What is the lipstick plant?
Aeschynanthus , also known as lipstick plant, lipstick or basket vine, is about 140 different species and cultivars of permanent shrubs, vineyards and climbing plants. Plants in this family are originally made of warm and humid subtropical forest climate of China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Himalayas. In the wild, some types of lipstick plants can be found growing in the slots of tree branches. Like his cousins African purple and Cape Primrose, lipstick plants are very popular, houseplants with low maintenance with attractive long flowers.
Some types of lipstick plants are epiphytes. This means that they grow directly on another plant. In this case, lipstick plants grow in tree slots, where branches meet the trunk of the tree. They grow in folding leaves and twigs that are collected in these slots. Because the tree is unharmed, the lipstick plant is not considered parasitic.
At the end of summer and at the beginning of autumn, the lipstick of a cluster of long red flower producesIn the reminiscent of lipstick tubes, near the ends of branches. The size of the flowers differs between the species, but the plants usually grow to a height of 6 to 12 inches (15-30 cm). If it is kept in a pot that is too large, the plant will not be a flower, because its energy will be diverted so that more roots and leaves grow instead of making flowers. Plants bound to the roots in the right container tend to flow the flower most if they are fertilized by liquid fertilizer every two weeks during spring and summer. Its end leaves are dark glossy green all year round.
The lipstick plant is doing well in the US Ministry of Agriculture. Plants grow best in well -drained soil, which retains moisture and have a pH level in the range of slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. The soil should be maintained moist but not undulating, watering with warm water two to four times a week. In the dry climate, the original conditions of the plant growing can be simulated by fog with lukewarm water several times a week; This is, besides regular irrigation requirementsor.
Plants in this family are generally considered to be easy to grow and relatively without maintenance. Despite this legend, they are sensitive to Mealybugs, aphids and cycling mites. Plants should be regularly monitored for this insect. If pests are found, insecticidal soap approved for use on the lipstick plant should be used according to the package instructions. A healthy plant without pests will reward the gardener with their brilliant and striking red flowers.