185 Species in Genus Aeschynanthus – Lipstick Plant

October 23 – Aeschynanthus
"Aeschynanthus, the lipstick plant, defines October 23."
Aeschynanthus symbolizes boldness and flair. You stand out with your unique personality. Like its striking flowers, you leave a lasting impression.

Falling for Lipstick Plants: An Aeschynanthus Love Affair

My name is Ferb Vu, and I have a confession. I’m utterly smitten with Aeschynanthus, the genus of plants belong to the Gesneriaceae family, more commonly known as “lipstick plants”. It started innocently enough. I was at a local nursery, browsing for something to brighten up a shady corner, when a cascade of fiery red blooms caught my eye. Peeking out from dark green foliage, they looked like tiny tubes of lipstick, ready to paint the world with their vibrant color. That was my first Aeschynanthus, and it was the beginning of a beautiful obsession.

What’s not to love? These tropical epiphytes, hailing from the steamy jungles of Southeast Asia, are a testament to nature’s artistry. Their trailing vines, adorned with glossy leaves, bring a touch of the exotic to any space. But it’s the flowers that truly steal the show. Emerging from calyx tubes that resemble lipstick cases, they come in a dazzling array of colors – fiery reds, sunny yellows, soft pinks, and even deep maroons. Each bloom is a miniature masterpiece, a testament to the intricate beauty of the natural world.

A Diverse Family

The genus Aeschynanthus boasts over 180 recognized species, each with its own unique charm. Some of my personal favorites include:

