Aeschynanthus Care Guide

Aeschynanthus, commonly known as the lipstick plant, is a genus of around 150 species of evergreen trailing epiphytes in the family Gesneriaceae. They are native to the humid tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia and spanning southern China, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines. These striking plants grow naturally on tree branches and rocky outcrops, where they enjoy dappled light and consistently warm, moisture-rich air.

Their common name comes from the tubular, brightly coloured flowers that emerge from dark calyces, resembling a lipstick rising from its case. If you’ve just picked up a trailing houseplant, this guide covers everything you need to keep your Aeschynanthus thriving.

What lighting do Aeschynanthus prefer?

In the wild, Aeschynanthus grow beneath the rainforest canopy, receiving bright but filtered sunlight. When growing indoors, you can replicate this by placing your plant in a position that receives bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is ideal, providing gentle morning sun without the intensity of the afternoon. A north-facing window can also work well, particularly during summer months.

Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, especially harsh afternoon rays, as this can scorch the foliage. Conversely, too little light is the most common reason an Aeschynanthus refuses to flower. If your plant produces leggy growth with few blooms, move it closer to a light source or supplement with a full-spectrum grow light.

What humidity is best for Aeschynanthus?

As tropical epiphytes, Aeschynanthus thrive in humidity levels from 50% to 70%, which tends to be slightly above the average household range. Low humidity often causes crispy leaf edges and poor flowering.

How often should I water my Aeschynanthus?

Aeschynanthus prefer consistently moist but never waterlogged soil. Allow the top two to three centimetres of the potting mix to dry out between waterings, then water thoroughly until liquid drains freely from the base of the pot. Always empty any excess water from the saucer to prevent the roots from sitting in standing water, which quickly leads to root rot.

During spring and summer, you will likely need to water every five to seven days. In autumn and winter, reduce frequency as growth slows. A brief period of drier conditions over winter can actually encourage more prolific flowering the following spring, as Aeschynanthus respond to a cool, dry rest period as a bloom trigger.

Use tepid water where possible, as cold water can shock the roots and cause leaf drop.

How often should I repot my Aeschynanthus?

Aeschynanthus prefer to be slightly root-bound, so there is no need to rush repotting. Every two to three years is typically sufficient, or when you notice roots circling the drainage holes. The best time to repot is in spring, just before the main growing season.

When you do repot, move up to a pot only one to two inches larger in diameter. A pot that is too large retains excess moisture around the roots, increasing the risk of rot. Choose a container with adequate drainage holes. Hanging baskets and hanging pots are particularly well-suited to the trailing habit of Aeschynanthus.

Aeschynanthus need a well-draining, airy substrate that mirrors their epiphytic growing conditions. We recommend our Simply Houseplant Potting Mix, which is formulated with a base of coco coir, bark, and perlite for excellent drainage and aeration. It comes pre-amended with a balanced nutritional profile to support strong growth for the first six to eight weeks after repotting.

Simply Houseplant Potting Mix from £3.99 →

Common issues when growing Aeschynanthus

Leaf Drop

Sudden leaf drop is one of the most frequently reported issues. Common causes include overwatering, drastic temperature changes, or cold draughts. Ensure temperatures remain above 15°C, move the plant away from radiators and open windows, and check the soil is not staying sodden. Leaf drop can also follow prolonged direct sunlight exposure.

Yellowing leaves

Yellow leaves most commonly indicate overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure the potting mix is well-draining and that excess water is not pooling in the saucer. If the soil is consistently soggy, consider repotting into a chunkier mix with more perlite and bark. Nutrient deficiency can also cause yellowing. If the plant has not been fed or repotted for a while, introduce a balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength during the growing season.

Aeschynanthus not flowering

A lack of flowers is usually down to insufficient light or the absence of a winter rest period. Move the plant to a brighter position with plenty of indirect light, and during winter, allow slightly cooler temperatures (around 15 to 18°C) and reduced watering for four to six weeks. This mimics the natural seasonal shift that triggers bud formation. Keeping the plant slightly root-bound also encourages flowering.

Pests

Aeschynanthus can attract mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. Mealybugs appear as white, cottony clusters in leaf axils — treat by dabbing with rubbing alcohol or applying neem oil.

You can learn all about managing pests here.

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