October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PCOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
Bettesworth Construction
Aeschynanthus radicans

Lipstick Plant Care Guide: How to Grow Aeschynanthus radicans Indoors

Grow Aeschynanthus radicans indoors with bright filtered light, warm humid conditions, well-drained mix, seasonal watering, and simple stem-cutting propagation.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 3 min read

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Aeschynanthus radicans, commonly called lipstick plant, grows best indoors in bright, filtered light, warmth, and a potting medium that stays moist without becoming waterlogged. Water more freely while it is actively growing, ease off in winter, and provide good airflow around humid conditions. The care advice below refers specifically to this species; other plants sold as lipstick plants may be different Aeschynanthus species.

What conditions does a lipstick plant need?

The Royal Horticultural Society describes Aeschynanthus radicans as a trailing, evergreen tropical perennial suitable for growing as a houseplant. Its main needs are bright filtered light, warmth, humidity, and a well-drained growing medium.

Light

Choose a bright spot with indirect or filtered light. North Carolina State Extension recommends bright indirect light and cautions against full sun, which can be too intense. If the brightest available location receives direct sun, diffuse it with a sheer curtain or move the plant farther from the window.

Temperature and humidity

Keep the plant warm and give it humid air without trapping moisture around the leaves. NC State Extension reports leaf drop below 50°F (10°C), so avoid cold locations and sudden chills. High humidity can suit the plant, but stagnant, damp air can encourage fungal disease; allow air to circulate around the foliage.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Purple Star Lipstick Plants Live Houseplants Trailing Vibrant Red Fuchsia Flowers Plants Live Aeschynanthus Lipstick Flower Plant 2" Pot
  • Vibrant Red Fuchsia Lipstick Plant – Trailing houseplant featuring dark red tubular flowers that resemble lipstick tubes, adding a tropical touch to any indoor space
  • Hanging or Trailing Plant – Ideal for hanging baskets, shelves, windowsills, or decorative planters with cascading green foliage and elegant vines.
  • Easy Indoor Care – Thrives in bright indirect light with moderate watering, making it a great low-maintenance houseplant for homes and offices.
  • You will receive a live plant growing in a 2-inch nursery pot

How should you water and feed it?

Watering through the seasons

During active growth, water freely enough to keep the medium moist, then let excess water drain away. Do not leave the roots in saturated mix or standing water. The RHS recommends watering freely during active growth and sparingly in winter; Missouri Botanical Garden likewise advises keeping the growing medium moist but not soggy.

In winter, reduce watering as growth slows. Check the medium rather than following a rigid calendar: the aim is to avoid both prolonged dryness and persistent saturation.

Rank #2
Purple Star (Lipstick Plant) - 4'' from California Tropicals
  • All of our listings have very representative pictures of what you would receive.
  • This plant comes fully rooted in a 4" pot, ready to grow in and your beautiful home or your office.
  • Enhance Your Environment
  • Perfect gift for any occassion!

Fertilizer

From mid-spring to late summer, the RHS recommends a half-strength general liquid fertilizer once a month. NC State Extension also supports dilute liquid fertilizer during the growing season. Follow the product’s dilution directions and avoid feeding heavily when the plant is not actively growing.

What potting medium and pot should you use?

Use a medium that holds some moisture while allowing excess water to drain. The RHS recommends peat-free houseplant compost. Missouri Botanical Garden describes a medium that includes sphagnum and suggests African violet mix with crushed charcoal. These are different source-specific options, not a single required recipe. Choose a suitable mix for your conditions and make sure the pot has drainage holes.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Vibrant Red Lipstick Plants Live Houseplants Trailing Plants Live Aeschynanthus Lipstick Flower Plant 4" Pot
  • Vibrant Red Lipstick Plant – Trailing houseplant featuring bright red tubular flowers that resemble lipstick tubes, adding a tropical touch to any indoor space.
  • Hanging or Trailing Plant – Ideal for hanging baskets, shelves, windowsills, or decorative planters with cascading green foliage and elegant vines.
  • Easy Indoor Care – Thrives in bright indirect light with moderate watering, making it a great low-maintenance houseplant for homes and offices.
  • You will receive a live plant growing in a 4-inch nursery pot

If the medium stays wet for too long, improve drainage rather than responding with more fertilizer. If it dries very quickly, check whether the plant needs more frequent watering or a medium that holds moisture better while still draining freely.

How do you propagate a lipstick plant?

