Lipstick plants are a popular indoor and outdoor plant that is known for its beautiful, vibrant flowers. The variegated lipstick plant is a type of lipstick plant that has brightly colored leaves in shades of green, white, and pink. Harvesting the variegated lipstick plant correctly is important to ensure that the plant stays healthy and continues to produce beautiful foliage and flowers. In this article, we will discuss the optimal time and technique for harvesting your variegated lipstick plant.
The optimal time for harvesting your variegated lipstick plant is during the spring and summer months when the plant is actively growing. This is when the plant’s foliage and flowers are at their peak, and they are most likely to regenerate quickly after being harvested. Avoid harvesting during the fall or winter months when the plant is dormant.
It’s also important to wait until the flowers are fully bloomed before harvesting them. This ensures that they have reached their full potential in terms of color and fragrance. Additionally, waiting until the flowers have fully bloomed also means that they will be more receptive to pollination, which can help with seed production.
To harvest your variegated lipstick plant, you will need a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. Cut the stem of the flower or foliage at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node. This will promote new growth and prevent damage to the remaining plant.
Make sure to clean your scissors or pruning shears before using them to avoid transferring any diseases or pests to your plant. You can do this by wiping them down with rubbing alcohol or a disinfectant wipe.
If you are harvesting multiple stems, make sure to space out your cuts to ensure that there is enough foliage remaining on the plant to support its growth. It’s also important not to remove more than one-third of the plant’s foliage at a time to prevent stunting its growth.
Once you have harvested your variegated lipstick plant, you can store the flowers or foliage in a vase or jar with water. Change the water every few days to prevent bacteria growth and ensure that the flowers or foliage stay fresh.
Alternatively, you can dry the flowers or foliage by hanging them upside down in a cool, dry place for several weeks. This will allow them to dry out completely and preserve their color and fragrance.
You can harvest your variegated lipstick plant as often as you like during the spring and summer months, but make sure not to remove more than one-third of the plant’s foliage at a time.
No, it’s not recommended to use lipstick plants for cooking or medicinal purposes as they are not edible and may be toxic if ingested.
Yes, you can propagate your variegated lipstick plant from harvested cuttings. Simply place the cuttings in water until they develop roots, then transplant them into soil.
It’s not recommended to harvest your variegated lipstick plant during the fall or winter months when the plant is dormant. This can damage the plant and prevent it from regenerating properly.