Aeschynanthus radicans Jack 1823, commonly called Lipstick Plant, is a tropical, epiphytic or lithophytic growing, vine-like plant, native to the Malay Peninsula.

The funny name lipstick plant has been given as the unopened, scarlet colored flowers, growing from dark, brownish-red tube-like structures, look like lipsticks. The evergreen lipstick plant with its attractive, leathery, green leaves can reach lengths up to about 1,50 meters and is best cultivated in hanging baskets. The small tropical plant is considered as an excellent interior plant, but requires warmth, high humidity, regularly watering, as the plant seems to be very thirsty and bright light, but no direct sunlight. During the winter rest period watering should be restricted. The Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) should be pruned after flowering to get a fuller appearance. The stunning, tubular flowers get a length of about 7 cm. Flowering season: May - August, in a tropical climate even longer. The tropical flowering vine is best propagated by cuttings and is reckoned as an easy to care plant.

Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans)