involves replicating its native tropical conditions indoors. Meeting its specific needs for light, water, humidity, soil, and nutrients promotes healthy growth and abundant flowering.
Light Needs
Koi Plants flourish in bright, indirect sunlight, mimicking their natural habitat beneath a tropical forest canopy. Placing the plant near an east or north-facing window, or a few feet from a south or west-facing window with filtered light, provides ideal conditions. Insufficient light can result in leggy growth, pale leaves, and reduced flower production; too much direct sun can scorch the foliage.
Watering Practices
Consistent moisture is important for Koi Plants, but they are susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Water the plant when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings prevents the roots from sitting in soggy conditions. During winter, when growth slows, reduce watering frequency.
Humidity and Temperature
As a tropical epiphyte, the Koi Plant thrives in high humidity, ideally between 60-80%. Achieve these levels indoors using a room humidifier, placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, or grouping it with other plants. The ideal temperature range is 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Avoid sudden temperature drops or cold drafts, as these can stress the plant and lead to leaf drop.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining potting mix, often including peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark, is essential to prevent waterlogging and root rot, promoting good aeration. Repotting is typically needed every two to three years, or when the plant becomes root-bound, indicated by roots growing out of drainage holes or water running straight through the pot. When repotting, select a container one to two inches larger than the previous one.
Fertilization
During the active growing seasons of spring and summer, regular fertilization supports the Koi Plant’s health and blooming. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, diluted to half the recommended strength, every two to four weeks. Reduce or withhold fertilizer during fall and winter months to allow the plant to rest. Some growers use a high-phosphorus fertilizer to encourage more prolific flowering.
Propagating Koi Plants
Propagating Koi Plants is straightforward, primarily through stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Select a healthy, non-flowering stem four to six inches long, ensuring it has at least two to three leaf nodes. Remove leaves from the bottom nodes and plant the cutting into a well-draining potting mix or root it in water. Maintaining warmth and high humidity around the cutting encourages root development, typically within two to four weeks.
Common Koi Plant Problems
While generally resilient, Koi Plants can encounter issues if care requirements are not met. Yellowing leaves often signal overwatering or poor drainage, while dropping leaves can result from inconsistent watering, sudden temperature changes, or insufficient light. A lack of blooms is frequently attributed to inadequate light exposure; moving the plant to a brighter, indirect light location can help. Common pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites can affect the plant and be managed with horticultural oils or insecticidal soap.
Is Koi Plant Toxic to Pets?
The Koi Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) is non-toxic to common household pets like cats, dogs, and horses. While large quantities of any plant material might cause mild stomach upset, it poses no significant toxic risk.