Lipstick plant is native to Malaysia and is one of the most unique plants that we carry. Growing this easy-to-care-for plant is a simple way to set yourself apart from the competition. Normally grown in hanging baskets, these trailing plants have orange, red, or yellow tubular blooms that grow from a calyx more than an inch from the tips of vines. It’s an epiphyte with a native habitat in the forest, which means it grows well in partial-shade areas and can cling harmlessly to the sides of trees and logs. Sell this to your customers as a shade hanging basket or as a year-round houseplant. They will love the novelty and versatility of this exotic plant.
General Growing Tips For Your Rooted Cutting Liner
For best results with Lipstick, we recommend using a constant feed program of 150 ppm N. Maintain a pH between 6.0 - 6.5. Water moderately in the summer and sparingly in the winter, making sure to use a well-draining soil. Lipstick love warm temperatures and high humidity, but they do not tolerate saturated soil or cold water on their leaves, so be careful when watering and allow the soil to dry in between.
To help your customers create a humid environment in their home, instruct them to place the pot on top of a saucer filled with rocks and pour water into the saucer, making sure that the water level never reaches the bottom of the pot.
Pinching
We recommend that you pinch Lipstick once after transplanting and roots are well established. An additional trim may be necessary for the final shape of the pot.
Spacing
Lipstick should be Lipstick should be spaced adequately to allow airflow and light penetration between the foliage. Usually 2’ centers on baskets will be enough. between the foliage. Usually 2’ centers on baskets will be enough.
Height Control
We do not recommend plant growth regulators for Lipstick. Control growth through proper pinching and trimming.
Pests
Mealybugs, aphids and possibly thrips are the primary pest attracted to Lipstick.
Disease
Lipstick are susceptible to fungal growth when their growing environment is too wet. Watch for botrytis, leaf spots, stem blights, and root rots while the days are short. These problems are usually associated with oversaturation of the soil. You can prevent them by allowing the plant to dry out between waterings, allowing for good airflow in your greenhouse, and spacing to allow the sun to penetrate to the soil level. The most common chemicals used to treat fungal infections are Medallion and Banrot. Use them as a drench according to each label’s instructions.
Planting Lipstick Liners
- We recommend planting 4-5 starter plants per 10 inch basket. Use a well-drained soil in your baskets and plant your starter plants deep, allowing the ellepot to be completely covered by the soil. If you are planting 4” pots, 1 plant per pot should be sufficient. Plant it directly in the middle of your pot.
- We recommend that you pinch Lipstick once after transplanting and roots are well established. An additional trim may be necessary for the final shape of the pot.
Rooted Cuttings
Cuttings vary in size between different plant families. These rooted starter plants will arrive ready to be transplanted in to your final container. If they are to be used in a landscape application, you will need to establish them in a 4 inch pot or an 1801 before planting outside.
Lipstick Quick Reference Guide
| 4 Inch crop time | 8 Weeks |
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| 10 Inch crop time | 15 Weeks |
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| Bloom Period | Constant |
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| Color | Red |
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| Habit | Trailing |
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| Height | 6 inches |
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| Light | Full Shade |
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| Minimum Temp | 60 |
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| Perennial Zone | Zones 10-11 |
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| Water Needs | Moderate |
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| Patented Plant | No |
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