The Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus) and the popular Hoya (Wax Plant) are admired houseplants known for their trailing growth habits and striking flowers. Many people wonder if the Lipstick Plant is a type of Hoya because they share a similar aesthetic. The definitive answer is no; despite their superficial resemblance, the Lipstick Plant and Hoya belong to entirely different botanical families.
Separating the Families: Why the Confusion Exists
The primary reason for the confusion between these two plants lies in their shared growth habit and natural environments. Both Aeschynanthus and Hoya are epiphytes or hemi-epiphytes, meaning they naturally grow on other trees or rocky surfaces in tropical Southeast Asia. This arboreal lifestyle results in the cascading, vine-like structure that makes them desirable hanging plants.
The scientific classification, however, clearly separates them into distant groups. The Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus) is a member of the Gesneriaceae family, commonly known as the Gesneriad or African Violet family. Hoya, on the other hand, belongs to the Apocynaceae family, the Dogbane family, which also includes succulents and milkweeds.
Visual Cues: How to Tell Them Apart
The most telling differences between Aeschynanthus and Hoya are found in the morphology of their leaves and flowers. Hoya species typically feature leaves that are thick, firm, and succulent-like, often with a distinctly waxy texture, which helps them retain water. The leaves of the Lipstick Plant, conversely, are generally softer, thinner, and may appear more velvety or slightly fuzzy, depending on the specific variety.
The flowers offer the most dramatic means of identification. Hoya flowers are famous for their intricate, star-shaped structure, often clustered in umbrella-like formations called umbels. Each Hoya bloom features a central, five-pointed corona surrounded by a five-pointed corolla, giving them a porcelain-like, waxy appearance. In contrast, the flowers of the Lipstick Plant are tubular and typically emerge from a dark, protective calyx. This unique arrangement resembles a tube of lipstick, which is the source of the plant’s common name.
Essential Differences in Care
The distinct botanical families translate directly into different care requirements, particularly concerning watering and soil composition. Hoya plants, with their succulent-like, thicker leaves, are adapted to store water and prefer to dry out thoroughly between waterings. Overwatering a Hoya is a common mistake that can quickly lead to root rot.
Lipstick Plants, belonging to the Gesneriad family, prefer a more consistently moist environment. They require watering just before the soil dries completely, making them slightly more moisture-demanding than Hoyas, though they are still susceptible to root rot if the soil remains soggy.
The ideal soil mixes for each plant reflect this difference in moisture retention. Hoyas tolerate a slightly denser mix but require good drainage, often performing well in chunky mixes that mimic their epiphytic environment. Lipstick Plants thrive in a looser, airier substrate that allows for excellent oxygen exchange and drainage, often benefiting from mixes heavy in orchid bark, perlite, and other amendments. While both plants need bright, indirect light to encourage blooming, Hoyas can tolerate slightly higher light levels, whereas Aeschynanthus leaves are typically more prone to burning under intense, direct light.