The Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant, scientifically known as Aeschynanthus longicaulis ‘Black Pagoda’, is a striking houseplant prized for its unique foliage and vibrant blooms. This epiphyte, native to Southeast Asia, is recognizable by its dark, mottled leaves and zebra-like pattern. The plant produces tubular flowers that emerge from dark calyxes, resembling a tube of lipstick before opening into fiery orange or red blossoms. Propagating this vining plant is an effective way to multiply your collection, and it is most reliably accomplished by taking stem cuttings.
Essential Supplies and Preparation
A sharp, sterile cutting tool, such as a razor blade or small scissors, is required to ensure a clean cut. Sterilizing the tool with rubbing alcohol minimizes the risk of transmitting pathogens to the vulnerable cutting. You will need small pots or a propagation tray filled with a specialized growing medium.
The ideal substrate for rooting is a lightweight, well-draining mix that mimics the plant’s epiphytic nature. A combination of materials like perlite, peat moss, coco coir, or orchid bark provides the aeration needed to prevent rot. This chunky blend should be moistened thoroughly before planting the cuttings, ensuring it is damp but not waterlogged. A powdered rooting hormone can significantly increase the rooting success rate, though it is not strictly required.
Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Cuttings
Select a healthy, non-flowering stem that is neither too young nor too woody. The best segments are semi-hardwood, representing recent, vigorous growth on the mother plant. Each cutting should be approximately three to five inches long, retaining sufficient energy for root development.
Make a clean, angled cut immediately below a leaf node, the point where root cells are most concentrated. Carefully remove the leaves from the bottom one-third of the cutting to expose at least two or three nodes for planting. Allowing the cut end to air-dry for a couple of hours helps the wound callous over, protecting against fungal infection.
If using rooting hormone, dip the cut end into the powder, gently tapping off any excess. Insert the prepared stem segment into the pre-moistened growing medium, ensuring all exposed nodes are beneath the soil surface.
Post-Cutting Care for Rooting Success
After planting, maintaining a stable and warm environment is important for encouraging root growth. Place the pots in a location that receives bright, indirect light, avoiding harsh, direct sun exposure that can scorch the leaves. The cuttings respond best to warm conditions, with an ambient temperature consistently maintained between 65°F and 85°F. Providing warmth from below using a specialized heat mat can accelerate root formation.
High ambient humidity is beneficial for these tropical cuttings, as it reduces moisture loss while the stem forms roots. Creating a miniature greenhouse effect by covering the pot with a clear plastic dome or a sealed plastic bag helps to trap moisture. The rooting medium must be kept consistently moist to support the developing roots, but it should never be allowed to become soggy, which could lead to rot. Successful rooting is indicated by the appearance of firm, new leaf growth, which may take anywhere from two to six weeks.