This Lipstick Plant's cultivar name 'Twister' comes from the funky growth pattern of its leaves. They curl round as they grow, giving it a curly, twisty appearance. To get the best view of this, grow your plant in a hanging pot or on a high shelf to make the most of its trails, twisty foliage. Watch out for its gorgeous, bright red, lipstick-shaped flowers which are super distinctive and really give it that extra distinctive flash of colour. To keep it happy and encourage the blooms, give your lipstick plant a couple of hours of morning or evening sun, and make sure not to keep its soil soggy and too damp.
Scientific Name
Aeschynanthus radicans 'Twister' (disgraced flower, taking root, cultivar: twister)
Synonyms: Trichosporum ovatum, Trichosporum radicans
This plant was first identified in a paper in 1823, and keeps the same name it was given then, A. radicans
Common Name
Curly Lipstick Vine, Curly Lipstick Plant, Twister Lipstick Plant, Twister Lipstick Vine
Origin
This species is native to Borneo, Malaya, Sulawesi, Sumatera and Thailand
Light
Your lipstick plant can stand a couple of hours of direct sun each day, but much more can scorch, so just make sure it's in bright but indirect light for most of the day.
Water
Check your plant to make sure it's dried a little before you water again; either test that the top couple of inches of soil feel dry or that the pot feels light when you lift it. If it gets too thirsty, its leaves will look wrinkly - and try to water sooner next time!
Humidity
Make sure this plant isn't too dry - it likes the air around it to be humid, so steer clear of heaters and consider using a pebble tray if it's somewhere very dry. Take care if you mist it that the water doesn't settle in the foliage and flowers as this can cause issues.
Soil
Make sure the soil you pot into is airy and well-draining; something designed for epiphytes like Anthuriums and Orchids will work well. You'll usually need to repot every two years, but do make sure the roots have started to outgrow the pot as it will bloom best when slightly potbound.
Food
Feed every fourth water during the growing season. In autumn and winter, reduce to every sixth water.
Temperature
Ideally keep your Lipstick plant between 18-26°C; make sure it doesn't dip below 15°C for long periods in winter.
Pet-safe
Yes, but it’s best kept out of reach of pets to prevent over-nibbling, which can stress the plant.
Sprouts Top Tips
Balance is key for the Lipstick Plant. Its natural rainforest habitat means it needs both humidity and airflow. Avoid waterlogging and ensure it has sufficient light. Watch for yellowing leaves (sign of overwatering), crisp leaf edges (indicating too much sun or low humidity), and mildew (suggesting excess moisture or low light).
