Aeschynanthus evrardii Cassiopeia Lipstick Plant

Kim Marson

Gardening Writer

Kim is passionate about helping people create beautiful, healthy indoor spaces that are filled with plants. Kim believes that plants make us happier, healthier human...

Aeschynanthus evrardii 'Cassiopeia', more commonly known as the Cassiopeia Lipstick plant, is a popular variety of Lipstick Vine, an exotic epiphytic plant known for its vibrant flowers. The Aeschynanthus genus contains around 150 species native to tropical regions of Asia, and the 'Cassiopeia' is a hybrid cultivar developed in Taiwan.

Overview of Aeschynanthus evrardii 'Cassiopeia'

The Cassiopeia Lipstick plant features cascading stems lined with glossy, leathery green leaves. The foliage creates an attractive backdrop for the abundant blooms these plants produce. The star-shaped flowers have bright red petals with yellow and orange centers. They emerge in clusters from fleshy pink bracts. The combination of these features creates a unique appearance and makes the Cassiopeia a stunning houseplant

In terms of development, the Cassiopeia Lipstick plant has a vining growth habit but typically only reaches lengths of around 3 feet. It thrives in warm, humid conditions with bright indirect light. When properly cared for, these plants will bloom heavily during the spring and summer. Their lush trailing stems make them perfect for hanging containers and planting in terrariums.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Growing Cassiopeia Lipstick Plant

Lipstick Vine offers some clear advantages as a houseplant. The eye-catching flowers provide vivid color in indoor spaces. These plants are quite easy to care for once their preferences for warm, humid conditions, air circulation, and bright light are met. Their trailing shape allows them to cascade attractively from hanging pots.

However, there are some potential downsides. All parts of the plant contain toxic chemicals that can irritate skin and be dangerous if ingested, especially by pets or children. The specific needs of Aeschynanthus limit their suitability to tropical or greenhouse-style environments. Insufficient humidity and light will prevent flowering. Spider mites, mealybugs, and other pests may become problematic without vigilance.

Overall, Aeschynanthus evrardii 'Cassiopeia' is a stunning but somewhat demanding houseplant best suited to warm, humid spaces in the care of experienced growers. If provided adequate conditions, these trailing vines will reward efforts with fantastic lipstick-red blooms. Just take care to keep them away from pets and children.

Acquiring a Healthy Aeschynanthus evrardii 'Cassiopeia' Plant

Where to Buy Cassiopeia Lipstick Plant

When looking to add an Aeschynanthus evrardii 'Cassiopeia' plant, also known as Lipstick Vine, to your indoor plant collection, you have a few options for sourcing one. Many online retailers sell these exotic houseplants, often offering a wider selection than local stores. Reputable sellers on sites like Etsy, eBay, and Amazon allow you to buy an established plant and have it shipped. Just be sure to check seller reviews.

You can also find Aeschynanthus at your local nursery or garden center, especially those that specialize in tropical plants. The benefit of seeing the plant in person is being able to examine its health and vigor before purchasing. Look for signs of pests, yellowed leaves, or stunted growth. selecting a plant already producing flower buds or blooms.

When buying online, opt for sellers who use high-quality shipping materials and methods to avoid damage in transit. For local purchases, take the plant home right away rather than leaving it in a hot car.

Ensuring You Get a Healthy Plant

To ensure you end up with a vigorous, healthy Aeschynanthus evrardii 'Cassiopeia' specimen, inspect it closely before buying. Check that the leaves are full, green, and free of spots or yellowing. Look for firm stems and roots without damage or rot. Avoid plants with signs of pests like webs, eggs, honeydew residue, or chewed leaves. Select plants that are already producing buds or flowers, signaling that conditions are favorable.

Once home, quarantine new Aeschynanthus plants for a few weeks to prevent introducing potential pests or diseases to existing plants. Monitor for any emerging issues during this period before placing them in your collection. Starting with a strong, vigorous plant from a reputable source gives your Aeschynanthus the best chance of thriving in your care.

Growing and Caring for Aeschynanthus evrardii 'Cassiopeia'

In general, the Cassiopeia Lipstick plant is easy to care for. As a tropical epiphytic plant, it can thrive indoors with careful attention to its preferences and will give you years of enjoyment as Lipstick plants have long lifespans.

