As the name suggests, lipstick plants have been named so due to their similarity with the lipstick tubes. The flower buds pop out of the dark-colored tubes of the lipstick plants. It’s an indoor plant that adds a splash of color to any place where it is placed, be it a kitchen, living room, bathroom, or dining room. The shiny foliage and the stunning blooms make it a perfect houseplant to hang near the windows or entrance to welcome friends and guests. In this article, we discuss the various types of lipstick plants to help you choose one for your home.
Features of Lipstick Plants
Before knowing the varieties of lipstick plants, it’s important to understand the features that extend uniqueness to all the varieties and help you identify them easily. These plants are native to Southeast Asia which grow through the gaps of tree branches and have dense foliage that makes them fit for growing in pots.
The foliage of some of the varieties has tough and waxy cuticles, whereas others have soft textures. If you provide proper humidity, sunlight, and love, you can enjoy the fragrance and the sight of beautiful blooms all year round, especially during the fall and summer seasons.
Different Types of Lipstick Plant
There are several varieties of lipstick plants, and each has its distinct features. We will learn about the different varieties below:
Curly Lipstick Plant
It is one of the most unique varieties of lipstick plants, which is identified by its dark green curled and twisted leaves. The curly dark green foliage and its vibrant red flowers make the curly lipstick plant stand out from the other plants. The unparalleled visual sight is appreciated by all.
Scientific Name: Aeschynanthus radicans
Mona Lisa Lipstick Plant Variety
This is an attractive trailing houseplant that grows up to 2-3 feet long. The vibrant reddish orange blooms popping out from the flower tubes look like lipstick and add a mesmerizing visual appeal. Mona Lisa plants flow over the edges of the hanging pots with its waxy dark green foliage.
Scientific Name: Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Mona Lisa’
Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant
This variety is preferably grown in temperate climate zones as a houseplant. It thrives in temperatures between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Unlike other varieties of lipstick plants, the black pagoda grows upright, giving golden flowers. All it needs is indirect sunlight and minimal watering.
Scientific Name: Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Black Pagoda’
Purple Star Lipstick Plant
It grows in tropical regions as its origin is Southeast Asia. It grows well in bright, indirect sunlight and proper watering. The stunning red blooms with a hint of violet, the dense green leaves, and the upright growth of leaves give it a distinct look, unlike the trailing vines. Pink and violet red petals developed into clusters add an elegant touch to the space.
Scientific Name: Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Purple Star’
Gracilis Lipstick Plant
It is loved as a houseplant owing to its clean and light green oval-shaped leaves and red blooms you get to see during spring. The equal-length branches, unlike other lipstick varieties, make it a popular choice. The vine grows between 2-3 feet tall, and the branches don’t spread densely. Gracilis is a hybrid variety of lipstick plants.
Scientific Name: Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Gracilis’
Cassiopeia Lipstick Plant
This variety adds a dramatic element to the space, with its vibrant red blooms emerging from the dark purple-red buds, giving it a tubular form. Cassiopeia has soft, pointed, and oval-shaped waxy foliage, and the trailing vines reach 3 feet in length.
Scientific Name: Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Cassiopeia’
Tangerine Lipstick Plant
It’s a dazzling addition to the indoor space due to its thick green foliage and orange-yellow flowers negating the idea of many homeowners that lipstick plants have only red blooms. The green foliage resembles the succulent leaves, which makes it unique.
Scientific Name: Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Tangerine’
Twister Lipstick Plant
The uniqueness of this variety lies in its twisted and pointed dark green leaves. The red blossom during the spring enhances the visual appeal like other varieties.
Scientific Name: Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Twister’
Krakau Lipstick Plant
It’s an unusual species that stands out due to its glossy, dark green leaves and red flowers. This shrub elevates the aesthetic quotient one level up.
Scientific Name: Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Krakau’
Rasta Lipstick Plant
Rasta, a tropical Asian plant, is a great choice as a houseplant. The twisted leaves and the bright red blooms make it a distinct indoor plant. The cascading vines and the curly dark green foliage have an unmatchable beauty that no one can stop themselves from admiring.
Scientific Name: Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Rasta’
Variegated Lipstick Plant
This variety is different from others as the leaves are white-streaked leaves with reddish-orange flowers. All it requires is regular pruning.
Scientific Name: Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Variegata’
Variegated Curly Lipstick Plant
Just like the curly variety, variegated lipstick plants have curls at the tip of the light yellow to yellow-green leaves and occasionally orange-red foliage. The appearance of the curls looks so charming that it draws all the attention.
Scientific Name: Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Variegatus’
Caroline Lipstick Plant
It looks completely different from the usual variety because leaves grow in an upward direction, resembling a flying bird. The combo of dark green leaves and red blooms enhances the ambiance of the decor.
Scientific Name: Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Caroline’
Pink Polka Lipstick Plant
It is one of the feminine versions of the lipstick plant variety because the pink flowers in the spring emerging from the dense foliage cover add softness and warmth to the indoor decor.
Scientific Name: Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Thai Pink’
Fantasy Lipstick Plant
As the name suggests, fantasy variety is a highly attractive plant whose power-packed and rich tone always stands out. The blooms leave a soothing impact with their beauty.
Scientific Name: Aeschynanthus ‘Fuchsia Fantasy’