1. Aeschynanthus acuminatissimus W.T.Wang
2. Aeschynanthus acuminatus Wall. ex A.DC.
3. Aeschynanthus albidus (Blume) Steud.
4. Aeschynanthus amboinensis (Merr.) Mendum
5. Aeschynanthus amoenus C.B.Clarke
6. Aeschynanthus andersonii C.B.Clarke
7. Aeschynanthus angustifolius (Blume) Steud.
8. Aeschynanthus angustioblongus W.T.Wang
9. Aeschynanthus angustissimus (W.T.Wang) W.T.Wang
10. Aeschynanthus arctocalyx Mendum & Madulid
11. Aeschynanthus arfakensis C.B.Clarke
12. Aeschynanthus argentii Mendum
13. Aeschynanthus asclepioides (Elmer) B.L.Burtt & P.Woods
14. Aeschynanthus atrorubens Schltr.
15. Aeschynanthus batakiorum Mendum & Madulid
16. Aeschynanthus batesii Mendum
17. Aeschynanthus brachyphyllus S.Moore
18. Aeschynanthus bracteatus Wall. ex A.DC.
19. Aeschynanthus breviflorus (S.Moore) K.Schum.
20. Aeschynanthus burttii Mendum
21. Aeschynanthus buxifolius Hemsl.
22. Aeschynanthus calanthus Schltr.
23. Aeschynanthus cambodiensis D.J.Middleton
24. Aeschynanthus camiguinensis Kraenzl.
25. Aeschynanthus cardinalis (H.F.Copel. ex Merr.) Schltr.
26. Aeschynanthus caudatus C.B.Clarke
27. Aeschynanthus celebicus Koord.
28. Aeschynanthus ceylanicus Gardner
29. Aeschynanthus chiritoides C.B.Clarke
30. Aeschynanthus chrysanthus P.Woods
31. Aeschynanthus citrinus Mendum & S.M.Scott
32. Aeschynanthus copelandii (Merr.) Schltr.
33. Aeschynanthus cordifolius Hook.
34. Aeschynanthus crassifolius (Elmer) Schltr.
35. Aeschynanthus cryptanthus C.B.Clarke
36. Aeschynanthus cuernosensis (Elmer) Schltr.
37. Aeschynanthus curtisii C.B.Clarke
38. Aeschynanthus curvicalyx Mendum
39. Aeschynanthus dasycalyx Hallier f.
40. Aeschynanthus dempoensis S.Moore
41. Aeschynanthus dischidioides (Ridl.) D.J.Middleton
42. Aeschynanthus dischorensis Schltr.
43. Aeschynanthus ellipticus K.Schum. & Lauterb.
44. Aeschynanthus elmeri Mendum
45. Aeschynanthus elongatus C.B.Clarke
46. Aeschynanthus everettianus Kraenzl.
47. Aeschynanthus fecundus P.Woods
48. Aeschynanthus firmus Kraenzl.
49. Aeschynanthus flammeus Schltr.
50. Aeschynanthus flavidus Mendum & P.Woods
51. Aeschynanthus forbesii (S.Moore) K.Schum.
52. Aeschynanthus foxworthyi Kraenzl.
53. Aeschynanthus fruticosus Ridl.
54. Aeschynanthus fulgens Wall. ex R.Br.
55. Aeschynanthus garrettii Craib
56. Aeschynanthus geminatus Zoll. & Moritzi
57. Aeschynanthus gesneriflorus S.Moore
58. Aeschynanthus gjellerupii Schltr.
59. Aeschynanthus glomeriflorus Kraenzl.
60. Aeschynanthus gracilis C.S.P.Parish ex C.B.Clarke
61. Aeschynanthus guttatus P.Woods
62. Aeschynanthus hartleyi P.Woods
63. Aeschynanthus hians C.B.Clarke
64. Aeschynanthus hispidus Schltr.
65. Aeschynanthus hookeri C.B.Clarke
66. Aeschynanthus horsfieldii R.Br.
67. Aeschynanthus hosseusii Pellegr.
68. Aeschynanthus humilis Hemsl.
69. Aeschynanthus impar Schltr.
70. Aeschynanthus intraflavus Mendum
71. Aeschynanthus irigaensis (Merr.) B.L.Burtt & P.Woods
72. Aeschynanthus janowskyi Schltr.
73. Aeschynanthus jouyi D.J.Middleton
74. Aeschynanthus kermesinus Schltr.
75. Aeschynanthus lancilimbus W.T.Wang
76. Aeschynanthus lasianthus W.T.Wang
77. Aeschynanthus lasiocalyx W.T.Wang
78. Aeschynanthus lepidospermus C.B.Clarke
79. Aeschynanthus leptocladus C.B.Clarke
80. Aeschynanthus leucothamnos Kraenzl.
81. Aeschynanthus ligustrinus Schltr.
82. Aeschynanthus linearifolius C.E.C.Fisch.
83. Aeschynanthus lineatus Craib
84. Aeschynanthus littoralis (Merr.) Schltr.
85. Aeschynanthus lobaticalyx Mendum
86. Aeschynanthus loheri Kraenzl.
87. Aeschynanthus longicaulis Wall. ex R.Br.
88. Aeschynanthus longiflorus (Blume) A.DC.
89. Aeschynanthus macgregorii (Merr.) Mansibang & Pelser
90. Aeschynanthus macrocalyx C.B.Clarke
91. Aeschynanthus madulidii Mendum
92. Aeschynanthus magnificus Stapf
93. Aeschynanthus malindangensis (Merr.) Mansibang & Pelser
94. Aeschynanthus mannii Kurz ex C.B.Clarke
95. Aeschynanthus marginatus Ridl.
