If you have a variegated lipstick plant, also known as Aeschynanthus radicans, you know that it’s a beautiful and unique houseplant. With its vibrant green leaves and splashes of pink, it’s hard not to love this plant. However, you may have noticed that your variegated lipstick plant is growing sideways. This can be concerning, but don’t worry, there are several reasons why this may be happening and ways to fix it.
One of the most common reasons why your variegated lipstick plant is growing sideways is due to a lack of light. These plants thrive in bright, indirect light. If they’re not getting enough light, they’ll start to lean towards the source of light. If your plant is growing sideways towards a window or light source, it’s a good indication that it’s not getting enough light on the other side.
To fix this issue, try moving your plant closer to a window or place it under a grow light. You can also rotate your plant regularly so that all sides receive equal amounts of light.
Another reason why your variegated lipstick plant may be growing sideways is due to uneven watering. These plants like to be evenly moist but not waterlogged. If one side of the plant is consistently drier than the other, it may start to lean towards the moister side.
To fix this issue, make sure you’re watering your plant evenly. Check the soil regularly and water when the top inch feels dry. Make sure the pot has drainage holes so that excess water can escape.
Pot size can also play a role in why your variegated lipstick plant is growing sideways. If the pot is too small for the plant, it may start to lean or grow sideways as it tries to find more space to grow.
To fix this issue, consider repotting your plant into a larger pot. Make sure the new pot has drainage holes and use a well-draining soil mix.
If you’ve ruled out the above reasons and your variegated lipstick plant is still growing sideways, it may be due to pests or disease. Check your plant for signs of pests such as spider mites or mealybugs. These pests can cause stress on the plant which can cause it to lean or grow sideways.
If you suspect your plant has pests, isolate it from other plants and treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil. If you notice signs of disease such as yellowing leaves or black spots, you may need to prune affected areas and treat with a fungicide.
If you want to encourage your variegated lipstick plant to grow upright, you can train it using stakes or a trellis. This will help support the plant as it grows and prevent it from leaning or growing sideways.
To train your plant, gently tie it to a stake or trellis using soft twine or plant ties. As the plant grows, adjust the ties accordingly to keep it supported.
Q: Can I trim my variegated lipstick plant to encourage upright growth?
A: Yes, you can trim your plant to encourage upright growth. Prune any long or leggy stems and cut back any overgrown areas. This will help promote new growth and encourage the plant to grow more upright.
Q: How often should I water my variegated lipstick plant?
A: Water your variegated lipstick plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. This can vary depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. It’s better to underwater than overwater, as these plants don’t like to be waterlogged.
Q: How much light does my variegated lipstick plant need?
A: Variegated lipstick plants prefer bright, indirect light. They can tolerate some direct sunlight but too much can scorch the leaves. Place your plant near a window that receives bright, indirect light or under a grow light if needed.
Q: Can I propagate my variegated lipstick plant?
A: Yes, you can propagate your variegated lipstick plant using stem cuttings. Take a cutting of a healthy stem with several leaves and place it in water or a well-draining soil mix. Keep the cutting moist and out of direct sunlight until it roots and starts to grow.