Potting and Repotting

Aeschynanthus evrardii 'Cassiopeia' thrives in a lightweight, well-draining potting mix amended with orchid bark, perlite, and peat moss. Use containers with drainage holes and avoid soil mixes that stay overly moist.

Shallow hanging pots around 4-6 inches deep suit the trailing growth habit of these plants. Choose pot sizes proportional to the root system, allowing some room for expansion. Repot every 2-3 years in spring, gently separating and loosening the roots.

Watering and Humidity

Lipstick Vine prefers consistently moist (but not soggy) soil. Water when the top inch becomes dry, allowing excess to drain fully. Mist leaves daily or uses a pebble tray to boost humidity around the plant. Ideal levels are 60% or higher.

Signs of underwatering include drooping, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Adjust the frequency based on your environment. Reduce watering in winter when growth slows.

Sunlight and Temperature

Aeschynanthus flourish in bright, indirect light, ideally from an east or west-facing window. Provide supplemental lighting if sunlight is insufficient. Avoid direct southern exposure which can scorch the foliage.

Daytime temps of 65-85°F are ideal. Cooler nights around 60°F will help trigger abundant blooms in spring and summer. Avoid drafty spots and sudden temperature shifts.

Fertilizing

Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Fertilize monthly during spring and summer while actively growing and flowering. Reduce to quarter strength in fall and winter. Excess fertilizer can cause leaf burn.

Pruning and Training

Pinch back leggy stems just above leaf nodes to encourage bushier growth. Provide trellises, strings, or other supports to train the vining stems. Prune off any damaged or dying stems at their base. Pruning right after flowering finishes redirects energy into new growth.

Getting Aeschynanthus evrardii 'Cassiopeia' to Flower

Natural Flowering Cycle

In their native tropical habitats, Aeschynanthus evrardii blooms naturally during spring and summer. They produce the most flowers from early spring into mid-summer. Flower production will decline in the peak summer heat.

These plants are triggered to bloom by increasing day length and light intensity in spring coupled with slightly cooler nighttime temperatures. Maintaining conditions that mimic these seasonal changes will promote the most abundant flowering.

Optimizing Conditions for Flowers

To encourage prolific blooms:

• Provide bright, indirect light 12-14 hours per day. Supplement with grow lights if needed.
• Keep temperatures between 65-80°F during the day and around 60°F at night.
• Maintain humidity around 60-80% year-round. Mist leaves and provides good air circulation.
• Water thoroughly when the top inch of the soil is dry. Avoid excess moisture.
• Fertilize monthly during spring and summer with a balanced houseplant formula.
• Keep the plant pest and disease free. Address any issues promptly.

Troubleshooting Lack of Flowers

If your Aeschynanthus vine is not blooming well:

• Increase light duration and intensity if possible. Insufficient light is a common cause.
• Check that temperatures are not too warm, ideally with cooler nights.
• Rule out any pests or diseases that may be stressing the plant.
• Assess soil moisture and humidity. Flowering is reduced if conditions are too wet or dry.
• Consider renewing the potting mix and repotting in fresh soil to stimulate growth.
• Be patient! Allow the plant time to adjust and recover if changes are made. Next year's blooms may be improved.

Common Issues and Solutions for Aeschynanthus evrardii 'Cassiopeia'

Pest Problems

Aeschynanthus vines are prone to infestations from common houseplant pests like:

• Mealybugs - Cottony insects that leave sticky residue on leaves.
• Aphids - Small, pear-shaped sucking insects that cluster on stems and leaves.
• Scale - Hard bumps that attach to stems and leaves to feed.
• Spider mites - Tiny webbing insects that cause stippling damage.

Carefully check all leaf surfaces, stems, and growth points regularly. At first signs of pests, isolate and treat them promptly before they spread. Insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil sprays can control light infestations. For severe cases, use insecticides labeled for these pests on houseplants.

Diseases

Overwatering and high humidity raise the risk of fungal or bacterial diseases like:

• Leaf spots
• Powdery mildew
• Stem or root rot
• Botrytis blight

Improve air circulation and cultural practices to avoid conditions conducive to disease. Remove any affected parts promptly. Treat with fungicides if needed.

