What it is: This listing is a plant sold as Lipstick Purple Star (Aeschynanthus).

Light: Lipstick plants need bright, indirect light but not full sun (NC State Extension). An east or west window, or a spot back from a south window, works well; more light means more flowers. In our dark northern Alberta winters, a grow bulb in a lamp helps keep it full.

Watering & care: Water regularly during the growing season, but make sure the potting mix drains well (NC State Extension); our earlier listings note that not overwatering helps promote flowering. Keep water off the leaves and stems where you can, since wet foliage invites fungal problems (NC State Extension).

Humidity: Lipstick plants enjoy high humidity with good air circulation; stagnant, damp air encourages fungal disease (NC State Extension). In dry Alberta winters, a humidifier nearby helps.

Temperature: NC State Extension notes they do best with soil around 18–21 °C (65–70 °F) in the growing season, and that leaves drop if temperatures fall below about 10 °C (50 °F). Keep it away from cold windows and drafts.

Winter indoors: In winter it can be kept a little cooler and drier (NC State Extension), but keep it above 10 °C (50 °F), off cold glass and away from drafts.

Expected indoor size: Lipstick plants are trailing epiphytes: stems lengthen gradually and arch or drape over the pot edge, which is why they shine in hanging baskets. How long yours trails depends on light, pot size and care.

Feeding: NC State Extension suggests a dilute liquid fertilizer, such as one made for orchids, during the growing season to encourage leaves and blooms. Our Schultz All Purpose Plant Food at half strength works too; stop in winter.

Pets & pests: Pet-friendly: the ASPCA lists lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus) as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Watch for aphids, mealybugs and mites (NC State Extension).

About your plant: Every plant is a little different. Size, fullness and leaf count vary from plant to plant and change with age and light, so we can't promise a particular trail length, fullness or flowering. The size option (4") refers to the pot diameter. It does not guarantee an exact trail length or that the plant will be in flower when it arrives. Photos show typical plants from our greenhouse, not the specific plant you will receive. The shared gallery image shows other Lipstick Plants as inspiration.