Aeschynanthus Bolero Bi-colour - The Lipstick Vine. A stunning trailing vine with long, tubular flowers that emerge from a calyx, which looks like a lipstick in a tube. An epiphyte, a plant that grows on another host plant without doing any harm, native to Tropical Rain Forests, where they creep along the branches of trees. Give them indirect light, humidity and they are extremely easy to grow.
Summer care:
Lipstick Vines prefer bright, indirect light, this mimics sun light through the jungle canopy.
From Spring until late Summer keep the compost evenly moist, not waterlogged. Water thoroughly, then allow the top of the soil to become touch dry before watering again.
If possible help to increase the humidity around your plant. This is best achieved by placing on a saucer filled with decorative stones that you add water to, stand the plant on the stones, but don`t allow the pot to touch the water. This will increase the moisture in the air around the plant. Misting the plant will also increase humidity, again replicating its natural habitat.
Room temperatures between 18-24c are fine. Avoid hot or cold draughts.
Fertilise moderately, once every 2 weeks, with a half strength balanced liquid feed.
Minimum Temp: 15c
As with most Tropical plants Aeschynanthus requires a Winter rest. As temperatures become cooler growth slows down and it doesn`t require as much water, allow the top 2cm of the soil to become dry between watering. This rest helps it prepare for next year`s flowers. Stop fertilising. Avoid hot or cold draughts.
Repot in Spring if the roots have filled the pot. They don`t mind being slightly pot bound as this will encourage flowers. Make sure to use a good free draining compost.
Prune stems as required after flowering. This will encourage a bushier plant and more flowers.
Not known to be toxic to pets or humans.
