For the longest time, I have felt a certain emptiness in my two bedroom home.
My friend who is an avid indoor gardener agreed with this sentiment and introduced me to the wonders of lipstick plant varieties.
It is with great pleasure that I state that houseplants add a liveliness to your home that inanimate designs cannot generate.
My popular suggestion is the lipstick plant which is a tropical houseplant known for its vibrant red flowers and trailing stems.
Its glossy leaves and colorful blooms can spark interest when hung around your home.
I was completely taken by the generous amounts of lipstick plant varieties I could incorporate into my home and slowly became consumed by it without getting bored.
In this discussion, we will learn more about lipstick plant varieties to help you find the right one for your home.
What kind of plant is a lipstick plant?
A lipstick plant, known as Aeschynanthus radicans or Aeschynanthus spp., is a tropical vining perennial belonging to the gloxinia family with red tubular flowers.
Lipstick plant varieties are native to Southeast Asia and thrive in subtropical to tropical regions.
They grow as an epiphyte on trees and as lithophytes on rocks.
They can thrive as houseplants in nontropical climates with some care and basic maintenance.
These plants share the key look of clustering blooms of red with cascading stems and are beautiful additions to your home as hanging houseplants.
The lipstick plant gets its signature name from its resemblance to a tube of red lipstick emerging from a dark calyx with colors ranging from red, pink, orange and yellow.
They have an assortment of leaves which can be elongated, curly or twisted.
The touch of its texture can range between a glossy, waxy thickness to a tender softness.
It has a bold and tender loveliness to it with flowers that are more or less than your little finger’s length.
They come in both compact and trailing varieties which broadens your choice for the perfect houseplant.
14 Popular Lipstick Plant Varieties With Unique Foliage and Blooms
The Aeschynanthus genus consists of 185 species and offers a wide range of lipstick plant varieties with unique foliage and blooms.
I found it to be overwhelmingly pleasant to have such a wide assortment to pick my first lipstick vine plant from.
The vines or stems create a striking cascading visual that ranges from one to three feet.
This was certainly its main highlight since it looked incredible when I placed them in hanging baskets around my home.
Another factor that drew me towards aeschynanthus lipstick plant varieties was the quirky note of colors and hues each type of lipstick plant showcased.
Simply searching ‘red lipstick plant varieties with pictures’ introduced me to such an extensive selection that it thrilled me with the prospects of adorning my home.
In the discussion below, we will be looking at popular lipstick plant cultivars and some common picks alongside the unique ones to help you discover the right one for your indoor gardening.
Black Pagoda
The black pagoda lipstick plant, known as Aeschynanthus longicaulis, creates a peculiar cascading visual of dark leaves marbled with veins of yellow or green.
Its flowers bloom a beautiful hue of orange with red tips that emerge from green or brownish buds.
Black pagoda is a personal favorite due to its maroon speckles on the bottom of the leaf that stood out to me. This characteristic has given it the nickname Tiger Lipstick.
If you choose this from the extensive assortment of lipstick plant varieties, you can enjoy the impact of its colorful blooms in late winter and spring.
Within the parameters of my search for more varieties, I learned that lipstick plant cultivars were a thing.
This meant that gardeners purposefully produced lipstick plants that exhibit unique foliage and flowering traits through selective breeding.
An example for this are the lipstick plant varieties of the species Aeschynanthus radicans.
Let us look at the following to know more.
Mona Lisa
The first lipstick plant cultivars I came across were of the mona lisa lipstick plant varieties.
It fascinated me how the Mona Lisa lipstick plant had lovely red blooms that emerge from a burgundy calyx with trailing stems.
It creates a visually stunning landscape against room interiors with its thick foliage of rounded, waxy green leaves.
Having mounted it on the edges of my bookshelf, I can enjoy its clusters of red while at work or reading a book.
It blooms all year round with proper care and you can breathe easy knowing it will have no harmful effects on your cats or dogs since it is pet friendly.
Rasta
The rasta lipstick plant is also known as twister, twisted or curly lipstick plant for its notably dense and curled waxy leaves.
Its distinctive appearance and the dazzling red to orange blossoms immediately drew my focus.
From looks to safety, it met all my criteria and I have acquired more than a handful to enrich my bathroom and kitchen.
With it adorned on a plant stand, I can enjoy its red blooms in late summers and early fall.
Variegata
Lipstick plant variegata is also known as Aeschynanthus radicans and is another popular lipstick plant cultivar.
It is a variegated lipstick plant which means that its leaves have streaks of white, creamy or golden hues.
I was instantly reminded of the Black Pagoda lipstick plant when I came across these and was stoked to know there were more to explore.
