Troubleshooting
Lipstick Plant problems — and how to fix them
Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
No flowers
Almost always caused by too little light or by skipping the cool, drier winter rest near 15°C that sets the flower buds. Give brighter indirect light and a genuine dormancy period to trigger summer bloom.
Leaf drop
Triggered by cold draughts, temperatures dipping below about 15°C, sudden temperature swings, or watering extremes. Keep it warm and steady and water only when the top few centimetres have dried.
Root rot and yellowing leaves
Result from a heavy, waterlogged mix or letting the pot sit in water. Switch to a free-draining mix, empty the saucer, and let the surface dry between waterings.
Sap-sucking pests
Aphids, mealybugs and red spider mite can colonise the soft stems and leaf undersides, the last favoured by dry air. Inspect regularly, raise humidity, and treat early with insecticidal soap or by wiping the foliage.
Prevent lipstick plant problems before they start
Most lipstick plant issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Lipstick Plant problems — FAQ
Why is my lipstick plant no flowers?
Almost always caused by too little light or by skipping the cool, drier winter rest near 15°C that sets the flower buds. Give brighter indirect light and a genuine dormancy period to trigger summer bloom.
Why is my lipstick plant leaf drop?
Triggered by cold draughts, temperatures dipping below about 15°C, sudden temperature swings, or watering extremes. Keep it warm and steady and water only when the top few centimetres have dried.
Why is my lipstick plant root rot and yellowing leaves?
Result from a heavy, waterlogged mix or letting the pot sit in water. Switch to a free-draining mix, empty the saucer, and let the surface dry between waterings.
Why is my lipstick plant sap-sucking pests?
Aphids, mealybugs and red spider mite can colonise the soft stems and leaf undersides, the last favoured by dry air. Inspect regularly, raise humidity, and treat early with insecticidal soap or by wiping the foliage.