Aeschynanthus ‘Swing’

A Cultivated Trailing Lipstick Plant

Aeschynanthus ‘Swing’ is a cultivated Lipstick Plant. Aeschynanthus species are native to tropical and subtropical Asia, and many grow on trees or rocks with their roots in small pockets of loose organic material.

Care for Curled Trailing Growth

• Light: Bright filtered light keeps new growth firm and supports flowering. Weak light can lengthen the gaps between leaves, and hot direct sun can scorch the curves.
• Water: Water after the upper mix begins to dry, wetting the whole root ball before allowing it to drain.
• Humidity and airflow: Moderate humidity reduces dry leaf edges. Gentle airflow prevents moisture from remaining inside the curls and overlapping trails.
• Temperature: Keep above 15 °C and away from cold windows in winter.
• Substrate: Use a loose, well-draining epiphyte mix. Dense potting soil remains wet for too long.
• Feeding: Apply diluted balanced fertiliser during active stem and leaf production.
• Pruning: Shorten old bare trails after flowering or during active growth to stimulate branches from the remaining nodes.
• Propagation: Root cuttings from firm curled-leaf stems; each cutting should contain several healthy nodes.

Changes in the Curled Trails

• Sparse new growth: Light may be too weak. Move the plant into brighter filtered light and prune badly stretched sections after firmer growth resumes.
• Water remaining in the curls: Stop misting and increase airflow so the leaves dry promptly.
• Soft yellow leaves: Wet compact substrate or damaged roots are likely. Check drainage and inspect the root system before watering again.
• Leafless lower stems: Age, low light or repeated drying can cause leaf loss. Prune to a healthy leafy node to renew branching.
• Few flowers: Strong filtered light, maturity and stable warmth are needed before buds form.
• Pests: Aphids, mealybugs and mites can remain hidden inside the loops and around the nodes. Isolate the plant, remove visible insects with a damp swab, then treat the curled leaves and stems with a product labelled for ornamental plants. Repeat as directed on the label.

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 ‘Swing’

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.