How to Grow and Care for a Twisted Lipstick Plant

The twisted lipstick plant, an eye-catching variety of the lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Twister’), has long been a popular houseplant, prized for its long, trailing stems covered in uniquely twisted leaves and red, lipstick-shaped flowers. Native to Southeast Asia, lipstick plants naturally grow high up in trees as epiphytes and on cliff sides as lithophytes, where they grow among leaf litter. Most types of lipstick plants are easily adaptable to indoor conditions and can live for many years as houseplants. Follow this guide to learn how to grow and care for twisted lipstick plants indoors.

How to Care for a Twisted Lipstick Plant Houseplant

The twisted lipstick plant is a striking, tropical houseplant suitable for homes where the temperature remains above 65°F during the day and above 60°F at night. It requires bright, indirect light and a well-draining potting mix for optimal growth. The plant’s trailing growth makes it an excellent choice for hanging baskets.

Although the plant blooms irregularly as a houseplant, moving it outdoors to a location with indirect light in warm months can encourage blooming.

Twisted Lipstick Plant Care Tips

Although they aren’t as demanding as some tropical plants, twisted lipstick plants have specific needs related to soil, water, light, and temperature. When these are met, the plant is easy to care for.

Light

Bright, indirect light, which mimics the lipstick plant’s native habitat in forests, is best and will keep the plants full and healthy enough to bloom. Plants exposed to direct sunlight tend to burn, and those in too dim light cease to bloom and may become leggy.

Soil and Water

In their native habitat, lipstick plants grow on the mossy branches of tall trees and among rocks, where leaf litter has formed a thin layer of soil. To keep plants healthy, provide a loamy, well-draining potting mix and keep the soil just barely damp.

When watering a twisted lipstick plant, soak the soil thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before watering again. Plants in overly wet soil may rot. Test that the top inch or two of soil is dry before watering again. Usually, watering every 1 to 2 weeks is sufficient.

Temperature and Humidity

Twisted lipstick plants thrive in warm, humid environments similar to their native tropical habitat. They can adapt to indoor conditions if the temperature stays above 65°F during the day and 60°F at night. If temperatures drop as low as 50°F, the plant’s leaves will yellow, and plant damage will occur.

The plant can survive in typical household humidity levels of 40% to 60%, but it will not thrive to its full potential. Insufficient humidity can cause the leaves’ edges to brown and lead to leaf and flower drop. To enhance humidity, place the plant in a more humid room like the kitchen or bathroom, or use a nearby humidifier for optimal results.

Fertilizer

As an epiphyte, a twisted lipstick plant does not require large amounts of fertilizer. However, it benefits from a little fertilizer while actively growing or flowering. Use a houseplant fertilizer at half-strength or an organic fertilizer, such as fish or kelp emulsion, every third watering.

Pruning

While pruning twisted lipstick plants is not necessary, some trimming of broken, scraggly, or old stems can improve the plant’s overall appearance and potentially lead to a fuller, leafier plant.

Pest and Problems

Twisted lipstick plants are generally robust but can suffer from root rot if the soil is too wet, particularly in cool conditions when growth is slow. To prevent rot, keep the soil well-drained and provide an environment with warm temperatures.

These plants may also face pest issues like mealybugs and spider mites. Combat these pests with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Rinse the plant in a sink or shower with warm water on a regular schedule to help manage pest populations.

Propagating Twisted Lipstick Plants

Lipstick plants can easily be propagated from stem cuttings by following a few simple steps:

1. Use a clean pair of scissors or shears to remove healthy, non-blooming stems from an existing plant. Cut sections approximately 6 inches long and remove all but one or two leaves.
2. Prepare a mixture of three-quarters perlite and one-quarter potting soil, and place it in containers to use for cuttings.
3. Dip about 1 inch of each stem into a rooting hormone powder.
4. Using a pencil or your finger, create a hole large enough to fit about a third of the cuttings into the soil.
5. Place the cutting into the hole, being careful not to knock off rooting hormone as you do so. Fill in holes around each stem with additional mix.
6. Water plants and keep them in a warm, humid location with bright, indirect lighting. A warming mat designed for seed starting can help promote root growth.

Types of Lipstick Plants

Lipstick Vine

A cousin of the twisted lipstick plant, lipstick vine (Aeschynanthus pulcher) also produces red flowers.

Basket Vine

Another plant that is often confused with the lipstick plant is the basket vine (Aeschynanthus speciosus). It produces long, trailing stems, but with bright orange flowers that fade to yellow and green at their base.

Variegated Lipstick Plant

This plant looks identical in all aspects to the straight species, but the leaves of variegated lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Variegata’) are mottled white and cream.

Curly Lipstick Plant

This variety of lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Curly’) is often confused with the twisted lipstick plant, but instead of producing contorted leaves, this cultivar produces gently curled leaves, giving it a tidier appearance.