Aeschynanthus ‘Rasta’

A Cultivated Curled-Leaf Selection

Aeschynanthus ‘Rasta’ is a cultivated Lipstick Plant. Aeschynanthus species occur across tropical Asia, where many root on trees and rocks in warm forest and carry their stems through filtered light.

Care for Rolled Leaves and Trailing Stems

• Light: Bright filtered light keeps the stems well leafed. Direct hot sun can scorch exposed curves of the leaves.
• Water: Water when the top layer begins to dry. Let the root ball drain completely and do not keep it continually wet.
• Humidity and airflow: Moderate humidity is useful. Air must move through the dense curled stems. Avoid misting when water remains trapped in the rolls.
• Temperature: Keep warm and stable, preferably above 15 °C.
• Substrate: Bark, coco chips and mineral particles keep the compact root system open.
• Feeding: Small regular doses during active growth supply new stems without forcing soft growth.
• Pruning: Shorten old bare trails to a leafy node and remove dead material hidden around the crown.
• Propagation: Stem cuttings root from healthy nodes in a warm, lightly moist airy medium.

Problems Inside Rolled Leaves and Stems

• Cottony deposits inside curls: Mealybugs are present. Isolate the plant, remove visible insects from every rolled blade and node with a damp swab, then apply a treatment labelled for ornamental plants into the concealed areas. Repeat as directed on the label and recheck the inner curls.
• Long bare sections: Low light or ageing growth has reduced leaf retention. Improve light and prune back to active nodes.
• Soft yellow foliage: Roots are staying wet or cold. Let the mix drain and inspect for decay.
• Thin limp rolls: The plant has dried too far or is losing water rapidly in hot air. Rehydrate the root ball and stabilise the environment.
• Dark wet pockets: Water has remained inside the curled leaves. Improve airflow and stop misting the foliage.

Pet safety

• Generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
• Plant material is not intended for consumption, and swallowing it may still cause digestive upset.

The Aeschynanthus name

Horticultural name: Aeschynanthus ‘Rasta’

Aeschynanthus combines the Greek aischyne, meaning shame or embarrassment, with anthos, flower. The Scottish botanist William Jack published the genus in Transactions of the Linnean Society of London, volume 14, page 42, in 1823. The genus is native to tropical and subtropical Asia.