Variegated lipstick plants, also known as Aeschynanthus radicans, are popular houseplants that add color and texture to any room. These plants are native to Southeast Asia and grow well in warm and humid environments. If your variegated lipstick plant has outgrown its current pot or soil, it’s time to transplant it. In this article, we’ll go over the steps you need to take to successfully transplant your variegated lipstick plant.
The first step in transplanting your variegated lipstick plant is to choose a new pot. You want to choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current pot, but not too big. If the new pot is too big, it can lead to overwatering and root rot. Choose a pot with good drainage holes at the bottom.
Next, you need to prepare the potting soil. Variegated lipstick plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can either buy a pre-made potting mix or make your own by mixing equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Avoid using heavy soil that retains moisture, as it can lead to root rot.
Carefully remove the variegated lipstick plant from its current pot by gently loosening the soil around the roots. Be careful not to damage the roots, as this can stress the plant and slow down growth.
Inspect the roots of your variegated lipstick plant and trim any that are brown or mushy. This will help promote healthy growth and prevent root rot. Use a clean pair of scissors or pruning shears to trim the roots.
Place the variegated lipstick plant in the center of the new pot and add potting soil around it, pressing down gently to ensure that the plant is secure. Leave about an inch of space at the top of the pot to allow for watering. Water the plant thoroughly after planting.
After transplanting your variegated lipstick plant, be sure to care for it properly. Water the plant regularly, but be careful not to overwater. You can also fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Keep the plant in a warm and humid environment, away from drafts and direct sunlight.
You should water your variegated lipstick plant thoroughly after transplanting, and then wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again. This usually takes about a week or so.
Variegated lipstick plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can use regular potting soil if you mix it with perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage.
You can fertilize your variegated lipstick plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package.
If your variegated lipstick plant has outgrown its current pot or soil, you may notice that it is not growing as well as it used to, or that the roots are coming out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. It’s also a good idea to transplant your variegated lipstick plant every 1-2 years to promote healthy growth.
Yes, you can propagate your variegated lipstick plant after transplanting by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in water or potting soil. This is a great way to get more plants and share them with friends and family.