Family: Gesneriaceae
Common Name: Zebra Basket Vine, Lipstick Plant, Lipstick Vine
Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus marmoratus
The lovely Zebra Basket Vine (Aeschynathus marmoratus) is the perfect indoor plant for anyone who loves funky foliage and has no P.H.D. in botany! This plant is low maintenance, as it has very few care requirements. This plant makes the perfect gift and will make a statement in any brightly lit room!
Light
Zebra Basket Vine plants prefer bright, indirect light. Placing this plant near a window with a sheer curtain is ideal. Don't expose this plant to direct sunlight, as it can burn its leaves.
Water
Your Lipstick Vine should be watered when the soil's top inch (2.5 cm) feels dry to the touch! Be sure not to over water this plant, as it can cause the roots to rot. You may need to water this plant in the spring and summer months more often than in the fall and winter. During the year's cooler months, you can reduce how often you water this plant.
Soil
A well-draining soil is best for your Zebra Basket Vine plant. A good choice for the best drainage is a mix of potting soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand! You can also add organic matter, benefiting the plant's growth and overall health. The pH level range should be between 6.0 to 7.0. And remember, if you are growing this plant in a container, you should ensure it has drainage holes that let water quickly drain out.
Temperature
Your Zebra Basket Vine plant will thrive in the temperature range between 65°F and 80°F. Avoid this plant being exposed to cold drafts from air conditioning units or open windows in the cooler months, as it can harm the plant. Although Zebra Basket Vine plants can tolerate some temperature fluctuations during the day and night, avoiding any extreme temperature changes is still a good idea, as it can cause stress to the plant.
Humidity
Your Lipstick Vine's ideal humidity level range is between 50% to 60% or higher. This plant thrives most in environments with higher moisture in the air! To increase humidity levels, you can provide your plant with a tray filled with water and pebbles, group plants together, use a room humidifier, or regularly mist your plant's leaves. You can also add a layer of peat moss or organic mulch around this plant, which will help retain moisture and increase humidity levels!
Fertilizer
You should fertilize your Zebra Basket Vine plant every 2 to 4 weeks in the spring and summer months. In the cooler months, you can reduce or pause fertilizing your plant as the plant's growth slows down naturally. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with equal nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Growth Rate
The Zebra Basket Vine plant is considered to grow moderately to fast. On average, this plant can reach a mature height of around 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm) when grown indoors. It can grow even taller when grown in their native tropical habitats!
Pet Friend or Foe
Zebra Basket Vine plants are not pet-friendly! Foe!
Pro Tips
- Prune your Zebra Basket Vine plant regularly to help it grow bushier!
- Avoid your plant near any cold drafts and quick temperature changes, as it can stress the plant.
- Reduce or pause fertilizing your plant in the fall and wintertime.
- Don't over water this plant, as it can lead to root rot!
- Repot your plant into a slightly bigger container during the growing season if you notice it is becoming root-bound or outgrows its current pot.