Repotting guide

When & how to repot Aeschynanthus lobbianus (Aeschynanthus lobbianus)

Also called lipstick plant, Lobb's lipstick vine.

More about aeschynanthus lobbianus

About Aeschynanthus lobbianus

Aeschynanthus lobbianus · also called lipstick plant, Lobb's lipstick vine · flowering

Aeschynanthus lobbianus, a lipstick plant, is a trailing epiphytic gesneriad from Southeast Asia, named for bright red tubular flowers that emerge from dark, lipstick-like calyces along cascading stems of thick, waxy leaves. It is superb in hanging baskets, flowering best with bright indirect light, warmth, moderate-to-high humidity and a slightly snug pot.

Mature size: Stems trail 45-60 cm or more; spreads 30-45 cm across in a basket.

Watch for — No flowers: Too little light is the most common cause, along with a too-large pot. Provide bright indirect light, keep the plant slightly pot-bound, and feed with a high-potash liquid in summer.

How to tell aeschynanthus lobbianus needs repotting

Repotting on a calendar is less reliable than reading the plant. For aeschynanthus lobbianus, watch for these signs:

Thick roots out of the drainage holes, or circling the surface and lifting the plant.
The pot dries out unusually fast and aeschynanthus lobbianus wilts between waterings it used to shrug off.
The plant is visibly top-heavy and tips over easily.
Stalled growth and small new leaves over a full season — though with a big specimen, top-dressing is often the better first response before a full repot.

For the underlying biology of a pot-bound root system and why it stalls a plant, see our guide to spotting and fixing a root-bound plant.

How often to repot aeschynanthus lobbianus

Every 2–3 years; top-dress in the in-between years. Aeschynanthus lobbianus's growth habit — trailing, semi-woody epiphytic perennial with long, cascading stems clothed in waxy leaves; produces clusters of tubular flowers at the stem tips, ideal for hanging display. — sets the pace. Aeschynanthus lobbianus, a lipstick plant, is a trailing epiphytic gesneriad from Southeast Asia, named for bright red tubular flowers that emerge from dark, lipstick-like calyces along cascading stems of thick, waxy leaves. It is superb in hanging baskets, flowering best with bright indirect light, warmth, moderate-to-high humidity and a slightly snug pot.

What size pot to step aeschynanthus lobbianus up to

Move up exactly one pot size. A heavy aeschynanthus lobbianus dropped into a vastly bigger pot sits in a reservoir of wet soil its roots cannot reach, which rots them and destabilises the plant. In the years between repots, lift off and replace the top 3–5 cm of soil (top-dressing) instead — it refreshes nutrients without the shock of a full repot.

Not sure of the exact diameter? Our pot size calculator takes the current pot and root spread and tells you the right next size — it deliberately recommends a single step up, never a big jump.

The best time of year to repot aeschynanthus lobbianus

Early spring, just as new growth restarts, is the ideal window for aeschynanthus lobbianus. The plant is moving into its strongest growth phase and re-roots into fresh soil quickly. Avoid repotting in winter dormancy or, for flowering plants, while it is in bud or bloom — recovery is slowest then and you risk dropping the flowers.

Step-by-step: repotting aeschynanthus lobbianus

Consider top-dressing first. If aeschynanthus lobbianus is not badly root-bound, scrape off and replace the top 3–5 cm of soil instead — far less shock for a big plant that hates moving.
Get help and one size up. For a full repot, choose a pot just one size larger. A heavy plant needs two people and a stable, free-draining pot.
Ease it out on its side. Lay the plant down, slide the pot off, and gently loosen the outer roots. Do not bare-root a mature specimen.
Repot at the same depth. Add fresh light, airy, free-draining epiphytic mix beneath and around the rootball, keeping the original soil line. Firm it so the trunk is stable and upright.
Water and leave it put. Water thoroughly, then leave aeschynanthus lobbianus in the same spot and light — moving and repotting at once is what makes it drop leaves.

Aftercare

Leave aeschynanthus lobbianus in exactly the same spot and light it was in before — moving and repotting at the same time is what makes a big specimen drop leaves. Water it in well, then let the top of the soil dry before watering again so the larger volume of fresh soil does not stay sodden. Do not fertilise for about 4 weeks — fresh mix already carries nutrients and feeding freshly disturbed roots scorches them.

The right soil mix for aeschynanthus lobbianus

Aeschynanthus lobbianus wants light, airy, free-draining epiphytic mix. Use an open, well-aerated blend such as peat-free potting mix with plenty of perlite, orchid bark and a little coir, reflecting its epiphytic roots. Sharp drainage is key to preventing root rot. Always use fresh mix when you repot — reusing old, broken-down soil reintroduces the compaction and poor drainage you are repotting to fix.

Repotting aeschynanthus lobbianus — frequently asked questions

How often should you repot aeschynanthus lobbianus?

Every 2–3 years; top-dress in the in-between years for aeschynanthus lobbianus. Fully repot aeschynanthus lobbianus only every 2–3 years; in the in-between years just top-dress the top 3–5 cm of soil. Step up one pot size in spring with light, airy, free-draining epiphytic mix. It is heavy and hates being moved, and a vastly oversized pot holds water against the roots and rots them.

What size pot does aeschynanthus lobbianus need?

When is the best time of year to repot aeschynanthus lobbianus?

Should you top-dress or fully repot aeschynanthus lobbianus?

For a big, heavy aeschynanthus lobbianus, top-dressing — replacing the top 3–5 cm of soil — is the gentler option most years, with a full repot only every 2–3 years. A mature specimen sulks and drops leaves when fully repotted, so do it as rarely as the roots allow.

Should you fertilise aeschynanthus lobbianus after repotting?

Not immediately. Wait about 4 weeks after repotting aeschynanthus lobbianus. Fresh mix already contains nutrients, and feeding freshly cut or disturbed roots burns them. Resume your normal feeding routine once you see new growth.