Common Name: Variegated Lipstick Vine, Variegated Lipstick Plant, Variegated Basket Vine, Variegated Lipstick Plant Vine, Variegated Lipstick Hanging Plant, Tricolor Lipstick Plant
Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus lobbianus variegated
This Variegated Lipstick Plant is having the time of its life, or at least it looks that way! The new growth on this Aeschynanthus lobbianus is sprinkled with green and white leaves, creating a top layer of marbled goodness! These fast-growing indoor vines love bright indirect light. If these plants are given over 6 hours of bright indirect sunlight daily, they will produce the most precious tubular flowers! If you place your Lipstick Plant outdoors in the warmer months, put it in a shady spot. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can be damaging.
Light
Variegated Lipstick Plant does best in bright, indirect sunlight. To ensure this, you can put your plant in a spot where it will receive either filtered or partially shaded light, as the direct sun can be too much for the plant. This could cause the leaves to burn or get discolored. Also, placing your plant a few feet away from a north or east window is key.
Although this plant likes bright light, it can survive in lower-light conditions. It is essential to put it in a moderately dim area with little to no natural light. If you do this, their leaves could lose the bright coloration and become leggy.
The right balance of light for your Variegated Lipstick Plant could need adjustments based on your home's specific condition, so always monitor your plant's response to it very closely
Water
Your Variegated Lipstick Plant will need moist but not soggy water to thrive. You should ensure that you are not overwatering your plant.
How often you should water your Variegated Lipstick Plant depends on the environment, pot size, and temperature. However, we suggest you water your plant once or twice a week. It is better to underwater your plant than over water it since this type of plant.
Soil
It is preferred for Variegated Lipstick Plants to be in soil that is well-drained and slightly acidic. Usually, we recommend a peat-based potting mix, as it gives a good amount of moisture retention while also getting the excess water to drain.You could also incorporate perlite or vermiculite into the potting mix, as it would help the drainage and aeration.
Regarding pH level, your plant will like slightly acidic soil with a pH range of around 5.5 to 6. A pH testing kit can ensure the soil is within this range.
Try to prevent your soil from being heavy or receiving too much moisture. This could cause waterlogging conditions and root rot in your plant.
Temperature
Variegated Lipstick Plant will do the best when they are in temperatures that are warm, consistent, and similar to their native tropical habits. The temperature range that they will thrive in is between 65°F (18°C) and 80°F (27°C). You should also keep the plant in a spot where the temperature will maintain this range for most of the year.Always try to protect your plant from extreme temperatures. Although you should avoid placing your plant near open windows or doors during winter, we suggest you keep it far from heat sources like radiators or heating vents. Exposure to any of this can lead to stress and damage to the plant.
This being said, the minimum temperature that your plant could survive in is 60°F (15°C), and anything lower could cause a lot of damage to your plant's overall growth and leaves.
Humidity
This type of plant appreciates higher humidity levels. You can consider misting the leaves, using a humidifier, or putting the plant on a tray with water and pebbles if your home temperature drops.
Ideally, aim for a humidity level between 50% and 60%. However, to be even more beneficial for your plant's overall health, any level up to 70% is suitable for your Variegated Lipstick Plant.
With your plant, always ensure it stays away from dry air. If your plant is exposed to dry air, this can cause the humidity levels to be decreased – leading to leaf problems.
We suggest putting your plant with plants that do best in high humidity, like ferns or other tropical plants. This can help create an even more humid microclimate.
Fertilizer
Your Variegated Lipstick Plant needs to be fertilized. It is suggested to use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer specifically made for indoor plants. The recommended equal ratio is nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).
Plan to fertilize your plant every two to four weeks and dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended dose to avoid overfertilizing your plant.
Pause fertilizing your plant during the winter season. Your plant will need to be fed less often during the semi-dormant period.
Ensure you follow the directions on the fertilizers package, as different fertilizers' needs vary.
Growth Rate
Usually, Variegated Lipstick Plants are slow-growing plants. When grown indoors, this plant can reach a mature height of around 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm).
Ensure your plant receives the proper care and maintenance for its growth rate to be positively impacted.
Pet Friend or Foe
Variegated Lipstick Plants are considered to be pet-friendly! Friend!
Pro Tips
- You must choose a pot with good drainage for your Variegated Lipstick Plant. This will help to prevent waterlogging.
- Give your plant a trellis or support structure so your plant can climb or trail if wanted!
- Clean the leaves carefully with a damp cloth to remove dust!
- This plant is not a fast-growing plant, so be patient!