A: Yes, you can! But keep in mind, avocado trees need a lot of light. Make sure to place it in a sunny spot (preferably south-facing) or use a grow light to help it thrive indoors.
A: Yes, avocado trees are self-pollinating, meaning they don’t need another tree to produce fruit. However, having two trees can improve fruit production by increasing pollination.
A: Avocado trees need a lot of room to grow—expect them to reach 30-40 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide! Be sure to plant them at least 15-20 feet away from other trees, structures, or fences to give them room to spread out.
A: Perennial herbs come back year after year, so once you plant them, you’ll have them for a long time! Annual herbs, on the other hand, only last for one growing season, so you’ll need to replant them each year. Perennials like mint, echinacea, and yarrow save you the hassle of replanting every spring.
A: The key is to harvest selectively! Only take what you need from each plant—this lets it continue to grow and regenerate. For herbs like mint and sage, you can snip off the top leaves regularly to encourage fresh growth. For larger plants like echinacea or valerian, cut back the flowers once they’ve bloomed to keep the plant healthy.
A: There are tons of ways to use your medicinal herbs! Fresh leaves can be used in teas, tinctures, or poultices. Dried herbs ar
A: Most early spring blue flowers like Crocus and Iris reticulata are perennials. They come back every year, giving you reliable, beautiful blooms each spring. However, some, like Scilla and Chionodoxa, are typically planted as perennials, too, but depending on your climate, you may treat them as annuals if they don’t come back reliably in colder areas.
A: Absolutely! If you’re looking to mix things up, there are some gorgeous white flowers that bloom just as early as blue ones. Snowdrops are a classic—these delicate flowers pop up right when the snow is melting. Anemone is another great option; it has simple, pure white blooms that are perfect for adding a clean, crisp touch to your spring garden.
A: For a stunning contrast, try planting blue ones like Crocus and Iris reticulata next to white ones like Anemone or Lily of the Valley. The combination of the cool blues with the fresh white blooms will create a striking visual impact. You can also create a natural look by planting them in clusters or drifts across your garden.
With its cascading vines and vibrant red, tube-shaped flowers, the lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) is a stunning addition to any indoor garden. Named for its flower buds that resemble a tube of lipstick emerging from its case, this tropical beauty thrives in warm, humid conditions and is perfect for hanging baskets or elevated planters. While relatively low-maintenance, it requires the right balance of light, water, and humidity to flourish. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about lipstick plant care—from ideal growing conditions to troubleshooting common problems—so you can keep your plant thriving and blooming year-round.
Lipstick plants (Aeschynanthus) are known for their vibrant, tube-shaped flowers and trailing growth habit, making them excellent choices for hanging baskets and indoor displays. Here are some of the best varieties, each with unique foliage and floral features:
The classic lipstick plant, featuring long, trailing stems adorned with glossy, deep green leaves. It produces clusters of bright red, tubular flowers that emerge from dark, lipstick-like buds, giving the plant its name. This variety thrives in warm, humid conditions and is a favorite for indoor hanging planters.
A more striking version of Aeschynanthus radicans, this variety boasts larger, more vibrant red flowers. The blooms have a rich, almost velvety texture, creating a dramatic contrast against the plant’s lush green foliage. ‘Mona Lisa’ is an excellent choice for those looking for a more pronounced floral display.
As the name suggests, this variety features uniquely twisted and curled leaves, giving it an eye-catching, textured appearance. The red flowers, similar to the classic lipstick plant, emerge from its cascading stems, adding a bold pop of color. This variety is particularly popular for its decorative foliage, even when not in bloom.
This stunning variety stands out with its green leaves streaked with creamy white or yellow variegation. The contrast of the variegated foliage against the signature red blooms makes it a visually striking plant. It requires bright, indirect light to maintain its variegation and thrives in well-draining soil.
A dramatic variety featuring tightly spiraled, curling foliage that adds a sculptural element to any indoor space. The deep green leaves twist and curve along the trailing stems, creating a dynamic look. The plant also produces vibrant red flowers, which contrast beautifully against the twisted leaves.
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To support healthy growth, the lipstick plant requires a well-draining, lightweight potting mix that promotes air circulation around its roots. A blend of orchid bark, peat moss, and perlite is ideal, as it provides the perfect balance of moisture retention and aeration. This combination ensures that water does not accumulate at the roots, which helps prevent the risk of root rot. By creating a breathable and nutrient-rich environment, the plant remains healthy, vibrant, and well-nourished.
Maintaining the right watering routine is essential for a thriving lipstick plant. Since excess moisture can lead to root rot, it’s best to wait until the top inch of soil has dried out before watering again. Always use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the roots, as sudden temperature changes can stress the plant. Ensuring proper drainage is also key—water should flow freely from the pot, preventing any stagnation. If you're unsure, it's safer to underwater slightly rather than risk keeping the soil overly damp, which could lead to fungal issues.
Closely linked to watering, temperature and humidity play a significant role in the lipstick plant’s overall health. As a tropical plant, it thrives in warm conditions, with an ideal temperature range between 65-80°F (18-27°C). It also prefers moderate to high humidity levels, ideally around 50-70%. If the surrounding air is too dry, the plant may struggle, showing signs of stress such as curling leaves or slowed growth. To maintain the right humidity, consider occasional misting, placing a humidity tray nearby, or using a humidifier. Additionally, keeping the plant away from cold drafts, air conditioning vents, or areas with sudden temperature fluctuations will help prevent stress and ensure steady growth.
