Lipstick Plant is a popular houseplant known for its attractive, glossy green oval foliage and striking red tubular flowers that resemble a tube of lipstick, hence its common name. Suitable for trailing or hanging.
- Size: Lipstick plants are trailing or vining plants that can grow up to 12-24 inches in length.
- Light: Lipstick plants thrive in bright, indirect light. They can tolerate some morning sun, but avoid exposing them to harsh, direct sunlight, as it can scorch their leaves.
- Temperature: Maintain a warm environment for your lipstick plant. They prefer temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid exposing them to cold drafts.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch (2.5 cm) of the soil feels dry. During the growing season (spring and summer), you may need to water more frequently, and in the winter, reduce watering.
- Humidity: Lipstick plants appreciate higher humidity levels. You can increase humidity by misting the plant, using a humidity tray, or placing a humidifier nearby.
- Soil: Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix that retains some moisture but doesn't become waterlogged.
- Fertilizing: Feed your lipstick plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
- Pruning: Trim your lipstick plant to encourage bushier growth and remove any leggy or dead stems. Pinch back the growing tips to promote branching.
- Repotting: Lipstick plants don't need frequent repotting. Repot when the plant becomes root-bound, usually every 2-3 years.
- Support: Provide a trellis or stake if you want to train your lipstick plant to grow upright. This will help control its trailing growth.