Aeschynanthus Mona Lisa - Lipstick plant

Aeschynanthus 'Mona Lisa', nicknamed the lipstick plant, is a tropical plant with a trailing habit, prized for its dense and glossy foliage as well as its spectacular flowering. Its long, flexible stems bear lustrous dark green leaves that highlight its bright red, tubular flowers with a purple calyx, reminiscent of a lipstick tube. Very beautiful in hanging baskets, this relatively easy plant adds a colourful and exotic touch to a bright interior.

The hybrid Aeschynanthus 'Mona Lisa' belongs to the Gesneriaceae family, which includes many tropical plants prized for their decorative flowering. This variety comes from the Aeschynanthus genus, several species of which are native to the humid forests of Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and India. In the wild, this type of plant grows as an epiphyte, meaning it attaches itself to tree trunks and branches, benefiting from the ambient humidity and the filtered sunlight through the canopy. The 'Mona Lisa' variety stands out for its long, flexible, and trailing stems, which can reach 80 cm in cultivation. Its thick and slightly leathery leaves are a shiny dark green and grow in an opposite arrangement along the stems. One of the main attractions of the Aeschynanthus 'Mona Lisa' is its long-lasting red flowering, which typically occurs from late spring to autumn. Its tubular, bright red flowers emerge in terminal clusters at the ends of the stems. Each flower, measuring about 4 to 5 cm long, is partially enveloped in a dark purple calyx.

Aeschynanthus 'Mona Lisa' thrives best under bright light, without too intense direct sunlight, which could scorch its foliage. It prefers a stable temperature between 18 and 25 °C and dislikes cold drafts. Its substrate should be light and well-draining; a mix of potting soil and perlite is recommended. Water moderately, keeping the substrate slightly moist without excess water. A good ambient humidity level, above 60%, is essential to encourage flowering. In winter, less frequent watering stimulates the appearance of flowers in spring. Once flower buds have formed, the plant should not be moved too much, as it may drop them due to stress.

With its trailing habit and vibrant flowering, Aeschynanthus 'Mona Lisa' is perfect in hanging baskets or on a high shelf, in a living room, conservatory, or bright bathroom. It pairs well with other tropical epiphytic plants, such as Rhipsalis, Phalaenopsis Orchids, or Nephrolepis - Boston Ferns, which share similar humidity and light requirements. Paired with variegated Pothos or a Philodendron scandens, it helps create a lush and colourful living wall.