The Twisted Lipstick Plant, Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Twisted’, is a captivating houseplant known for its distinctive appearance. Its name aptly describes its unique foliage, which features tightly twisted or contorted emerald-green leaves. These leaves provide a lush backdrop for the plant’s most striking feature: its vibrant, tubular flowers. Emerging from dark, cylindrical calyxes, these blooms resemble tubes of lipstick, adding a pop of bright red color to any indoor space. This plant’s trailing growth habit makes it an excellent choice for hanging baskets, where its cascading vines can be fully appreciated.
Twisted Lipstick Plant Care
Light Needs
The Twisted Lipstick Plant thrives in environments that mimic its native tropical habitat, preferring bright, indirect light. Placing it near an east or north-facing window, or a few feet from a south or west-facing window with filtered light, provides ideal conditions. Direct, harsh sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves, causing them to burn and discolor. Conversely, insufficient light can lead to sparse growth, a lack of the characteristic red blooms, and leggy stems.
Watering Practices
Proper watering is essential for the health of your Twisted Lipstick Plant. It thrives on a “soak and dry” method, where the soil is thoroughly watered and then allowed to dry out before the next watering. Allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry to the touch before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which often manifests as yellowing leaves and mushy stems. Conversely, underwatering can cause the leaves to wilt and become crispy.
Ideal Soil Mix
A well-draining, airy potting mix is crucial for the Twisted Lipstick Plant. This plant naturally grows as an epiphyte on mossy branches or in rock crevices. A good blend might include a standard potting mix amended with perlite, peat moss, or orchid bark to ensure proper aeration and drainage. This type of mix retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged, preventing root issues.
Temperature and Humidity
These tropical plants prefer warm temperatures, ideally between 65-80°F (18-27°C). They can adapt to typical household conditions if temperatures remain above 65°F during the day and 60°F at night. Temperatures below 50°F can cause leaves to yellow and drop. High humidity is also beneficial; levels above 50% are preferred to prevent issues like browning leaf edges or leaf drop. To increase humidity, consider placing the plant on a pebble tray with water, using a humidifier nearby, or locating it in a more humid room like a kitchen or bathroom.
Fertilizing Schedule
During its active growing season in spring and summer, the Twisted Lipstick Plant benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, can be applied every two to four weeks. Consistent, moderate fertilization supports lush growth and abundant blooms. Avoid fertilizing during the plant’s slower growth period in cooler, darker winter months or when the plant is stressed.
Propagating Your Twisted Lipstick Plant
Propagating the Twisted Lipstick Plant is a straightforward process, with stem cuttings being the most effective method. Select healthy, non-blooming stems and cut sections approximately 4-6 inches long, just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting to expose a few inches of the stem.
You can root these cuttings in either water or a moist potting mix. If using soil, a well-draining mix is recommended. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder before planting. Place the cuttings in a warm, humid location with bright, indirect light to encourage root development. Roots typically form in a few weeks, and the cuttings are ready to be potted up once the roots are a few inches long.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
A lack of blooms often indicates insufficient light. Moving the plant to a brighter location with indirect sunlight usually encourages flowering. Improper watering or a lack of fertilization during the growing season can also contribute to this problem.
Leaf yellowing or leaf drop can stem from several factors. Overwatering is a frequent culprit, leading to root rot, but underwatering, sudden temperature changes, or low humidity can also cause these symptoms. Inspecting soil moisture and adjusting watering practices, along with ensuring consistent temperatures and adequate humidity, can resolve these issues.
While generally hardy, Twisted Lipstick Plants can occasionally encounter pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips. These pests often hide within the plant’s twisted foliage. If an infestation occurs, treatment with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap can help manage them. Leggy growth, characterized by stretched-out stems, usually signifies insufficient light. Pruning the plant can encourage bushier growth.