Reviving the Lipstick Rasta Plant

The lipstick rasta plant (Aeschynanthus radicans), also known as the basket vine, has bright red blooms extending from a purple calyx and grows well in a hanging basket. It is beautiful if grown in the proper conditions, but if the plant starts looking sickly, then you need to look it over to see what is wrong. If you catch the problem in time, you can save the lipstick rasta plant.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Insecticidal soap or horticultural oil

Instructions

1. Check the soil for moisture. Although this plant likes soil to be slightly moist, it does not like soggy or dry soil. To test, stick your finger about 3 inches deep in the soil. If the soil is dry, water the lipstick rasta plant thoroughly. Place a saucer underneath the container to catch the excess water so that the plant is not sitting in water.

   Since plants can also suffer from over-watering, do not water if the soil is already wet. During the winter months, water the lipstick rasta sparingly. Over-watering can cause the leaves to drop or turn yellow.

2. Check the plant to see if there are any bugs or insects on the leaves or stems. Mealy bugs and aphids can infest the lipstick rasta plant. To get rid of the pests, wash the plant with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. You may have to wash the plant several times during the next few months to completely get rid of the pests.

3. Place the lipstick rasta plant where it will receive bright light, but do not put it in full sun. The lipstick plant needs four hours of indirect sunlight every day.

4. Check the air temperature. In order for the lipstick rasta plant to grow well, the air temperature should not drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

References

• Aggie Horticulture: Lipstick Plant
• Plant of the Week: Aeschynanthus radicans - Lipstick Plant
• Institute of Interior Horticulture: Indoor Garden Guides Lipstick Rasta