The Twisted Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Twisted’) is a distinct and charming addition to any indoor plant collection. Its common name originates from its unique, tube-shaped flowers that emerge from dark, reddish-brown calyces, resembling a lipstick tube. This cultivar features unusually curled, dark green leaves, adding intriguing texture to its cascading vines. Its striking appearance and relatively straightforward care contribute to its popularity among houseplant enthusiasts.
Essential Care Requirements
Light
Providing the right light exposure is fundamental for a thriving Twisted Lipstick Plant. These plants flourish in bright, indirect light conditions, mimicking their natural habitat beneath a tree canopy. An east-facing window, offering gentle morning sun, or a few feet away from a south or west-facing window, provides suitable illumination. Direct, intense sunlight can scorch delicate leaves, leading to browning or bleaching. Conversely, insufficient light often results in sparse, leggy growth and reduced flowering.
Watering
Proper watering practices are important to prevent common issues. Allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings before rehydrating thoroughly. This prevents roots from sitting in overly saturated conditions, which can lead to root rot. Signs of incorrect watering include yellowing lower leaves (overwatering) or wilting and crispy leaf edges (underwatering). Always ensure excess water drains freely from the pot to avoid standing water.
Soil and Potting
The Twisted Lipstick Plant thrives in a well-draining, airy potting mix. A suitable blend often includes components like orchid bark, perlite, and peat moss or coco coir, creating a loose structure. This mix prevents compaction around the roots and ensures rapid drainage. Selecting a pot with adequate drainage holes is always recommended.
Temperature and Humidity
Maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity levels helps the Twisted Lipstick Plant flourish. An average room temperature range, between 65°F and 75°F (18°C-24°C), supports healthy growth. These plants appreciate higher humidity levels, ideally above 50%, which can be challenging to achieve indoors. Placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water or using a room humidifier can help increase ambient moisture around the plant.
Fertilizing
Regular feeding during the active growing season supports robust growth and plentiful blooms. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, every two to four weeks from spring through early fall. This provides the necessary nutrients for the plant’s metabolic processes and flower production. During the cooler, darker months of late fall and winter, when growth naturally slows, cease fertilization.
Pruning and Repotting
Pruning the Twisted Lipstick Plant helps maintain its attractive shape, encourages denser foliage, and can promote a more abundant display of flowers. Regularly trim back any leggy or overgrown stems, making cuts just above a leaf node using clean, sharp shears. This practice encourages new branching from the cut point, leading to a bushier appearance. The best time for significant pruning is after the main flowering period or during periods of active growth.
Repotting becomes necessary when the plant outgrows its current container, indicated by roots circling the bottom of the pot or water draining through the soil too quickly. The ideal time to repot is during spring or early summer, coinciding with the plant’s active growth phase. Choose a pot that is only one size larger than the previous one to avoid overpotting, and refresh the plant with new, well-draining potting mix.
Propagation
Propagating the Twisted Lipstick Plant is a straightforward process, commonly achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem section approximately 4-6 inches long, ensuring it has at least two to three leaf nodes. Remove the leaves from the bottom inch or two of the cutting to expose the nodes. These nodes are where new roots will emerge.
The cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in a moist, well-draining potting mix. For water rooting, place the cutting in a clear glass, ensuring submerged nodes are free of leaves. Change water every few days. For soil rooting, insert the cutting into the mix, optionally dipping the end in rooting hormone.
Providing warmth and consistent humidity, perhaps under a clear plastic bag, encourages faster root development. Once a healthy root system has established, the new plant can be cared for as a mature specimen.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
A common concern for Twisted Lipstick Plant owners is a lack of blooms. This often stems from insufficient light, as the plant requires bright, indirect conditions to produce flowers. Incorrect fertilization, either too much nitrogen or not enough phosphorus, can also hinder blooming. Ensuring consistent temperatures and allowing the plant to mature can also encourage flower development.
Leaf drop or yellowing leaves frequently point to watering imbalances. Overwatering, leading to saturated soil and root issues, can cause leaves to yellow and drop. Conversely, prolonged underwatering can also lead to leaf yellowing and eventual shedding. Adjusting your watering schedule to allow the topsoil to dry between waterings typically resolves these issues.
Crispy or brown leaf edges are usually an indicator of low humidity or consistent underwatering. Increasing the ambient humidity around the plant, perhaps with a humidifier, can alleviate this symptom. Ensuring regular and thorough watering is also important to prevent the soil from becoming too dry.
While generally robust, Twisted Lipstick Plants can occasionally encounter common houseplant pests such as spider mites or mealybugs. Inspecting the plant regularly helps in early detection. If pests are present, a gentle spray of insecticidal soap or neem oil solution can often effectively manage the infestation.