Its leathery smooth foliage of dark green spotted cascades provides the right depth of mystery as a backdrop to my swing chair in my patio.
I’ll have you know it is also a nontoxic variety that resists pests and you can enjoy its striking red blooms in the midst of fall and winter.
Here are some other lipstick plant varieties that are variegated which I would like to bring your attention to.
Mini Variegated
The mini variegated lipstick plant is also known as Aeschynanthus micranthus ‘Variegata’.
I find it incredibly convenient for its dainty and compact size which goes well as a shelf display.
Its mini blossoms that are red and orange which surface from a maroon bulb are delightful to witness on my work desk.
You will find that it is easy to care for and even gift it to someone without it being too over the top!
They come in two to four inch pots which are super adorable.
Bolero Bicolor
Aeschynanthus ‘Bolero Bicolor’ or the bolero bicolor lipstick plant has a sleek thickness to its long foliage of lance shaped leaves and offers plentiful flowers during spring and summer.
It is popular for its tubular blossoms that offer a bicolor mix of red and orange melting together.
It was one among the lipstick plant varieties that my friend had and I am looking forward to hanging it in my kitchen as I anticipate its successful propagation.
Raspberry Ripple
Aeschynanthus ‘Raspberry Ripple’ is a noteworthy hybrid cultivar popular for its pink and creamy streaks on its foliage among other lipstick plant varieties.
The raspberry colored flowers are delightful against the background of marble like pinkish green vines.
The hue of pink in its variegated foliage made me wonder if I could procure pink lipstick plant varieties.
To my great joy, I stumbled onto ones that flower in hues of pink. The following were my finds.
Thai Pink
The Thai pink lipstick plant also known as Aeschynanthus ‘Thai Pink’ sealed the deal for me with its heart shaped glossy leaves that descend with spectacular throngs of pink flowers at the tips.
The nearly three inch blossoms stand upright as they pop out from bronze and dark pink calyxes.
It is a glorious sight that takes up the corners of my bay window and makes my bedroom flush with life. Waking to them in full display during the spring has been uplifting.
Pink Polka
The pink polka which is botanically called Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Pink Polka’ showcases an eyecatching variegation of pink hues blending with its newly formed heart shaped leaves.
Under the light of day, its coral pink hues soften the air as its long vines spill over the hanging basket.
I often find myself trailing my fingers over the deep marron tubes from where the flowers bud and it brings me back to nature within the four walls of my home.
Purple Star
Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Purple Star’ which also goes by purple star lipstick plant is distinctly noted to have a feature of upright growth.
In the company of other lipstick plant varieties its flowers will clutch your visual senses with its carmine, reddish purple and magenta shades that spill from a deep green or burgundy calyx.
It especially stands out against a creamy backdrop with its signature dark green bundle of leaves that droop as the length of the stem grows.
You can make it flower year round if you’re attentive to its care though it normally peaks between late spring and fall.
Cassiopea
Aeschynanthus evrardii ‘Cassiopea’ indisputably sounds as spirited as it looks.
The cassiopea lipstick plant has a boldness awarded by its rousing red and orange blossoms that appear from its reddish purple or burgundy tubes.
You can enjoy this pop of color in the warmer months of summer that lead into autumn.
One thing I noticed is that you can continue to enjoy its liveliness as the tubes or sepals continue to feel spirited even after the radiant flowers have fallen.
See it for yourself, because you truly won’t be disappointed by this finding.
Coral Flame
The coral flame lipstick plant is known by its botanical name Aeschynanthus elliplicus ‘Coral Flame’ or Aeschynanthus ‘New Guinea’.
Its slightly cupped leaves can be fancied through better pruning to keep the vines from crowding.
I have relished in the coral tint of this riveting blossom endlessly as it hangs off the mantle of my living room during the summer.
You can do the same if it pleases you or find your own answers as you pick and choose.
Tangerine
Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Tangerine’ sets itself apart from other red lipstick plant varieties through its gleeful tinge of citrus during its flowering period.
I have felt pulled into the radiant vibe of this flower on many occasions since it flowers year round due to my expert care.
Recently I’ve enjoyed the summer with a tall glass of lovely tangerine orange and yellow colored mocktails to match my flowers.
You can do this too if you get this specific lipstick plant variety.
Fireworks
Lastly, we come to my most favored choice. The fireworks lipstick plant which is also called Aeschynanthus hybrid that is the prized focal point for my front door. They dangle like prized earrings made of fireworks always in bloom on the sides of my door and have always gotten me numerous compliments.