Propagation is usually done from stem cuttings. The RHS recommends softwood cuttings in spring or semi-ripe cuttings in summer. NC State Extension provides a more specific approach:

Rank #4
Sprout N Green Echeveria agavoides 'Lipstick', Live Succulent Fully Rooted in 4 inch Starter Pot, House Plant for Indoor Outdoor Home Office Wedding Decoration Party Favor
  • Echeveria agavoides 'Lipstick' - Echeveria agavoides 'Lipstick', also known as Echeveria agavoides 'Red Edge'. The beautiful succulent is attractive by its apple-green color with red edges, like a succulent with lipstick. Echeveria agavoides 'Lipstick' has triangular-shaped leaves with sharp spines at the tips. The big succulent can produce offset slowly, the leaves can grow up to 3.2 inches tall and 1.6 inches wide. Scarlet red will bloom in summer
  • How to Color - Provide 6+ hours of bright direct sunlight daily (10–12 hours grow light indoors). Maintain an 46–54°F day-night temperature difference in fall/winter. Water only when soil is 70–80% dry—avoid wetting leaves or rosette center. Use fast-draining gritty soil (60–70% perlite/pumice) and ensure good ventilation. Shade from intense midday sun in summer
  • Easy to Care - Like most Echeverias, Echeveria agavoides 'Lipstick' requires indirect bright sunlight to maintain the color and shape form. In spring and fall, it can be placed outdoor to get full sunlight. Shade is required in summer to avoid sunburn. In winter, protection from frost is needed. Click here to learn how to overwinter succulents
  • Ideal Decor - With beautiful leaves, Echeveria agavoides 'Lipstick' is a great choice as trailing houseplant by a south-facing window. From boy to girl, from women to old lady, everyone like it. Choosing Echeveria agavoides 'Lipstick' plant bonsai as a unique sincere present for Valentine's Day or Mother's Day to you family, friends, colleagues, etc
  • Important Notes - Succulents may vary from pictures shown as they are living plants and grow differently throughout the year. Once you receive the package, please take it inside the house soon. Succulents' leaves are very fragile and may fall off during long trip. If your plant is missing some leaves upon arrival, just know they will grow back over time
  1. Take a soft stem cutting with three nodes.
  2. Keep the uppermost two to four leaves and remove leaves from the lower part of the cutting.
  3. Insert the cutting into equal parts vermiculite and perlite.
  4. Keep the medium moist while the cutting roots, without leaving it waterlogged.

NC State Extension says roots should appear in two weeks; treat that as its published guidance, not a guaranteed timetable for every cutting or home. Rooting conditions and timing can vary.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

When and how should you prune it?

Trim weak or overly long shoots as needed to manage the plant’s trailing growth. Use clean pruning tools and remove only the growth you want to shorten or tidy. The RHS lists pruning as part of the plant’s care but does not prescribe a particular pruning schedule.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
Live Curly Lipstick Plants for Trailing Indoor Outdoor, Red Twisted Lipstick Flower, Tropical Houseplants, 4-8 Inch Tall, No Pot
  • USDA Zones: 10-12
  • Blooming Season: Spring through fall
  • Soil and water: Well-draining soil. Water when the top 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of soil feels dry. Keep evenly moist during active growth but avoid waterlogged soil
  • Light: Bright, indirect light
  • Temperatures are between 65 degrees Fahrenheit and 85 degrees Fahrenheit

Which pests and diseases should you watch for?

The RHS lists aphids and mealybugs. NC State Extension also identifies mites, Botrytis blight, and leaf spot. Inspect stems and both sides of leaves when you water, so you can notice problems early.

  • Aphids and mealybugs: Check stems and leaf surfaces for insects or visible signs of infestation.
  • Mites: Look for signs of damage on foliage and inspect the plant closely.
  • Botrytis blight and leaf spot: NC State Extension advises keeping leaves dry and foliage away from the potting medium to help reduce fungal problems. Pair humidity with airflow rather than stagnant, wet conditions.

Sources: Royal Horticultural Society, Aeschynanthus radicans | lipstick plant; North Carolina State Extension, Lipstick Plant – Aeschynanthus radicans; Missouri Botanical Garden, Aeschynanthus radicans – Plant Finder.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 2
Purple Star (Lipstick Plant) - 4'' from California Tropicals
Purple Star (Lipstick Plant) - 4'' from California Tropicals
All of our listings have very representative pictures of what you would receive.; Enhance Your Environment
$17.99
Bestseller No. 3
Bestseller No. 5
Live Curly Lipstick Plants for Trailing Indoor Outdoor, Red Twisted Lipstick Flower, Tropical Houseplants, 4-8 Inch Tall, No Pot
Live Curly Lipstick Plants for Trailing Indoor Outdoor, Red Twisted Lipstick Flower, Tropical Houseplants, 4-8 Inch Tall, No Pot
USDA Zones: 10-12; Blooming Season: Spring through fall; Light: Bright, indirect light; Temperatures are between 65 degrees Fahrenheit and 85 degrees Fahrenheit
$10.99

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Site Office

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.