The lipstick plant derives its name from the bright red tubular flowers found on its trailing stems.Planting tipsLike many cascading houseplants suitable for hanging baskets, the lipstick plant needs to be cut back to encourage new growth - this will help maintain its full robust appearance. Just prune the plant after a period of blooming. If you want to propagate more plants, stick the stem cuttings in moist soil during the summer months and you'll find they root quickly. This makes lipstick plant an excellent houseplant to pass along to friends.This plant responds best to bright, but indirect sunlight or 14 - 16 hours of artificial light. This is important to keep the plants in good shape and blooming. And keep the temperature on the cool side during the winter, 55 - 60 degrees F. This is a good way to promote better blooming.SuggestionsA few years ago a friend introduced me to a beautiful cascading houseplant with a lot of personality. Her columnea, or lipstick plant as it is called, was in full bloom. Its slightly fuzzy, green foliage was accented by dozens of red, tubular flowers. I was really impressed with the plant's charm and trailing stems, but having just been introduced to it, I was dubious of its long term performance under the tough indoor conditions.Well, since then I have seen it bloom season after season and it continues to flourish. In fact, I noticed that my local bakery now uses columnea to cascade from the partitions that divide the cafe and sales area. Despite little care, and gusts of cold air from the entry door, the plants are healthy and appear quite happy. The aroma of all that fresh bread must have something to do with it!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
The Lipstick Plant
The lipstick plant derives its name from the bright red tubular flowers found on its trailing stems.Planting tipsLike many cascading houseplants suitable for hanging baskets, the lipstick plant needs to be cut back to encourage new growth - this will help maintain its full robust appearance. Just prune the plant after a period of blooming. If you want to propagate more plants, stick the stem cuttings in moist soil during the summer months and you'll find they root quickly. This makes lipstick plant an excellent houseplant to pass along to friends.This plant responds best to bright, but indirect sunlight or 14 - 16 hours of artificial light. This is important to keep the plants in good shape and blooming. And keep the temperature on the cool side during the winter, 55 - 60 degrees F. This is a good way to promote better blooming.SuggestionsA few years ago a friend introduced me to a beautiful cascading houseplant with a lot of personality. Her columnea, or lipstick plant as it is called, was in full bloom. Its slightly fuzzy, green foliage was accented by dozens of red, tubular flowers. I was really impressed with the plant's charm and trailing stems, but having just been introduced to it, I was dubious of its long term performance under the tough indoor conditions.Well, since then I have seen it bloom season after season and it continues to flourish. In fact, I noticed that my local bakery now uses columnea to cascade from the partitions that divide the cafe and sales area. Despite little care, and gusts of cold air from the entry door, the plants are healthy and appear quite happy. The aroma of all that fresh bread must have something to do with it!
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