Lipstick 'Mona Lisa' (Aeschynanthus radicans 'Mona Lisa')

The Lipstick 'Mona Lisa' is a gorgeous trailing tropical that steals the show with its glossy green foliage and brilliant red blooms. Its flowers emerge from dark burgundy buds, giving the appearance of a tube of lipstick—hence the name. Compared to some other lipstick plant varieties, 'Mona Lisa' is known for being especially reliable and easier to bloom indoors.

Size & Growth

Size: Trailing vines can reach 2-3 feet long indoors

Growth: Moderate to fast-growing with a cascading habit, perfect for hanging displays or mounted arrangements

Pet-Friendliness

Safe for cats and dogs, making it a worry-free choice for pet-friendly households

Care Instructions

Light:
Bright, indirect light is ideal. A few hours of gentle morning or late afternoon sun is usually fine, but avoid prolonged hot midday sun. Plenty of bright light encourages more frequent flowering.

Water:
Water when the top 2–3 cm (about 1 inch) of soil feels dry. Keep the soil lightly moist during the growing season, but never allow the pot to sit in water. Reduce watering slightly during winter.

Humidity:
This tropical epiphyte thrives in moderate to high humidity. Average household humidity is acceptable, but higher humidity often leads to healthier foliage and better flowering.

Temperature:
Keep between 18–27°C. Protect from temperatures below 15°C and avoid cold drafts or sudden temperature changes. 

Soil: Use a light, airy, well-draining mix. An aroid mix or a blend of potting soil, orchid bark, and perlite works beautifully, allowing the roots to breathe while retaining just enough moisture.

Fertilizer: Feed every 3–4 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Regular feeding encourages healthy growth and more blooms.

Pruning: Trim vines after flowering to encourage branching and a fuller plant. Removing spent blooms also helps keep the plant tidy and promotes future flowering.

Repotting: Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Lipstick plants actually bloom best when they are slightly snug in their pots, so avoid moving to a pot that's much larger.

Pro Tip: Want more flowers? Give your Lipstick Plant plenty of bright, indirect light, avoid overwatering, and resist the urge to overpot it. A slightly root-bound plant with consistent care is much more likely to reward you with its spectacular lipstick-shaped blooms year after year.

*Please note that color may differ slightly from how it appears on your screen due to varying monitor settings. 

**Please note that we will select a plant for you when you order online. Though you will not receive the specific plant in the image, we will ensure we select something comparable.