Just as temperature and humidity contribute to a healthy plant, proper lighting is equally important. The lipstick plant flourishes in bright, indirect light, making it an excellent choice for spaces near east or north-facing windows. However, exposure to direct sunlight should be minimized, as intense rays can scorch the leaves, causing brown spots and potential damage. If natural light is limited, a grow light can be a great alternative to supplement its needs, ensuring continuous, lush growth and encouraging the plant to produce its signature vibrant blooms.
To keep your lipstick plant lush and blooming, regular feeding is essential. During its active growing season in spring and summer, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formula) every two to three weeks. This provides the necessary nutrients for strong foliage and vibrant flowers. However, excessive feeding can cause the plant to produce more leaves at the expense of blooms, so it’s best to dilute the fertilizer to half strength. As the plant enters its dormant phase in fall and winter, its growth naturally slows, meaning it requires fewer nutrients. To prevent over-fertilization, reduce feeding to once a month or stop entirely until spring arrives.
Pruning plays a crucial role in maintaining the lipstick plant’s shape and encouraging healthy growth. Over time, vines can become long and leggy, making the plant look sparse. Regularly trimming back these vines promotes fuller, more compact foliage, resulting in a bushier and more attractive plant. When pruning, use sterilized scissors or shears and cut just above a leaf node, where new growth will emerge. In addition to shaping the plant, removing spent flowers and yellowing leaves helps direct energy toward producing new blooms. This not only keeps the plant looking vibrant but also improves air circulation, reducing the risk of pests and fungal infections. A little pruning every few weeks can make a big difference in keeping your lipstick plant thriving.
Although mulching is not necessary for indoor lipstick plants, it can be highly beneficial for those grown outdoors. A light layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark, coconut coir, or compost, helps retain soil moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering. In addition to keeping the roots hydrated, mulch also regulates soil temperature by keeping it cool in summer and insulated during cooler months. However, it’s important to apply mulch carefully—placing it too close to the plant’s stems can trap excess moisture and lead to root rot. If your lipstick plant is potted outside, a thin layer of mulch can also help prevent rapid evaporation, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist.
Like many houseplants, lipstick plants prefer a slightly snug pot, but they should still be repotted every two to three years to ensure healthy root growth. A clear sign that your plant needs repotting is when roots start growing out of the drainage holes or the soil dries out too quickly after watering. When selecting a new pot, choose one that is only slightly larger than the current one and has adequate drainage holes to prevent water buildup. Use a well-draining potting mix—one that includes peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark—to provide the perfect balance of moisture retention and aeration. Before repotting, gently loosen the roots to encourage them to spread into the fresh soil. If the plant is still growing well in its current container, you can simply refresh the top layer of soil to replenish nutrients without disturbing the roots.
As temperatures drop, lipstick plants require some adjustments to their care routine to stay healthy through the winter months. Since they are tropical plants, they are sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature changes, which can lead to leaf drop or stunted growth. To keep them comfortable, place them in a warm, stable environment away from drafty windows, air vents, and doors. Because plant growth slows during winter, watering should also be reduced—allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again, but never let the soil become completely dry. The plant thrives in temperatures above 60°F (15°C), so if your home tends to be cool, consider using a heating mat or relocating the plant to a warmer spot. Additionally, indoor heating can lower humidity levels, which may cause the leaves to dry out. To maintain proper humidity, mist the leaves occasionally or place a small tray of water and pebbles nearby.
Aphids cluster on new growth, sucking sap and causing curled leaves. They excrete sticky honeydew, leading to sooty mold. Spray with water, apply insecticidal soap, or use neem oil to control them.
These white, cotton-like pests hide in leaf nodes, causing yellowing and stunted growth. Remove manually with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs or use neem oil for larger infestations.
Tiny mites create fine webbing and yellow speckling on leaves. They thrive in dry conditions, so increase humidity and rinse leaves with water. Use insecticidal soap if needed.
Small, brown or waxy pests attach to stems and suck plant sap, leading to yellowing leaves. Remove them manually with alcohol or use horticultural oil.
These small flies lay eggs in overly moist soil, leading to root damage. Let soil dry between waterings, use sticky traps, or apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to kill larvae.
Overwatering causes roots to rot, leading to wilting and yellowing leaves. Trim affected roots and repot in well-draining soil. Water only when the top inch of soil is dry.
A gray, fuzzy mold appears on leaves and flowers in humid conditions. Improve airflow, remove affected areas, and use a fungicide if necessary.
A white, powdery coating forms on leaves due to high humidity. Improve ventilation and apply a baking soda solution or sulfur-based fungicide.
Dark spots with yellow halos develop on leaves due to bacteria or fungi. Remove infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and apply a copper-based fungicide.
Plants don’t usually bloom if they don’t get enough light, nutrients, or proper care. Ensuring bright light and using a diluted fertilizer will encourage flowering.
A lipstick plant is generally considered a great addition to an indoor plant collection because of its trailing vines, easy care requirements, and stunning lipstick flowers.
Regular pruning keeps your plant looking full and compact. Trim long, leggy stems to encourage bushier growth.
