A beautiful relative of Streptocarpus and African Violets is the Aeschynanthus (pronounced aes·chy·nan·thus and commonly known as the Lipstick Plant). These are a houseplant which are mostly trailing plants (and in the rainforests of South East Asia, they grow on trees i.e. are epyphitic). Aeschynanthus mostly flower in the late summer and throughout the autumn.
Ideal growing conditions are in part shade.
At home, they require slight humidity, an occasional misting with water will help. Do not over-water and only water lightly when the surface of the compost is dry to the touch.
Pot into fibre-based house plant compost (adding in up to 1/3 Perlite to open up the structure - this is good for lots of epyphitic plants). Our Saintpaulia compost is ideal for Aeschynanthus.
When the plants are established, feed with a high potash feed, such as our slow release Dibleys fertiliser tablet once a month. Keep at a minimum temperature of at least 15°C (60°F) in a light position out of the midday sunlight.
