Overview

Elevate your indoor plant collection with the captivating Black Pagoda Lipstick Vine, a unique live plant known for its distinctive foliage and eye-catching flowers. Scientifically referred to as Aeschynanthus Marmoratus, and sometimes by its updated name Aeschynanthus longicaulis, this plant is a true showstopper. Its glossy green leaves are beautifully marked with deep maroon venation, creating a zebra-like pattern that gives it one of its common nicknames: the Zebra Basket Plant. Beyond its striking leaves, the Black Pagoda Lipstick Vine produces equally bold blooms that can appear throughout the year, though they are most abundant in late summer and early fall. This tropical epiphyte thrives in hanging baskets, making it an excellent choice for adding a touch of exotic beauty to any home environment.

The Aeschynanthus genus, native to the West Indies, includes many popular houseplants, and the Black Pagoda Lipstick Vine is a prime example of why. It offers a fantastic combination of both stunning foliage and beautiful flowers, providing year-round interest. Whether you’re an experienced plant enthusiast or a beginner looking for something special, this plant is relatively easy to care for and incredibly rewarding. Its unique appearance and vibrant blooms make it a conversation starter and a focal point in any room.

Key Benefits

The Black Pagoda Lipstick Vine offers numerous advantages for indoor gardeners, combining aesthetic appeal with manageable care requirements. This plant is a fantastic choice for adding color and life to your living spaces.

• Stunning Foliage: Enjoy the unique visual appeal of glossy green leaves adorned with intricate maroon venation, creating a captivating pattern that stands out in any collection.
• Bold, Year-Round Blooms: Experience the joy of vibrant, lipstick-like flowers that can appear at any time of the year, adding splashes of color and exotic charm to your home.
• Excellent for Hanging Displays: Its trailing growth habit makes it perfectly suited for hanging baskets or plant hangers, allowing its beautiful foliage and flowers to cascade gracefully.
• Relatively Low Maintenance: While it appreciates consistent care, the Aeschynanthus Marmoratus care is straightforward, making it suitable for both novice and experienced plant owners who want a rewarding plant without excessive fuss.
• Air Purifying Qualities: Like many houseplants, the Black Pagoda Lipstick Vine contributes to a healthier indoor environment by helping to filter and purify the air.
• Tropical Aesthetic: Bring a touch of the tropics into your home with this plant’s lush appearance, enhancing your decor with its vibrant and exotic presence.
• Unique Conversation Starter: The distinctive ‘zebra’ pattern on its leaves and its striking flowers make the Zebra Basket Plant a unique and interesting addition that is sure to draw attention and compliments.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Proper Aeschynanthus Marmoratus care is essential for ensuring your Black Pagoda Lipstick Vine thrives and produces its beautiful blooms. This tropical plant appreciates conditions that mimic its native habitat. For optimal growth and flowering, provide bright, indirect light. An east or west-facing window is often ideal, as direct, harsh sunlight can scorch its leaves. If the plant doesn’t receive enough light, flowering may be sparse. Increasing brightness and humidity can encourage faster growth and more abundant blooms.

Watering should be consistent but not excessive. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings, but never completely bone dry. Avoid letting the plant sit in soggy soil, as this can lead to root rot. A well-draining potting mix is crucial. As a tropical plant, the Black Pagoda Lipstick Vine thrives in high humidity. If your home’s air is dry, consider misting the leaves regularly, placing the pot on a pebble tray with water, or using a humidifier nearby. Temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) are ideal, and it should be protected from cold drafts. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. During the dormant winter months, reduce watering and discontinue fertilizing.

Repot your Lipstick Plant indoor every two to three years or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one, and ensure it has good drainage. Pruning can be done to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth, especially after flowering. Regular inspections for pests like spider mites and mealybugs are also important. Addressing any issues promptly will ensure the continued health and beauty of your Black Pagoda Lipstick Vine.

Size & Details

This Black Pagoda Lipstick Vine is supplied as a live plant in a 2.5-inch nursery pot, ready to be placed in your preferred decorative container or hanging basket. The plant’s trailing habit means its vines can extend quite long, typically reaching lengths of 1 to 2 feet indoors, though they can grow longer with optimal conditions. Its growth rate is steady, and with proper care, it will develop into a lush specimen. The plant will arrive healthy and well-rooted, prepared for its new home.

Expect to see the distinctive maroon-veined foliage immediately, and with good light and humidity, you’ll soon be rewarded with its unique flowers. This particular size is perfect for starting a new hanging display or adding to an existing plant collection. The 2.5-inch pot provides a compact start, allowing you to watch your Aeschynanthus longicaulis grow and flourish.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this Black Pagoda Lipstick Vine get? A: With proper care, the vines of the Black Pagoda Lipstick Vine can typically grow to 1-2 feet in length, sometimes longer, making it ideal for hanging baskets where its foliage can cascade.
• Q: What size pot does it come in? A: This Black Pagoda Lipstick Vine is shipped in a 2.5-inch nursery pot, perfectly sized for transplanting into a decorative pot or hanging planter upon arrival.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The Black Pagoda Lipstick Vine is primarily an indoor houseplant, especially in temperate climates. It thrives in warm, humid indoor environments, but can be moved outdoors to a shaded spot in warm summer months.
• Q: How much sunlight does the Zebra Basket Plant need? A: This plant prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct harsh sunlight, which can scorch its leaves. An east or west-facing window is often ideal for optimal growth and flowering.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, the Black Pagoda Lipstick Vine is considered a relatively easy-to-care-for houseplant. It requires consistent watering and high humidity but is otherwise quite steady to look after with minimal effort.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Your Black Pagoda Lipstick Vine will arrive as a healthy, live plant, carefully packaged to ensure it reaches you in excellent condition, ready to thrive in its new home.
• Q: How long until it blooms? A: While it can bloom anytime throughout the year, the Black Pagoda Lipstick Vine typically produces its most abundant and bold blooms during the late summer and early fall, given suitable light and adequate water.
• Q: What’s the best soil type for Aeschynanthus Marmoratus care? A: This plant thrives in a well-draining potting mix that retains some moisture. A mix suitable for epiphytic plants, often containing perlite or orchid bark, works well to prevent soggy roots.
• Q: Is the Lipstick Plant indoor pet-safe? A: While generally considered non-toxic to pets, it’s always best to keep plants out of reach of curious animals to prevent any potential stomach upset from ingestion.
• Q: How can I increase humidity for my plant? A: To increase humidity, you can mist the leaves regularly, place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensuring the pot doesn’t sit in the water), or use a room humidifier.