96. Aeschynanthus masoniae Kurz ex C.B.Clarke
97. Aeschynanthus medogensis W.T.Wang
98. Aeschynanthus membranifolius (Costantin) D.J.Middleton
99. Aeschynanthus mendumiae D.J.Middleton
100. Aeschynanthus mengxingensis W.T.Wang
101. Aeschynanthus meo K.Schum.
102. Aeschynanthus micranthus C.B.Clarke
103. Aeschynanthus microcardius B.L.Burtt & R.A.Davidson
104. Aeschynanthus microphyllus C.B.Clarke
105. Aeschynanthus microtrichus C.B.Clarke
106. Aeschynanthus mindanaensis (Merr.) Mansibang & Pelser
107. Aeschynanthus miniaceus B.L.Burtt & P.Woods
108. Aeschynanthus miniatus Lindl.
109. Aeschynanthus minutifolius D.J.Middleton
110. Aeschynanthus mollis Schltr.
111. Aeschynanthus monetaria Dunn
112. Aeschynanthus moningerae (Merr.) Chun
113. Aeschynanthus montisucris P.Royen
114. Aeschynanthus murthyanus R.Kr.Singh & Arigela
115. Aeschynanthus musaensis P.Woods
116. Aeschynanthus myrtifolius Schltr.
117. Aeschynanthus nabirensis Kaneh. & Hatus.
118. Aeschynanthus nervosus (Elmer) Schltr.
119. Aeschynanthus nummularius (Burkill & S.Moore) K.Schum.
120. Aeschynanthus obconicus C.B.Clarke
121. Aeschynanthus ovatus (Merr.) Schltr.
122. Aeschynanthus oxychlamys Mendum
123. Aeschynanthus pachyanthus Schltr.
124. Aeschynanthus panayensis (Merr.) Mansibang & Pelser
125. Aeschynanthus papuanus (Schltr.) B.L.Burtt
126. Aeschynanthus parasiticus (Roxb.) Wall.
127. Aeschynanthus parviflorus (D.Don) Spreng.
128. Aeschynanthus pedunculatus D.J.Middleton
129. Aeschynanthus pergracilis Kraenzl.
130. Aeschynanthus perrottetii A.DC.
131. Aeschynanthus persimilis Craib
132. Aeschynanthus phaeotrichus Schltr.
133. Aeschynanthus philippinensis C.B.Clarke
134. Aeschynanthus planipetiolatus H.W.Li
135. Aeschynanthus podocarpus C.B.Clarke
136. Aeschynanthus poilanei Pellegr.
137. Aeschynanthus polillensis Kraenzl.
138. Aeschynanthus praelongus Kraenzl.
139. Aeschynanthus pseudohybridus Mendum
140. Aeschynanthus pulcher (Blume) G.Don
141. Aeschynanthus pullei Schltr.
142. Aeschynanthus radicans Jack Plant FAQs: Aeschynanthus Radicans
143. Aeschynanthus rarus Schltr.
144. Aeschynanthus reiekensis Lalhlupuii, S.D.Khomdram & S.D.Yumkham
145. Aeschynanthus rejieae Olimpos & Mansibang
146. Aeschynanthus rhododendron Ridl.
147. Aeschynanthus rhodophyllus Kraenzl.
148. Aeschynanthus rizalensis (Merr.) Mansibang & Pelser
149. Aeschynanthus roseoflorus Mendum
150. Aeschynanthus roseus Schltr.
151. Aeschynanthus rubiginosus Teijsm. & Binn.
152. Aeschynanthus sanguineus Schltr.
153. Aeschynanthus scottii D.J.Middleton & H.J.Atkins
154. Aeschynanthus serpens Kraenzl.
155. Aeschynanthus setosus Kraenzl.
156. Aeschynanthus sinolongicalyx W.T.Wang
157. Aeschynanthus siphonanthus C.B.Clarke
158. Aeschynanthus smaragdinus F.Wen & J.Q.Qin
159. Aeschynanthus sojolianus Mendum & L.E.R.Galloway
160. Aeschynanthus solomonensis P.Woods
161. Aeschynanthus speciosus Hook.
162. Aeschynanthus stenocalyx Kraenzl.
163. Aeschynanthus stenosepalus J.Anthony
164. Aeschynanthus stenosiphon Schltr.
165. Aeschynanthus suborbiculatus S.Moore
166. Aeschynanthus superbus C.B.Clarke
167. Aeschynanthus tenericaulis Diels
168. Aeschynanthus tengchungensis W.T.Wang
169. Aeschynanthus teysmannianus Miq.
170. Aeschynanthus tirapensis Bhattacharyya
171. Aeschynanthus torricellensis Schltr.
172. Aeschynanthus trichocalyx Kraenzl.
173. Aeschynanthus tricolor Hook.
174. Aeschynanthus truncatus (Elmer) Schltr.
175. Aeschynanthus tubiflorus C.B.Clarke
176. Aeschynanthus tubulosus J.Anthony
177. Aeschynanthus urdanetensis (Elmer) Mansibang & Pelser
178. Aeschynanthus verticillatus C.B.Clarke
179. Aeschynanthus vinaceus P.Woods
180. Aeschynanthus viridiflorus Teijsm. & Binn.
181. Aeschynanthus volubilis Jack
182. Aeschynanthus wallichii R.Br.
183. Aeschynanthus wardii Merr.
184. Aeschynanthus warianus Schltr.
185. Aeschynanthus zamboangensis Kraenzl.

