Aeschynanthus lobbianus 'Variegata' (Lipstick plant)

Botanical & Common Names
- Botanical name: Aeschynanthus lobbianus 'Variegata'
- Common names: Variegated Lipstick plant

Background & Origin
Native to Southeast Asia, the Variegated Lipstick Plant is a striking Aeschynanthus with creamy-white variegated leaves. In spring and summer, it produces vibrant red tubular flowers that resemble miniature lipsticks—hence its charming common name.

Care Level
- Care level: Easy
- Suitable for beginners: Yes!

What It Loves
- Bright indirect sunlight with some direct morning sun
- A consistent watering routine
- Some humidity

What It Dislikes
- Overwatering or sitting in soggy soil
- Dry air
- Prolonged direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves

Best Rooms for This Plant
- Living rooms
- Bathroom
- Kitchens
- Bedrooms

Growth Potential
- Typical height indoors: Up 30-100 cm tall with time
- Typical spread: Up to 30-90 cm wide
- Growth rate: Fast during spring and summer can grow up to 180cm if given optimal conditions
- Pruning required: Occasional, to manage size or old foliage

Is This Plant Right for You?
This plant is a great choice if you:
- If you want Instant impact: Trailing stems and movement.
- Have a bare shelf or hanging room
- Low maintenance flowering plant
- Splash of variegation

Light
- Best light: Bright indirect light with some morning direct sun
- Avoid: Strong, direct sunlight

Watering
- Frequency: Water when the top 2 inches of soil feels dry, using room temperature water.
- Seasonal note: Reduce watering in winter when growth slows. Always allow excess water to drain away to prevent root rot.

Humidity
- Prefers: medium to high humidity
- Extra humidity helpful?: Yes, misting or placing near other plants can support healthy leaf growth.

Feeding
- Feed with: A balanced houseplant fertiliser
- Frequency: Once or twice a month during spring and summer. No feeding is needed during autumn and winter.

Toxicity
- Pet safe: Yes
- Notes: Keep out of reach of pets and small children to avoid damage to leaves.

Repotting
- How often: Once a year
- Signs it’s needed: Roots growing out of the drainage holes, slower growth, or soil drying very quickly. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one to avoid overwatering.