Lipstick Plant

Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus micranthus) is a compact, trailing plant about 30cm tall and wide that carries narrow, dark red tubular flowers almost continuously in spring and summer, and on and off through the rest of the year. Pointed, dark green leaves set the flowers off. It is at its best in a hanging basket indoors, or in a shaded tropical or subtropical garden.

Why you'll love it

• Flowers nearly all year. The dark red blooms are produced almost continuously in spring and summer and intermittently through the year.
• Small flowers, plenty of them. Each bloom is small, but the sheer number makes up for it.
• A trailing habit. The stems cascade over the edge of a basket, a pot or a hanging holder.
• Compact size. At about 30cm it suits a bathroom, kitchen, patio or shelf.
• Indoors or out. Grow it indoors in bright, filtered light, or outside in tropical and subtropical gardens.

Where it works best

Hanging baskets and pots. Plant one to a basket, or 30cm apart in a trough, and let the stems trail. Indoors it suits a bathroom or kitchen with good light.

Shaded verandahs and patios. Hang it in dappled light, out of direct hot sun, in a frost free tropical or subtropical garden.

Tropical garden beds. Tuck it in under larger plants in a warm, protected part of the garden where it stays above 5C.

Growing Lipstick Plant in Australia

Position and climate. A warm, frost free position that stays above 5C at the very least, with bright filtered light and no direct hot sun. Outdoors it suits tropical and subtropical gardens. In cooler parts of the country, keep it as a houseplant.

Soil. Use a free draining potting mix in baskets and pots, and mulch the surface when planting outdoors.

Water and feed. Mulch it and water regularly while it establishes, which usually takes around 12 weeks. Feed with an all purpose slow release fertiliser as spring begins and again at the start of summer to keep it flowering.

Pruning. Little is needed. Pinch back long, straggly stems to keep the plant bushy.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Lipstick Plant as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small and needs a warm spot while it settles. Once it is established, the trailing growth and the flowers build steadily.

Our grower supplies the tube stock, and supply comes and goes. If the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none at that moment: press the notify button on the page and we email you the day it returns.

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
• Tropical plants
• Plants for balconies
• How to keep your indoor plants alive

Common questions

Why is mine not flowering?

Sparse flowering usually means too little light. Move it to a brighter spot with filtered light, and keep it out of hot direct sun.

Does it need warmth?

Yes. It needs a frost free position that stays above 5C at least. Outside it suits tropical and subtropical gardens, and elsewhere it belongs indoors.

How much feeding does it need?

A slow release fertiliser at the start of spring and the start of summer is enough to keep it flowering well.