Pink Lipstick Plant

Pink Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans 'Pink') is a compact trailing tropical with dark green pointed leaves and narrow, soft pink tubular flowers. It stays about 30cm high and wide, with stems that trail as they lengthen, which makes it a natural for hanging baskets. Flowers come almost continuously in spring and summer, and on and off through the rest of the year.

Why you'll love it

• Soft pink, not the usual red. Lipstick plants are often red, but this one opens in a gentle pink that suits modern interiors.
• Months of flowers. Small tubular blooms appear almost non-stop through spring and summer, with a few through the cooler months.
• A trailing habit. Long stems spill over the edge of a basket or pot, giving a lush, jungly look in a small space.
• Happy in filtered light. Bright, filtered light is enough, so it suits rooms and verandahs that many flowering plants find too dim.
• Indoors or out. Grow it in pots and baskets inside, or outside in tropical and subtropical gardens.

Where it works best

Hanging baskets and pots indoors. One plant suits a 25cm basket or pot. Hang it in bright, filtered light near a window, and if flowering is sparse, move it somewhere brighter.

Bathrooms and kitchens. Warm, humid rooms suit it well, as long as it stays out of hot direct sun coming through the glass.

Covered verandahs and tropical gardens. In frost free tropical and subtropical gardens it can hang under a verandah or sit in a shaded border, where it needs steady warmth above 5C.

Growing Pink Lipstick Plant in Australia

Position and climate. A warm, frost free position over 5C at least, in bright filtered light and away from hot direct sun. Outdoors it suits tropical and subtropical gardens. Everywhere else, keep it inside, or bring it in for winter.

Soil. A free draining, open potting mix. Lipstick plants grow on trees in the wild, so their roots dislike being waterlogged.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks, then water whenever the top of the mix feels dry. Add an all purpose slow release fertiliser at the start of spring and again at the start of summer to keep it flowering well.

Pruning. Trim long, straggly stems back after flowering to keep the plant bushy.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Pink Lipstick Plant as tube stock: a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once it is potted on into a basket or small pot of open potting mix. Plants travel upright and wrapped to protect the stems. Unpack them promptly, water lightly and keep them out of hot sun while they settle.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out, and the notify button on this page emails you the day it is back.

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 for warm gardens
• Pet friendly indoor plants
• How to keep your indoor plants alive

Common questions

Why is my lipstick plant not flowering?

Too little light is the usual reason. Move it to a brighter position with filtered light, and feed at the start of spring and summer.

Can it live outside?

Yes, in tropical and subtropical gardens, in a frost free spot above 5C and out of hot direct sun.

Is it safe for pets?

Lipstick plants are not listed as toxic to cats or dogs, though any plant can upset a pet's stomach if a lot of it is eaten.