The lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) is a popular, trailing houseplant known for its unique, tubular red flowers that emerge from dark calyxes, resembling a lipstick tube. This epiphytic vine naturally grows on trees in tropical environments, making it a robust and adaptable plant for indoor settings. Propagating this plant is a simple and effective way to increase your collection, share with others, or rejuvenate an older, leggy specimen. By taking stem cuttings, you can easily multiply your lipstick plant using either water or soil as a rooting medium.
Preparing the Parent Plant and Cuttings
Choose a healthy, non-flowering stem section that is about four to six inches long, as non-blooming sections direct more energy toward root development. Use sharp shears or scissors, sterilized with rubbing alcohol, to make a clean cut. This prevents the introduction of pathogens and minimizes damage to the plant tissue.
Prepare the section for rooting by removing the leaves from the bottom inch or two of the stem. Roots emerge from the nodes (small bumps where leaves were attached), so these must be exposed. Removing the lower leaves also prevents them from rotting if submerged in water or buried in moist soil. Rooting hormone powder is optional but can encourage faster, more vigorous root growth, especially when using a soil medium.
Rooting Cuttings in Water
Water propagation is often the simplest method for rooting lipstick plant cuttings. After preparing the stem, place the cutting into a clear glass vessel filled with clean water, ensuring that at least one or two leaf nodes are fully submerged. The submerged nodes will begin to produce roots.
Place the container in a location that receives bright, indirect light, as this encourages the cutting to focus on root production. Change the water every few days, or at least once a week, to keep it fresh and prevent bacterial buildup or rot. In a warm environment (above 70°F), small, white roots should develop from the nodes within approximately two to four weeks.
Rooting Cuttings in Soil
Propagating directly into soil often produces a more robust root system better adapted to the final potting medium. Use a light, well-draining potting mix, such as regular potting soil blended with perlite or orchid bark. This mixture prevents the soil from becoming waterlogged, which can lead to stem rot. If using rooting hormone, lightly dip the cut end of the stem into the powder before planting.
Insert the prepared cutting into the moist soil, ensuring the exposed nodes are buried beneath the surface. To create the high humidity cuttings need, cover the pot loosely with a clear plastic bag or dome. Place this covered pot in a bright area, out of direct sunlight, and maintain a consistently moist, but not soggy, soil environment. The soil should never dry out completely during this initial rooting phase, which may take a month or more.
Caring for New Propagations
Once roots have developed, the new plants require careful attention to ensure a smooth transition and healthy growth. For water-rooted cuttings, transplant into soil when the roots are about one inch long (typically four to six weeks). Plant the rooted cutting into a small pot using the same well-draining soil mix. For soil-rooted cuttings, confirm establishment by gently tugging on the stem; slight resistance indicates rooting.
The newly potted plants thrive in bright, indirect light, which is necessary for vigorous foliage and eventual flowering. Avoid placing them in direct, intense sun, which can scorch the leaves. Water thoroughly, but only when the top inch of soil has dried out to prevent overwatering and root rot. Maintain a warm environment (65°F to 75°F) and provide higher humidity through misting or a pebble tray to help the young plants establish quickly.