Variegated Lipstick Plant, also known as Aeschynanthus radicans, is a beautiful houseplant that features bright green leaves with red and pink variegation. It’s a relatively easy plant to care for, making it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts. Propagating the Variegated Lipstick Plant is an excellent way to expand your plant collection or share it with friends and family. In this article, we’ll show you how to propagate Variegated Lipstick Plant the right way.
To propagate Variegated Lipstick Plant, you will need:
Here are the steps to follow when propagating Variegated Lipstick Plant:
Choose a healthy stem from the mother plant that is at least four inches long and has at least two sets of leaves. The stem should be firm and free from any signs of damage or disease.
Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, cut the stem just below a node or where the leaf attaches to the stem. Nodes are where new growth emerges, so cutting below them encourages new roots to form.
Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only two sets of leaves at the top.
If desired, you can apply rooting hormone to the cut end of the stem. Rooting hormone promotes root development and can increase your chances of success.
Plant the stem in a small pot filled with well-draining soil. Water the soil thoroughly and place the pot in a bright, indirect light location.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not overly saturated. Check the soil regularly and water as needed.
In about four to six weeks, you should start to see new root development. Once the roots are established, you can transplant the new plant into a larger pot or give it as a gift.
A: Variegated Lipstick Plant prefers consistently moist soil but can be prone to root rot if overwatered. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
A: Yes, you can propagate Variegated Lipstick Plant in water by following the same steps as above but placing the stem cutting in a jar of water instead of soil. However, it is recommended to transfer the plant to soil once roots have formed for better long-term growth.
A: Variegated Lipstick Plant prefers bright, indirect light and consistent moisture. It can be fertilized monthly during its growing season (spring and summer) and pruned as needed to maintain its shape.
A: If your Variegated Lipstick Plant is losing its variegation, it may be due to too much direct sunlight or lack of nutrients. Move the plant to a brighter spot with indirect light and fertilize as needed.
A: Variegated Lipstick Plant is a relatively slow grower, but with proper care, it can reach up to six feet in length.
Propagating Variegated Lipstick Plant is a fun and easy way to expand your plant collection. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully propagate Variegated Lipstick Plant and enjoy its beautiful foliage for years to come.