Propagating Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus)

The Lipstick Plant, or Aeschynanthus, is an easy-going houseplant that looks great in a hanging pot. If it’s starting to look a little sparse, taking cuttings is a simple way to make it fuller. It does take some patience, but it’s definitely worth it.

Use clean scissors or a sharp knife. Rinse under hot water, dry with a clean cloth and disinfect with alcohol. This helps avoid bacteria and fungus on the cutting.

Choose young stems with at least five leaves. It’s best to take a few cuttings at once, as not every cutting will root.

Remove the lower leaves so the stem is ready to go into the soil.

If you have rooting powder, apply a little to the end of the cutting and let it dry. It helps encourage root growth, but it’s not essential.

Place the cuttings into fresh, slightly moist soil. Keep the pot in a bright spot out of direct sunlight.

Be patient – it can take up to two months for the cuttings to develop roots.

Extra bonus: Taking cuttings also refreshes the parent plant and encourages new growth in bare areas.

• Best time: spring to early autumn
• Light: bright, indirect sunlight
• Water: keep soil lightly moist
• Tip: take more cuttings to improve your chances
• Bonus: prune old stems to rejuvenate your plant

Once the roots are about five centimetres long, you can move the cutting to a larger pot.

These tips are based on our own experience with propagating. All methods are tested in our plant nursery and work well for beginners too.

Want to explore more propagation tips? Check out our other step-by-step plant guides.