Aeschynanthus speciosus
Lipstick vine
Description
Source: leafsnapAeschynanthus speciosus, also known as the basket plant, is a species of flowering plant in the family Gesneriaceae. There are many species of Aeschynanthus, all of which have long, trailing stems and bright flowers. The large, fleshy, dark green leaves are up to 10 cm (4 in) long and 4 cm (1+1⁄2 in) wide and are arranged in groups along the stems. The flowers can be as long as 10 cm (4 in) and grow in clusters that usually consist of 6–20 flowers. Most of the time they are shaded in different colors, from orange–yellow in the lower area to orange–red at the tip with a blotched red inside and a yellow streaked throat. With a minimum temperature of 8 °C (46 °F), A. speciosus 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.
Care Guide
💧 Water
Aeschynanthus speciosus, native to tropical forest understories, thrives in moist environments. For healthy growth, it should be watered weekly and kept in consistently humid conditions. When grown indoors, maintaining adequate humidity is essential for vibrant flowering during its growing season.
☀️ Light Partial sun
Aeschynanthus speciosus is native to habitats like forest understories and rocky areas, where it grows in naturally shaded conditions. It prefers partial sun but can tolerate both full sun and full shade, illustrating its adaptable and hardy character.
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C
Aeschynanthus speciosus comes from tropical areas, where the weather is generally warm and humid. Consequently, it is adapted to elevated temperatures and moisture. It is sensitive to abrupt shifts in temperature and does best in a steady thermal environment, so indoor temperature swings should be avoided. It typically cannot tolerate cold conditions and needs warmer temperatures to grow. If the surrounding temperature falls too far, the plant may stop growing or could perish.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil 5-6
🌱 Fertilizer
Correct fertilization is essential for the health and appearance of Aeschynanthus speciosus. Fertilize Aeschynanthus speciosus during summer, repeating the application monthly throughout the season. The nutrients provided support growth and the maintenance of the plant's structures. Fertilizing improves Aeschynanthus speciosus's flowering, ensuring it produces its best blooms.
🪴 Pot & Repot 2-3 years
When repotting Aeschynanthus speciosus, select a pot 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger with ample drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring or fall, ensuring that the root ball is slightly lower than the rim of the pot. Water thoroughly after repotting and place in a warm spot with indirect sunlight.
✂️ Pruning
Aeschynanthus speciosus is known for its vibrant, tubular flowers and cascading growth. To encourage bushier growth and more abundant flowering, prune it in early spring. Remove any dead or damaged stems to improve the overall health of the plant. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and prevents it from becoming unruly, allowing for recovery during the growing season.
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Vine, Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Aeschynanthus
- Family
- Gesneriaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-12
- Mature Height
- 30 cm
- Mature Spread
- 46 cm
- Leaf Color
- Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Semi-evergreen
- Flower Color
- Red
- Flower Size
- 5.08 cm to 6.35 cm
- Bloom Time
- Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Fall, Early winter, Mid winter
- Native Area
- Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand