Aeschynanthus pulcher

Aeschynanthus pulcher, the lipstick plant or red bugle vine, is a species of evergreen perennial plant in the family Gesneriaceae, native to Indochina and western Malesia. An epiphytic climber, it produces clusters of red flowers from summer to winter. The common name "lipstick plant" refers to the bright red tubular flowers, about 6 cm long, that emerge from a maroon calyx, which resemble lipstick emerging from a tube. The plant may grow 60 cm to 2 meters tall, with an average spread of 50 cm. The leaves are elliptic and are arranged in pairs, with smooth edges.The specific epithet pulcher means "pretty" or "beautiful", referring to the brilliant red blooms.With a minimum temperature of 15–18 °C (59–64 °F), A. pulcher is grown as a houseplant in temperate regions. It is particularly suitable for hanging baskets. It requires bright light but not direct sunlight, does best in humid conditions, and should be potted in a porous, acidic medium. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. It has heavy, succulent-like leaves and the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. Common pests include aphids and mealybugs.

Characteristics

Plant Type

Herb

Life Cycle

Perennial

Genus

Aeschynanthus

Family

Gesneriaceae

Hardiness Zone

11

Mature Height

20 cm to 30 cm

Mature Spread

61 cm to 91 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Evergreen

Flower Color

Red, White, Yellow, Pink, Orange

Flower Size

2.54 cm to 5.08 cm

Bloom Time

All year round

Planting Time

Spring, Autumn

Harvest Time

All year round

Native Area

Indonesia

Tags (14)

Common Names (4)