Twisted Lipstick Plant Care Guide

The Twisted Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans 'Twister') is a stunning trailing houseplant with curly green leaves and bright red flowers that resemble a tube of lipstick.

🌟 Quick Look

• 🌞 Lighting Needs: Bright, indirect light
• 💧 Watering Needs: Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry
• 📏 Mature Size: Trails up to 2 feet long
• 🌱 How to Propagate: Stem cuttings in soil
• 🚫 Toxic/Non-toxic: Non-toxic to pets and humans
• 🌸 Flowering: Produces red tubular flowers in warm months

🏡 Twisted Lipstick Plant Care

This low-maintenance, easy-to-grow plant thrives in bright, indirect light and is perfect for hanging baskets or shelves.

🌞 Lighting Needs

• Thrives in bright, indirect light.
• Can tolerate medium light, but less light may reduce blooming.
• Avoid direct sun, as it can scorch the leaves.

💡 Tip: If your plant is not blooming, move it to a brighter spot near an east- or south-facing window.

💧 Watering Needs

• Water when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry (about once every 1-2 weeks).
• Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent root rot.
• Avoid overwatering, as these plants are prone to root rot.

💡 Tip: Use room-temperature filtered water to prevent leaf spotting.

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity

• Prefers 65-80°F (18-27°C).
• Keep above 50°F (10°C)—avoid cold drafts.
• Loves humidity! Mist regularly or use a humidifier.

💡 Tip: Place near a kitchen or bathroom for naturally higher humidity.

🪴 Soil & Potting

• Use a well-draining houseplant mix, such as:
  • Regular potting soil + perlite for better aeration.
  • Orchid bark + peat moss to mimic its natural epiphytic environment.
• Avoid heavy, compacted soil, which can cause root rot.

🌿 Fertilization

• Feed once a month in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength.
• Reduce feeding in fall and winter, when growth slows.

✂️ Pruning & Maintenance

• Trim leggy stems to encourage bushy growth.
• Remove dead or yellow leaves to keep the plant healthy.

🌱 Propagation

Twisted Lipstick Plants are easy to propagate!

How to propagate in soil:

1. Cut a 4-6 inch healthy stem just below a leaf node.
2. Remove lower leaves.
3. Plant in moist, well-draining soil with at least one or two nodes under the surface.
4. Water lightly and cover with a plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect.
5. Roots should develop in 2-4 weeks!

💡 Tip: Wait until roots are established before repotting or moving to a new location.

🚫 Is Twisted Lipstick Plant Toxic?

No! This plant is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. However, it's still best to keep it out of reach to avoid accidental damage.

🛠 Troubleshooting & Common Problems

🍂 Why are the leaves falling off?

• Cause: Overwatering.
• Solution: Allow soil to dry between waterings and ensure proper drainage.

🏜️ Why are the leaves shriveled or dry?

• Cause: Underwatering or low humidity.
• Solution: Water more often and increase humidity by misting or using a humidifier.

🍃 Why are the leaves turning yellow?

• Cause: Overwatering.
• Solution: Let the soil dry completely before watering again.

🌸 Why isn’t my lipstick plant blooming?

• Cause: Not enough light.
• Solution: Move to a brighter location with bright, indirect light.

🐛 Pests (Spider Mites, Mealybugs, Aphids)

• Solution: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth, and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.

🌿 Final Thoughts

The Twisted Lipstick Plant is a beautiful, easy-care trailing plant that thrives in bright, indirect light and moderate humidity. With proper watering and occasional fertilization, it will reward you with lush green vines and stunning red flowers.

Just remember: avoid overwatering, provide bright light, and prune regularly for best results!