No, the Hoya and lipstick plant are not the same. The Hoya plant, also known as the Wax Plant, is a vine-like evergreen and part of the Apocynaceae family of plants. They feature glossy, thick, and sometimes waxy leaves as well as clusters of small, star-shaped blooms with a sweet fragrance.
On the other hand, the lipstick plant (also known as the Aeschynanthus) is a species of evergreen vine in the Gesneriaceae family. They have toothed oval leaves and clusters of tube-shaped flowers that bloom in an array of colors such as red, orange, yellow, and white.
The flowers of the lipstick plant look just like miniature tubes of lipstick!.
What kind of plant is a lipstick plant?
A lipstick plant is actually a houseplant in the genus Aeschynanthus, which is a part of the Gesneriaceae family. The name “lipstick plant” comes from its flower buds, which look like a tube of lipstick! The plant is native to tropical regions like Malaysia, the Philippines and parts of Indonesia, where it typically grows in the crevices between trees.
Lipstick plants have long, branching vines that can reach up to 3 feet in length as they trail down the sides of trees, walls and other objects. The small, oval-shaped leaves are a dark, glossy green and have a leathery feel to them.
The plant will produce bright red flowers, which grow in clusters and elongate into a miniature ‘tube of lipstick’. The flowers usually bloom in late spring and last throughout the summer.
Although easy to care for, lipstick plants need some specific growing conditions. This includes part to full shade and a temperature of at least 70°F. The soil should be a well-draining, peat-based mix with good aeration.
Lipstick plants need frequent watering, but make sure that the soil remains slightly moist without being overly wet. These plants will also benefit from weekly misting, which helps keep their foliage from drying out.
How do you care for a Hoya lipstick?
To properly care for a Hoya lipstick, you should begin by gently wiping off any excess product on the edges of your lipstick or any extra wax or oil that may have built up. After this, it’s important to exfoliate your lips with a lip scrub once a week to keep them healthy and hydrated.
After exfoliation, make sure to moisturize your lips with a lip balm to avoid chapped, dry lips.
When using the lipstick itself, it’s important to apply a very light layer, as the Hoya lipsticks are usually very pigmented. Using a light hand and patting the product into your lips gently, rather than pushing it into your lips, can help it to stay put and keep your application looking fresh.
Clean the actual lipstick before putting it away by running it under cold water and then wiping it off with a tissue. Additionally, never share your lipstick with anyone else or leave it in a place where it could become contaminated.
Should I trim my lipstick plant?
Yes, it’s a good idea to trim your lipstick plant. Trimming the plant will help keep it looking attractive and encourage new growth. It’s best to prune if the branches have grown too long or if some of the old foliage needs to be removed.
You can remove the foliage using pruning shears or by snipping away with sharp scissors. When you’re finished, the stems should look symmetrical and balanced. After trimming, you can also pinch off some of the tips of the stems to encourage bushier growth at the base.
Before you start trimming, make sure the plant is in well-draining soil and that the soil is at least moderately moist. Trimming your plant in the late spring or early summer is ideal, but you can prune it with caution during other times of the year.
Do lipstick plants like to be root bound?
When it comes to lipstick plants, they don’t necessarily like to be root bound, but they do tend to do best in this type of environment. When a lipstick plant becomes root bound, it can cause the growth of the plant to slow down or even cease completely.
It is best to allow some room for the roots to grow and not keep the plant in the same pot for too long, as this can lead to suffocation and an unhealthy plant. Doing regular root trimming and pruning can help keep the plant healthy despite being root bound, as this allows the roots to get some fresh air and have the opportunity to spread out.
As long as the lipstick plant is provided with the necessary care and attentiveness, it can thrive in any environment. Keeping it root bound, however, will not be ideal in the long term.
Is the lipstick plant a succulent?
No, the lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) is not a succulent. It is a tropical evergreen perennial native to regions of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Indonesia and India. The lipstick plant is a member of the Gesneriaceae family, and is one of the few plants in this group that can survive in temperate climates.
Its attractive flower buds lend it its common name. The flowers open to reveal a spiral of deep red petals, which can extend up to an inch (2.5 cm) long. These are followed by a contrasting blue berry-like fruit.
The long, glossy leaves of the lipstick plant, along with its tubular flowers, give it a unique appearance, but it is neither a succulent nor a cactus.
Is Black Pagoda lipstick plant toxic?
The Black Pagoda lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) is not typically considered to be toxic to humans and animals. However, it is still important to take precaution when handling this or any type of plant.
All plants contain some degree of toxic compounds and these compounds can vary in strength and react differently in people. If this plant is ingested, it may cause mild stomach upset or irritation to the mouth and throat.
Additionally, it is important to wash your hands after handling the plant, as the sap from this plant may cause skin irritation in some people. It is generally recommended that this plant be kept away from children and pets, as they may be more likely to ingest it.
If ingested, it might be best to consult a doctor just to be safe.
Are lipstick plants poisonous?