Leaf Problems

Issues like leaf yellowing, leaf drop, and leaf spots can result from:

• Improper watering or humidity
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Sunburn from too much direct light
• Pest damage
• Disease

Assess care routines and growing conditions. Make adjustments as needed, such as reducing fertilizer if salts build up. Rule out pests and diseases. Leaves are naturally yellow and drop as they age, so some loss is normal. However, yellow patches on the leaves and too many leaves dropping should be investigated

Opinions on Growing Aeschynanthus evrardii 'Cassiopeia'

Better Suited for Intermediate or Advanced Growers

Many houseplant enthusiasts caution that Aeschynanthus vines like 'Cassiopeia' are not the best choice for beginners. These plants have very specific requirements for warm temperatures, high humidity, airflow, and bright indirect light. Meeting all these needs while avoiding overwatering can be challenging in home environments.

For those newer to houseplant care, it may be wise to gain some experience with easier species first. Once someone has mastered the basics, they will be better equipped to take on the more nuanced care of Aeschynanthus. Their need for precision makes them far better suited to intermediate or advanced indoor gardeners.

Worthwhile for the Beautiful Flowers

While they demand careful attention, most agree that the striking blooms of Aeschynanthus evrardii 'Cassiopeia' make the effort worthwhile. These vines produce an abundance of stunning, lipstick-red flowers for months on end when properly grown. The display provides a dramatic pop of color.

Many collectors are drawn in by the flowers and willing to put in extra work to get these plants to thrive. The floral show is considered a fair payoff for the meticulous care required. These exotic vines offer a beautiful challenge for dedicated houseplant parents.

Other Viewpoints on Challenge and Reward

Some argue Aeschynanthus species like 'Cassiopeia' get an unfair reputation as being difficult, finicky plants. They point out that nearly all houseplants require specialized care to some degree. While they may not be the best "beginner plant", they are very rewarding with consistently proper care.

Others counter that only experts equipped with greenhouses can realistically provide the controlled environment these tropicals prefer. They maintain the average windowsill grower will likely struggle and find the experience frustrating.

Perspectives vary, but most seem to agree - spectacular flowers but not an easy houseplant. With realistic expectations and the right conditions, growing Aeschynanthus can be a gratifying adventure for many indoor gardeners.

Summary and Takeaway: Cassiopeia Lipstick Plant

Key Takeaways on Growing Cassiopeia Lipstick Plant

• Aeschynanthus evrardii 'Cassiopeia' is an exotic vining plant prized for its abundant pink-red blooms.
• It requires warm temperatures, high humidity, indirect light, air circulation, and consistently moist soil.
• Meeting its specific needs can be challenging but rewarding when done right. Experience helps success.
• Vibrant flower displays make the effort worthwhile for many growers.
• Start with a vigorous, pest-free plant. Provide proper care and conditions to maximize growth and blooms.
• Monitor closely for pests and diseases. Address issues promptly to avoid stressing the plant.
• Patience and adjustments over time help acclimate it to your environment.

Review of Proper Care and Cultivation

To summarize care:

• Plant in an airy, well-draining mix in a hanging pot with drainage holes.
• Water thoroughly when the top inch dries; maintain high humidity.
• Situate in bright indirect light or provide supplemental lighting.
• Keep temps ideally 65-80°F with cooler 60°F nights.
• Fertilize monthly in spring/summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
• Prune leggy growth; train vines up supports.
• Watch for pests like mealybugs; treat them promptly.
• Be patient with flowers; meet their needs and adjust as needed.

Final Thoughts on Growing Aeschynanthus evrardii 'Cassiopeia'

The Cassiopeia Lipstick Plant offers a rewarding challenge for indoor gardeners seeking a botanical showstopper. Their cultural requirements demand precision, but the display of lipstick-red blooms is well worth the diligent effort. Do your research, provide the right conditions, and be prepared to nurture these tropical vines for optimal floral production. With time and care, the cascades of color will transform any indoor space.

Kim MarsonGardening Writer

Kim is passionate about helping people create beautiful, healthy indoor spaces that are filled with plants. Kim believes that plants make us happier, healthier human beings, and she loves sharing her knowledge with others so they can experience the joys of plant care for themselves. <a href="https://plantcaresimplified.com/kim-marson/">Read more</a>

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