Scientific Name
Aeschynanthus garrettii Craib
Common Name(s)
Hardy Lipstick Plant
Scientific Classification
Family: Gesneriaceae
Genus: Aeschynanthus
Flower
Color: Red
Bloom Time: August to September
Description
Aeschynanthus garrettii is a hardy evergreen subtropical epiphyte with large reddish-orange flowers that appear in the warmer months. The stems grow up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall. The glossy green leaves contrast nicely with the darker stems.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Aeschynanthus are perfect as hanging or trailing plants. They require high humidity and warmth throughout the growing season and strong (but not direct) light. After the season is over, cut the trailing stems back in preparation for another year—otherwise, it will tend toward legginess. Do not spray plants in bloom. These are perfect for a greenhouse, sunroom, or conservatory.
Repotting depends on your container choice. For hanging plants, you should repot at the beginning of every growing season. You can keep the plant in the same basket year after year, but you'll still need to refresh the soil and if the plant has become too large, divide it. Then, you can pot the division up separately. If you're growing in a container, repot either annually or every other year, depending on the plant's size.
Take cuttings in the spring, when the plant resumes normal growth. To successfully root cuttings, use a rooting hormone and provide bottom heat or use a covered rooting container. Take a cutting with several leaves and a length of the stem. Strip away the bottom one or two sets of leaves to expose one or two growing nodes. Dip these into rooting hormone (if you're using it), then bury the cutting and the exposed nodes into a clean potting mix.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Aeschynanthus.
Origin
This species is native to Thailand.
Links
- Back to genus Aeschynanthus
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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