How to care for Aeschynanthus?

Aeschynanthus, commonly known as lipstick plant or basket vine, is a genus of tropical flowering plants prized for their vibrant, tubular flowers and trailing growth habit. Here are some care tips to keep your Aeschynanthus healthy and thriving:

1. Light:

• Bright, Indirect Light: Place your Aeschynanthus in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.

2. Temperature:

• Warmth: Aeschynanthus prefers temperatures between 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C) year-round. Protect it from drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations.

3. Watering:

• Even Moisture: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, and allow excess water to drain away. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely between waterings.

4. Humidity:

• High Humidity: Aeschynanthus thrives in humid conditions. Increase humidity levels by misting the leaves regularly, placing a humidity tray filled with water and pebbles beneath the plant, or using a room humidifier.

5. Soil:

• Well-Draining Potting Mix: Plant your Aeschynanthus in a well-draining potting mix formulated for houseplants or epiphytic plants. A mix containing perlite, peat moss, and orchid bark works well.

6. Fertilizing:

• Regular Feeding: Feed your Aeschynanthus with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early autumn). Reduce or stop fertilizing in late autumn and winter when growth slows.

7. Pruning:

• Regular Pruning: Prune your Aeschynanthus to maintain its shape and promote bushier growth. Pinch back leggy stems and remove any dead or yellowing leaves or flowers.

8. Support:

• Trellis or Support: Provide a trellis or support for your Aeschynanthus to climb or trail. You can train it to grow upwards or allow it to cascade from a hanging basket.

9. Flowering:

• Encouraging Blooms: Aeschynanthus typically blooms in response to shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures. To encourage blooming, provide a consistent light/dark cycle and maintain temperatures between 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C) during the day and slightly cooler at night.

10. Repotting:

• Repotting: Repot your Aeschynanthus every 1-2 years in spring or early summer, or when it outgrows its current pot. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage, and refresh the potting mix.

11. Pest and Disease Control:

• Monitoring: Regularly inspect your Aeschynanthus for signs of pests such as aphids, spider mites, or mealybugs. Treat any infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Preventive Measures: Maintain good air circulation around the plant, avoid overcrowding, and keep the foliage clean to prevent pest and disease problems.

How to propagate Aeschynanthus?

Propagation of Aeschynanthus is a fulfilling process that I’ve found quite rewarding. I usually propagate them through stem cuttings, which I take from healthy, mature plants. After ensuring the cuttings have a node or two, I place them in a jar of water, changing it regularly to keep it fresh. It’s fascinating to watch as roots develop over time, signaling that the cutting is ready for planting in soil. Providing warmth and indirect sunlight helps expedite the process, and within a few weeks, I’m delighted to see new growth emerge. It’s a simple yet gratifying way to expand my collection of Aeschynanthus plants.

Is Aeschynanthus radicans a dicot?

Regarding whether Aeschynanthus radicans is a dicot, I’ve learned that it indeed falls into that category. This classification may seem more technical, but it’s fascinating to understand the botanical characteristics that define different plant species. Knowing that Aeschynanthus radicans is a dicot helps me appreciate its place in the broader spectrum of plant life. It’s just one small detail in the intricate tapestry of nature, but it adds to the richness of my understanding and connection with these plants.

Is Aeschynanthus toxic to cats?

As a cat lover and plant enthusiast, one of my concerns was whether Aeschynanthus poses any risk to my feline companions. I’ve researched extensively and found that Aeschynanthus plants, including Aeschynanthus radicans, are indeed toxic to cats if ingested. This discovery prompted me to be extra cautious in placing my plants out of reach of curious paws. While I adore having greenery indoors, my cats’ safety always comes first. It’s a reminder to be mindful of the potential hazards that some plants may pose to our beloved pets, even amidst the joy they bring to our homes.