Curly Lipstick Plant

Curly Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) is a compact trailing plant whose dark green leaves roll back towards the stem into neat curls. Small, narrow, dark red tubular flowers appear almost continuously in spring and summer, and now and then through the rest of the year. At about 30cm tall and wide it is made for a hanging pot indoors, and it doubles as a shady groundcover in warm gardens.

Why you'll love it

• Curled, glossy leaves. Leaves rolled back along the stem give the trailing growth a twisted, textured look, even when no flowers are showing.
• Nearly continuous flowers. Dark red tubular blooms appear almost non-stop through spring and summer and intermittently through the year in the right conditions.
• Made for hanging pots. Trailing stems drape over the edge of a basket or pot, and the red flowers show against the dark foliage.
• Compact. At 30cm tall and wide it suits shelves, plant stands and small spaces.
• Easy around pets. Lipstick plants are regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs, so they suit a home with animals.

Where it works best

Hanging pots and baskets indoors. Hang it in bright, filtered light where the stems can trail freely, and out of direct hot sun.

Shady groundcover in warm gardens. In tropical and subtropical gardens, plant 30cm apart under trees and palms as underplanting, as long as the spot stays frost free.

Shelves and plant stands. A pot at head height lets the trailing stems and flowers hang where you can see them.

Growing Curly Lipstick Plant in Australia

Position and climate. A warm, frost free position, at least above 5C, in bright filtered light and out of direct hot sun. Outdoors it suits tropical and subtropical gardens. Everywhere else, grow it indoors. If flowering is sparse, move the plant somewhere brighter.

Soil. A light, free-draining potting mix in pots, with good drainage holes. Outdoors, plant into rich, well-drained soil and mulch the surface.

Water and feed. Water regularly, and mulch and water until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks, if it is planted outdoors. Add an all-purpose slow release fertiliser at the beginning of spring and again at the beginning of summer to keep it flowering well.

Pruning. Little is needed. Trim any straggly stems back after flowering to keep the plant full.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Curly Lipstick Plant as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. The tube is supplied by our grower and supply comes and goes. When it shows as sold out the grower has none at the moment, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it returns. The 200mm pots arrive with fuller trailing stems, ready for a basket.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Indoor flowering plants
• House and indoor plants
• Pet friendly indoor plants
• Indoor plant tips for beginners

Common questions

Why is mine not flowering?

Usually light. It wants plenty of bright, filtered light, so if flowering is sparse, move the plant to a brighter spot, out of hot direct sun.

Can I grow it outdoors?

In tropical and subtropical gardens, yes, as shady underplanting, provided the spot stays frost free and above 5C. In cooler districts, grow it indoors.

Is it safe for pets?

Lipstick plants are regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs, which makes them a reasonable choice for homes with animals.