Lipstick plants, known scientifically as Aeschynanthus, are popular for their vibrant tubular flowers and glossy foliage. This list covers 23 different varieties of lipstick plants, highlighting their unique traits and growth habits. Whether you’re a succulent lover, indoor gardener, or looking to add a splash of color to your patio, these varieties offer something for every plant enthusiast.
Aeschynanthus radicans (Common Lipstick Plant)
The classic lipstick plant, Aeschynanthus radicans features trailing stems with shiny green leaves and bright red tubular flowers that resemble a lipstick tube. It thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity, making it a favorite for hanging baskets indoors. Its vigorous growth and showy blooms make it a reliable choice for beginners.
Aeschynanthus pulcher
Known as the “beautiful lipstick plant,” Aeschynanthus pulcher sports larger flowers with a deep red to orange-red hue. It grows well in warm, humid environments and prefers well-draining soil. This variety is prized for its longer blooming periods and slightly larger leaves compared to the common species.
Aeschynanthus lobbianus
This variety produces striking scarlet-red flowers with a slightly curved tube, giving it a unique silhouette. It is native to Southeast Asia and prefers moderate light with consistent moisture. Aeschynanthus lobbianus is often used in mixed hanging baskets because of its graceful trailing habit.
Aeschynanthus longicaulis
Aeschynanthus longicaulis features long, narrow leaves and bright orange-red flowers. Its name means “long stem,” which reflects its elongated trailing vines. This variety prefers warm temperatures and high humidity, making it ideal for terrariums or indoor gardens with controlled environments.
Aeschynanthus micranthus
Distinguished by its smaller flowers and compact growth, Aeschynanthus micranthus is perfect for smaller pots or tabletop displays. The flowers are typically a deep red or burgundy shade. It requires bright, filtered light and moderate watering to avoid root rot.
Aeschynanthus speciosus
This variety is notable for its vivid red-orange flowers and dark green, glossy leaves. It is a robust grower, often used in hanging planters to showcase its cascading habit. Aeschynanthus speciosus prefers well-drained soil and indirect sunlight.
Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Red Lips’
A popular cultivar of the common lipstick plant, ‘Red Lips’ is named for its intense, bright red flower coloration that looks like freshly applied lipstick. It’s especially favored for indoor use because of its compact growth and prolific blooming.
Aeschynanthus marmoratus
This variety stands out for its variegated foliage, displaying mottled green and cream leaves alongside typical red flowers. The contrast between foliage and blooms makes it a highly decorative choice. It requires moderate light and consistent humidity to maintain its leaf pattern.
Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Black Lip’
‘Black Lip’ is a rare cultivar known for its deep maroon to nearly black flower lips contrasting with bright red tubes. This dramatic coloration makes it a collector’s favorite. It thrives in humid conditions and needs careful watering to prevent fungal diseases.
Aeschynanthus ‘Silver Sheen’
‘Silver Sheen’ is prized for its silvery-green foliage that shimmers under indirect light, paired with the classic red tubular flowers. It’s an excellent choice for adding texture and brightness to shaded indoor spots. This variety prefers well-draining soil and regular misting.
Aeschynanthus evrardii
Native to Laos and Vietnam, Aeschynanthus evrardii produces clusters of bright red flowers with yellow throats. Its trailing habit and dense foliage make it suitable for hanging baskets. It prefers filtered sunlight and consistent moisture without waterlogging.
Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Pink Lips’
‘Pink Lips’ is a softer, more delicate take on the lipstick plant with pink-tinted flowers instead of traditional reds. This variety adds a gentle splash of color and is well-suited for indoor gardeners seeking variety beyond red blooms.
Aeschynanthus hildebrandtii
This variety features deep red flowers with a tubular shape and slightly flared lips. It is native to tropical Asia and thrives in humid, warm environments. The plant’s trailing stems are excellent for vertical gardening or hanging pots.
Aeschynanthus sikkimensis
Found in the Himalayan region, Aeschynanthus sikkimensis has bright orange-red flowers and thick, fleshy leaves. It’s more tolerant of cooler temperatures than many lipstick plants, making it suitable for temperate indoor climates with bright light.
Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Variegata’
This variegated form of the common lipstick plant displays green leaves edged in creamy white, creating a striking contrast with its red flowers. Variegated varieties need slightly more light to maintain leaf patterns but reward growers with their ornamental foliage.
Aeschynanthus mannii
Known for its larger flowers and bushier growth, Aeschynanthus mannii produces bright red blooms with a wide, flared tube. It prefers warm temperatures and high humidity, making it a good candidate for greenhouse cultivation or humid indoor spaces.
Aeschynanthus pulcherrimus
This species is admired for its large, fiery red flowers and lush, dark green leaves. It is native to the Philippines and requires warm, humid conditions and partial shade. It is slower growing but offers spectacular blooms when mature.
Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Golden Glow’
‘Golden Glow’ stands out with yellow-green variegated leaves and the classic red lipstick flowers. The bright foliage adds an extra dimension of color, making it a favorite for collectors seeking contrast. It needs consistent moisture and indirect light.
Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Red Queen’
‘Red Queen’ is a cultivar noted for its intense red flowers that bloom in profusion. It has a slightly more compact growth habit than the species, making it easier to manage indoors or in small spaces. It thrives in warm, humid environments with bright, filtered light.
Aeschynanthus longicaulis ‘Orange Flame’
This variety showcases vibrant orange flowers with a gradient that fades to yellow near the throat. The elongated trailing stems create a dramatic effect in hanging baskets. It prefers warm, humid conditions and indirect sunlight.
Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Crimson Star’
‘Crimson Star’ produces star-shaped, deep crimson flowers with a slightly twisted petal arrangement. This unique floral form adds interest to traditional lipstick plant collections. It requires bright indirect light and well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Coral Kiss’
With coral-pink flowers and glossy green leaves, ‘Coral Kiss’ adds a softer color palette to the lipstick plant family. It grows vigorously in warm, humid conditions and is excellent for hanging baskets or terrariums. Regular feeding encourages more abundant blooming.
Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Ruby Glow’
‘Ruby Glow’ is valued for its deep ruby red flowers that shine under bright indirect light. It has a trailing growth habit that makes it perfect for elevated planters. Consistent moisture and humidity help maintain its lush appearance and flower production.
Aeschynanthus sikkimensis ‘Alba’
A rare white-flowered form of the Himalayan lipstick plant, ‘Alba’ produces pure white tubular flowers with green foliage. Its cooler temperature tolerance and unique flower color make it a collector’s gem. It needs bright, indirect light and high humidity to thrive.
How to Choose
When selecting a lipstick plant variety, consider the environment where you’ll grow it. Light requirements vary slightly among species, but most prefer bright, indirect light to mimic their native tropical understory habitats. Humidity is crucial—higher humidity levels encourage better flowering and prevent leaf drop. Growth habit is another factor; trailing varieties like Aeschynanthus radicans are ideal for hanging baskets, while more compact cultivars suit tabletops and shelves. Finally, consider flower color and foliage patterns to complement your decor or collection. Variegated and rare color forms often need more care but offer unique visual appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water a lipstick plant?
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually once a week. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Q: Can lipstick plants tolerate direct sunlight?
No, direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. Bright, filtered light is best for healthy growth and blooming.
Q: Are lipstick plants toxic to pets?
They are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, but it’s best to keep plants out of reach to avoid any ingestion issues.
Q: How do I encourage more flowers?
Maintain high humidity, consistent watering, and feed with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Q: Can lipstick plants be propagated easily?
Yes, they propagate well from stem cuttings taken in spring or summer, rooted in moist soil or water.
Q: Do lipstick plants need pruning?
Pruning encourages bushier growth and more flowers. Trim back leggy stems after flowering to maintain shape.
Final Thoughts
Lipstick plants offer a dazzling array of colors, foliage, and growth habits that can brighten any indoor or sheltered outdoor space. With over 20 varieties available, from classic reds to rare variegated and white-flowered forms, there’s a lipstick plant to suit every gardener’s style and environment. By understanding their light, humidity, and watering needs, you can enjoy their vibrant blooms year-round and add a tropical flair to your plant collection.
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