Lipstick plant Aeschynanthus radicans
Lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Gesneriaceae family, native to Rainforest of Peninsular Malaysia, southern Thailand, Sumatra, Java and Borneo. It grows 30–90 cm (12–35 in) tall and 40–80 cm (16–31 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 13 °C (55 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
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Lipstick plant at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Gesneriaceae |
| Mature height | 30–90 cm (12–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 40–80 cm (16–31 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 13 °C (55 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | about 52–104 weeks after planting, for 6–13 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Rainforest of Peninsular Malaysia, southern Thailand, Sumatra, Java and Borneo |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Lipstick plant toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous to cats or dogs (ASPCA).
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Lipstick plant
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Lipstick plant
- How far apart should I plant Lipstick plant?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–80 cm (16–31 in).
- Does Lipstick plant need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Lipstick plant need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Lipstick plant?
- It tolerates about 13 °C (55 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Lipstick plant flower?
- About 52–104 weeks after planting, for 6–13 weeks.
- Is Lipstick plant poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous to cats or dogs (ASPCA).
- What grows well with Lipstick plant?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Lipstick plant. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- A tropical plant: outdoors only in frost-free, humid climates; elsewhere a houseplant for bright, indirect light that likes warmth and humidity and hates cold draughts.
- An epiphyte with trailing stems of small, waxy leaves and scarlet tubular flowers that push out of dark maroon calyces like a lipstick from its tube; a classic for hanging baskets.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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