Lipstick Plant 'Mona Lisa'

English name:

Latin name:

Aeschynanthus 'Mona Lisa'

About me:

Like my famous namesake, I will keep you mesmerised and contemplative. My flowers are surrounded by dark green leaves, as though coming out of a dark tube; hence the moniker Lipstick Plant.

Useful to know:

Origin

I am native to Malaysia and Indonesia.

Height/Growth

My vines can grow up to 1m in length indoors, if cared for well.

Light

I love bright light but not direct sunlight - it scorches my leaves.

Water

I prefer my soil on the dry side but please never leave me totally dry. I can withstand a certain amount of drought but not overwatering so please don't let me sit in water. I'm also partial to regular misting.

Temperature

I'm happy with normal room temperature but keep me away from hot or cold draughts please.

Feeding

Feed me with regular liquid fertiliser during spring and summer every 2-3 weeks.

Grooming

The best time to prune me is after flowering season. Keep my stems from getting straggly to encourage thicker growth. Or, just pick off any dry leaves and let me grow wild!

Care

The most common issue with me is leaf-drop - if more than the top inch of my soil is dry, please water me more. If you notice yellow leaves, I probably need more light.

Toxicity

Good news: I am pet-safe!

Fact

The name Aeschynanthus comes from the Greek contraction of aischuno (to be ashamed) and anthos (flower), so the literal translation is 'ashamed red flower'. You would also like to see Lipstick Plant Aeschynanthus Japhrolepis.