Aeschynanthus lobbianus -The Lipstick Plant 

The Plant: Pouting scarlet flowers amidst bronze-green fleshy leaves, an epiphytic plant from South-East Asia including the Indonesian Islands. The flower buds are the source of the common name - Lipstick Plant.

Its needs: Good filtered light, but not in direct sunlight. Good light is necessary for good flowering. It will rarely flower if grown in a darker position of the room. Well-draining, loose open compost, regular watering, warmth and high humidity is essential..

Care: Feed through the growing season, but reduce watering in winter. Avoid winter chill. Remove dead flowers. Trim stems to tidy plant in spring or autumn. Check for aphids.

Good for: Cheerful colour, can trail from hanging baskets or be trained to climb up short wire frame.

Back to A-Z of Houseplants