The short answer to this question is yes, lipstick plants (Aeschynanthus radicans) are considered to be mildly poisonous. The plant contains saponins, which are substances that can cause nausea, vomiting, and even difficulty breathing if ingested in large quantities.
It is also known to cause skin and eye irritation if handled without appropriate protection. The saponins are usually concentrated in the leaves and stems and can be released through contact with the skin.
Therefore, it is important to use caution when handling the plant, particularly around small children or pets who could be exposed to it. Additionally, it is not recommended to keep lipstick plants in areas where children play or pets may roam as the plant may do more harm than good.
How much sun does a lipstick plant need?
A lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) requires bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. Typically, it should receive no more than 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. The best place for a lipstick plant is an area with bright indirect sunlight – such as a room with east or west facing windows, or on a windowsill with a sheer curtain to filter out the most intense midday sun.
Additionally, the plant should be placed at least 2 feet away from any windows to prevent overheating. A lipstick plant can tolerate lower light if the plant is not adjusting well to more direct light – however, it will still need at least 3 to 4 hours of bright indirect sunlight every day.
If the plant is placed somewhere with low light, it may not flower and its leaves may appear light green and weak.
Do lipstick plants need a lot of water?
Yes, lipstick plants need a lot of water to stay healthy and thrive. They need regular watering during the growing season, which is typically during the warmer months of the year. When the weather is particularly hot and dry, it’s important to water the lipstick plants more frequently so the soil does not dry out completely.
The lipstick plant should be planted in moist, well-draining soil, and it should be watered deeply whenever the soil has become dry to a depth of at least 2 to 3 inches. During the winter months, the water needs will be less since the soil will tend to stay more moist and the plant is less actively growing.
However, avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can damage the plant.
How do I keep my lipstick plant alive?
In order to keep your lipstick plant alive, you should follow the following care tips:
1. Place the lipstick plant in a spot that receives indirect sunlight, such as in front of an east- or west-facing window.
2. Water the lipstick plant generously, but allow the soil to dry out in between waterings.
3. Fertilize the lipstick plant with a granular fertilizer designed for houseplants every six weeks during the growing season.
4. Prune the lipstick plant regularly to encourage new growth and keep the plant’s shape.
5. Check the lipstick plant regularly for insects such as mealybugs and spider mites. If any pests are found, treat the plant with an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
6. Place a humidity tray or pebble tray underneath the lipstick plant to increase the humidity around the plant.
7. Repot the lipstick plant every two or three years using a potting mix designed for container plants.
Following these steps should help keep your lipstick plant healthy and alive for many years.
Why are the leaves falling off my lipstick plant?
The leaves falling off your lipstick plant could be due to a few different causes. The most common reason for leaf drop is a result of too much or too little water or humidity, incorrect light levels, or poor nutrition.
If your lipstick plant is not getting enough water, the leaves will begin to droop and eventually, drop off. Inadequate light levels can also cause a plant to drop its leaves. If your plant is in too much shade, or exposed to too much intense direct sunlight, the leaves might start to drop in an effort to conserve energy.
Overwatering can also cause a lipstick plant to lose its leaves. In general, allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out before watering. If your environment is continually wet and humid, this can cause the plant’s leaves to drop.
Inadequate nutrition can also cause leaves to fall off. Check the soil to make sure it is not overfertilized. Too much fertilizer can cause the foliage to discolor and eventually fall off. So make sure you are providing your plant with a balanced nutrition as recommended.
Lastly, make sure there is adequate airflow around the plant in order to discourage fungal and bacterial diseases, which can also lead to leaf drop. Hope this helps your plant and happy growing!
Why is my lipstick plant not blooming?
It could be lack of light, improper fertilization, not enough humidity, pests, diseases, or temperature.
Lipstick plants require bright light, but not direct sunlight, for optimal flowering. If it is not receiving enough sunlight, it will not bloom. If it is in an area that does get ample light, it is possible the fertilizer you are using is too strong or the wrong type, or it is not being fertilized regularly.
The optimal humidity for lipstick plants is high, so it might need to be placed in an area with higher humidity. Additionally, the temperature should remain between 65° F and 80° F during the day and 55° F to 70° F at night.
If the temperature falls below or rises above these levels, then it might not flower.
Lastly, pests and diseases can also prevent flowers from blooming, so you should check for any signs of infestation or infection. If you suspect any type of pest problem or disease, then it’s best to take the plant to a local garden center for diagnosis and treatment advice.
Can I pour coffee on my plants?
No, pouring coffee on your plants is not recommended as coffee is acidic, and most plants require a more neutral soil pH. Too much acidity can cause your plants to suffer stress, have discolored leaves, or even die.
Furthermore, caffeine can actually be harmful to your plant’s health and growth. If you want to give your plants a natural boost, consider diluting brewed coffee or composting coffee grounds first. Composted coffee grounds can provide nutrients, such as nitrogen, to nutrient-rich soil mixes.
However, it’s recommended that you don’t add more than one cup of coffee grounds to a six-inch pot of soil. Additionally, try to avoid pouring coffee directly onto the leaves of your plants and research which types of plants are more tolerant of coffee grounds and acidic soil.
