Lipstick plant is a vine with leathery and juicy green leaves that complement its bright red flowers that look like lipstick tubes, hence its common name. Because of its attractive appearance, this plant has spread far and wide from its tropical habitat and is now a prized indoor plant worldwide. This ornamental is also very easy to care for and maintain.
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Perennial
Lifespan
Vine
Plant Type
Spring, Summer, Fall, Early winter
Bloom Time
20 cm to 30 cm
Plant Height
Red
Flower Color
Green
Stem Color
Evergreen
Leaf type
20 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Spring, Summer, Fall
Growth Season
Moderate
Growth Rate
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Images of Lipstick plant
Distribution of Lipstick plant
Distribution Map
Lipstick plant is naturally found in several regions within Southeast Asia. It has flourished in this humid, tropical environment. Over time, lipstick plant has been cultivated in various other parts of the tropics, indicating its extended range due to human introduction for ornamental purposes.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Forests
Hemisphere Trend Curve
Northern
Sorthern
Quickly Identify Lipstick plant
1
Vivid scarlet red tubular flowers with yellow throats, resembling lipstick tubes.
2
Smooth, thick, glossy dark green leaves, ovate to elliptic, growing in opposite pairs.
3
Slender, flexible bright green stems, reaching up to 3 feet (90 cm) in length.
4
Abundant malodorous blooms in terminal clusters, each flower with 5-lobed petals.
5
Lengthy slender fruit capsules, up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) long, essential for seed dispersal.
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Water:
Lipstick plant thrives in humid environments, requiring weekly watering and consistent humidity. As an epiphytic plant, it performs well indoors with controlled watering to prevent root rot. Higher humidity levels suit its tropical origins, making it ideal for bright bathrooms with frequent water vapor.
Fertilize:
For lipstick plant, apply high nitrogen fertilizers monthly in spring and summer, and bi-monthly in fall/winter at half-strength to promote foliage and blooms. Water lipstick plant before fertilizing to enhance nutrient absorption. Reduce fertilization in winter to prevent nutrient build-up and root burn.
Pruning:
Lipstick plant thrives with early spring pruning to enhance growth and blooms. Remove dead stems and leggy growth for a bushy shape. Clean cuts improve air circulation, reducing fungal risks, while regular pruning boosts vigor and longevity.
Propagation:
Lipstick plant, a vibrant epiphyte, thrives in high humidity and bright, indirect light. Propagate via stem cuttings with at least two leaf nodes, dipped in rooting hormone. Use well-draining medium and maintain consistent moisture in a warm environment for optimal root development.
Repotting:
Repot lipstick plant every 2-3 years in spring when growth slows, using a slightly larger container with good drainage. After repotting, provide bright, indirect light and maintain consistent moisture to support healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
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