This week’s plant choice is the Twisted Lipstick Plant….
There’s something so peaceful and relaxing about having plants inside your home. I love the look of plants tucked into the corners of a room, displayed on coffee tables and kitchen counters, and gracing bathroom vanities.
Plants help a room feel grounded.
I especially love unique plants. Plants that act as conversation starters, and not something you see everywhere you go.
I’m always on the look-out for unique plants, and with this new series on my blog, I’ll share my latest finds with you. Here’s the latest find…
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Aeschynanthus ‘Rasta’ (Twisted Lipstick Plant)
This is such a cool and unusual plant – even the name is fun!
When I first spotted this plant, I was intrigued. When I saw the name of the plant, I knew it had to come home with me. I know that may sound silly, but if you know me well, you know I’m never without my lipstick (well, except when I’m sleeping). This plant – with it’s weird curly leaves and it’s fun name – just really struck a chord with me. I love it!
About the Plant
The Aeschynanthus ‘Rasta’ has several more familiar names – Twisted Lipstick Plant, Twister Lipstick Vine, or Basket Vine.
There are also several varieties of the Lipstick Plant – here are some of the more popular varieties:
- Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Variegata’ – intense small red flowers, flat light green leaves with creamy variegation
- Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Cassiopeia’ – flowers start out as dark purple buds, flat dark green leaves
- Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Curly’ – dark green curly leaves, similar to the ‘Rasta’
- Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Mona Lisa’ – flowers are red-orange, flat dark green leaves
- Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Purple Star’ – red flowers with violet blotches, full dark green leaves
- Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Rasta’ – dark red flowers, leaves that curl and twist in on themselves with very dense vines (the plant featured in this article)
All varieties produce clusters of flowers that look like a tube of red lipstick.
This plant is native to the tropics of Asia. It’s a very easy-to-grow plant!
The Twisted Lipstick plant needs a a moderate amount of water with good drainage – weekly watering is adequate. Too much water will cause the roots to rot or will introduce fungal problems to the plant. The plant needs bright, indirect light. Avoid full shade and full sun with this plant. With proper lighting and room temperature (usually at 65-degrees F or above), the plant will bloom.
Since this is a tropical plant, it does prefer humid conditions – but will also do well in drier conditions. Just mist it once in a while or keep it in a bathroom or kitchen for best growth.
The Twisted Lipstick can grow up to 12″ tall with stems that can grow to 24″ long. It makes an excellent hanging basket plant.
This plant is non-toxic to humans or animals.
Why I Love It
I love the twisted, cupped leaves of this plant. The stems are long and flowing and the leaves are very dense. It’s really an interesting plant to look at!
This is the first Twisted Lipstick Plant I’ve owned, and I really look forward to the day it blooms!
Where to Buy
I bought my plant at Lowe’s for $16. You can also find this plant online at Logee’s for $12.95 for a 2-1/2″ pot (plus shipping).
If you have more suggestions for unique or unusual plants, please leave a comment below.
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