🌿 Lipstick 'Black Pagoda' Plant Overview

Lipstick 'Black Pagoda' Plant (Aeschynanthus longicaulis, often sold as Aeschynanthus 'Black Pagoda') is a striking tropical houseplant prized for its beautifully patterned foliage and cascading growth habit. Its dark green leaves are decorated with intricate lighter green veining, while the undersides develop rich burgundy-purple tones. Even when it isn't blooming, the incredible foliage makes this Lipstick Plant a showstopper.

✨ Appearance

• Long, pointed leaves with intricate light green veining
• Deep green foliage with a beautiful patterned or mottled appearance
• Burgundy to purple coloration on the undersides of the leaves
• Trailing, cascading growth habit
• Vines can reach several feet long as the plant matures
• Produces tubular flowers in shades of orange, red, and yellow under ideal conditions

☀️ Light

• Prefers bright, indirect light
• Can tolerate moderate indirect light
• Bright filtered light encourages fuller growth and flowering
• Avoid harsh direct afternoon sunlight, which can scorch the foliage

💧 Water

• Allow the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry slightly between waterings
• Water thoroughly, allowing excess moisture to drain away
• Prefers consistent moisture but should never remain soggy
• Reduce watering slightly during cooler months when growth slows

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity

• Ideal temperature: 65–80°F
• Prefers moderate to high humidity
• Adapts to average household humidity but appreciates additional moisture in the air
• Protect from temperatures below 55°F
• Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes

🌱 Soil

• Prefers an airy, well-draining potting mix
  • Potting soil or coco coir
  • Orchid bark
  • Perlite or pumice
• Good drainage and airflow around the roots encourage healthy growth

🌿 Growth & Care

• Moderate grower
• Perfect for hanging baskets and elevated shelves where its vines can cascade
• Pinch or prune growing tips to encourage a fuller, bushier plant
• Fertilize lightly during the active growing season
• Easy to propagate from stem cuttings
• Avoid overpotting, as the roots prefer an airy environment with good drainage

🐾 Pet Safety

• Generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs

💚 Why Collectors Love It

• Incredible patterned foliage that looks beautiful year-round
• Gorgeous burgundy-purple leaf undersides
• Cascading growth perfect for hanging displays
• Attractive tubular flowers
• Pet-friendly and relatively easy to care for
• A fantastic choice for anyone who loves plants that are just as beautiful without flowers 🌿