Lipstick
plant
The botanical
name of the lipstick plant is Aeschynanthus radicans rasta. It grows in the
forests of Asia as an epiphyte and prefers a warm, bright humid atmosphere to
thrive. Although
in its natural habitat, it grows on trees or in rocks crevices, it will live happily in a pot in
free-draining soil.
The ‘lipstick’
flowers emerge from dark red tubes at the ends of twisted leaves carried on cascading
stems. It is relatively easy to look
after, with one site saying that it is ‘perfect for those new to plant
parenthood’ and suggesting that the soil should be allowed to dry out between
waterings. It looks well in hanging baskets, providing interest all year round.
I've known several plants referred to as lipstick plants, but have never seen this one, it's pretty.
ReplyDeleteI came across it by chance and am really pleased with it.
DeleteI have never seen this plant before either. It's interesting. When the flowers open, the shape of them reminds me of my christmas cactus.
ReplyDeleteThey are similar to Christmas cactus flowers, you're right.
DeleteThe lipstick plant looks so unique. Almost like toy
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't look quite real.
DeleteOh that's nice....
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting and eye-catching.
DeleteVery pretty. It does slightly resemble a Christmas Cactus.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you and Debby - the flowers are similar to Christmas cactus flowers.
DeleteThe plant will grow in your climate? You know, warm, bright and humid.
ReplyDeleteOnly in the conservatory, Andrew.
ReplyDeleteHi Janice - looks such an interesting plant ... I might just buy one for my SIL, who is probably better at letting plants sort themselves out without much care! Poor plants ... still this one is definitely different - also she doesn't wear lipstick ... ah well - I'll see ... it's three weeks away ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteAspidistra is another plant for the hapless plant owner, but it's not particularly pretty.
ReplyDeleteWow, never seen one of those before.......very exotic!
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
I'd not heard of this plant before and like many others thought it looked a little like a Christmas Cactus.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering where it would grow best, but you've already given the answer 'only in the conservatory'
The colour of the blooms is very nice.
All the best Jan
The contrast between the dark red and the bright red is very striking.
DeleteI'm also on team "it looks like a Christmas cactus flower". No matter. I' not sure I've seen it for sale at local places. I may look out for it.
ReplyDeleteGood hunting:-)
DeleteI have never seen or heard of a lipstick plant before! How interesting.
ReplyDeleteIt's a fascinating plant, I think.
DeleteI can definitely see where it got its name.
ReplyDeleteWhat an unusual plant. I haven't seen them available here in New Zealand, so I did a Google search and you can buy them here. I love that it is a trailing plant. The opened flowers are the same shape as my Christmas cactus, although my Christmas cactus flowers are pink. Hugs, Rose x
ReplyDeleteI only came across it by chance. I'm so glad I did.
DeletePretty plant and such a great name. It describes the flowers perfectly.
ReplyDeleteIt does :-)
Delete