Their upright red blossoms look festive in any season and are a must if you want a houseplant that won’t fail you. Its free blooming nature has always met my expectations like it will yours.
Lipstick Plant Varieties Care Guide: What to Do and What Not to Do
You don’t have to limit yourself when you beautify your home with lipstick plant varieties since they are easy to care for.
From wonderful hues of rosy red and pink to the vibrant sunset colors of yellow and orange, lipstick vine plants come as effortless additions to your home.
I have found lipstick plant care to be straightforward and unchallenging.
Anyone with an eye for attention can do it and so can you.
So take a moment, find out what you want and go to your local nursery to get what you need.
If the diversity of its selection scares you, let me help by providing you the basics of lipstick plant care. Shall we begin?
Water
Lipstick plant varieties thrive under regular watering.
Pay mind that I don’t mean to say that you should constantly drown your houseplant.
Overwatering can cause root rot and damage your plant before you realize.
Feel the surface of the soil to see if it’s dry to make an informed decision.
You need to ascertain that the soil has dried out by one to two inches before watering it.
Simple enough, right?
Touch the earth and don’t be afraid to get a little grime on your fingertips. Your houseplant won’t bite!
Light
Most lipstick plant varieties thrive under good lighting.
This does not mean you should immediately place them in the sun.
Both direct and scanty lighting will make the leaves either burn at the ends or drop respectively.
The goal is to imitate the speckled sunlight they receive under the rainforest canopy in their natural habitat.
Therefore, they will flourish under excellent filtered or indirect light.
You can do this by placing them in east facing rooms to let them bask in the gentle morning sun.
In your south and west facing rooms, you should place them in a spot receiving mottled or filtered light.
Fertilizer
If you are wondering about how you can best nurture your houseplant, let me inform you that your lipstick plant varieties will prosper with a diluted and balanced liquid fertilizer or a slow release fertilizer.
You can do this during their active growing period which falls between spring and summer.
Time yourself and give your lipstick plants fertilizer every four to six weeks within this window to encourage new growth and flowering.
Houseplants give their best under good care, so be willing and attentive.
Soil
Lipstick plant varieties grown on trees as epiphytes in their natural habitat which means that you should avoid placing them in compact soil.
To get the best out of your houseplant, you must mimic their natural environment.
So how can you execute this task?
Since their constitution calls for a well draining soil mix, you should consider potting mixes that are flush with ample organic matter like coco coir and aroid mix.
To avoid soil compaction, you must optimize it by using orchid bark, pumice and perlite.
Temperature
Since lipstick plant varieties are native to rainforests, they prefer warmer temperatures between 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hence, they make good companions as houseplants for homebodies.
If it gets a little too drafty with temperatures falling below 60 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, be ready to see the leaves drop.
They enjoy the comforts of a temperate but not too cold environment.
And does that not ring true for us too?
Too hot and you start shriveling up! Too cold and you start drooping down!
Humidity
The disposition of lipstick plant varieties is such that they favor moderate to high humidity between 50 to 80 percent.
You can ensure they get good moisture through the use of a humidifier if it’s too dry.
If a humidifier seems too much, you can always opt for placing them on a pebble tray with water, grouping plants together or briefly misting them in the mornings.
They require good humidity so that you can enjoy the lush feel of their waxy leaves and continuous blooms.
Though be careful not to leave them always wet as it can cause fungal infections.
A small note here is that the Fireworks lipstick plant is remarkable enough to survive low humidity!
Pruning
We prune to promote new growth. This is one of the more effortless tasks in lipstick plant care.
Careful now, you can’t just go cutting it however you like.
Have patience and let me enlighten you.
You prune your lipstick plant by cutting one thirds of the vine above a leaf node.
Pick the softer stems and avoid the woodier ones as it will damage the plant.
This will make your houseplant flourish, bringing in a bushier plant with more flowers in the next season.
You can trim it to your liking to maintain its shape but be aware that any pruning during or before its flowering will delay the blossoms.
Conclusion
So far we have learned that Aeschynanthus lipstick plant varieties are known for their signature flowers and vines.
They come in tones reminiscent of colorful tubes of lipstick and add an abundant flush of life to your home.
You can make it flourish by exposing it to bright, indirect light while maintaining good soil drainage and humidity.
You can even complement your bathroom and kitchen with lipstick plants as these areas are moisture prone.
You can breathe easy about leaving them around your pets since they’re nontoxic.
Though be mindful that ingesting or touching the sap will cause mild irritation.
We have gone through the ways in which you can engage in lipstick plant care.
So now I am confident you can hold your own against all the lipstick plant varieties that may come your way.
