Stop Killing Plants: 10 Indoor Beauties Anyone Can Grow

7. Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans)

A vibrant, blooming Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans), a popular trailing variety often grown as one of many House Plants Indoor, cascades beautifully from a hanging basket. This specimen showcases abundant glossy dark green leaves and striking red tubular flowers, resembling lipstick, thriving in a brightly lit, covered porch setting with a light-colored paneled ceiling and neutral wall in the background.

The blooming beauty that adds serious drama to your space

I’ll be honest—I didn’t even know the Lipstick Plant existed until I wandered into a plant boutique in Seattle and saw one hanging from the ceiling like a living chandelier.

Those glossy green leaves with bright red tubular flowers popping out of the ends? Total showstopper. I had to have it.

So I brought it home, hung it near my window, and… nothing happened for months. No blooms. Just leaves. I almost gave up.

But then I did a little digging (and adjusting), and now? Mine is blooming like crazy and gets compliments every time someone comes over.

If you’re into home decor with plants, especially if you love color and texture, this trailing stunner deserves a spot in your space.

Why You’ll Love the Lipstick Plant

Let’s talk visual impact. This plant brings both foliage and flower power—no fake blooms needed here.

The tubular red flowers look like they’re straight out of a botanical illustration, and they really pop against the dark green leaves. It’s perfect for adding life and vibrancy to shelves, mantles, or—my personal favorite—hanging baskets.

I’ve got mine in a macramé hanger near a bright window, and every time it blooms, it feels like my apartment turns into a tiny jungle retreat. If you’re into botanical interior design or just want a splash of tropical flair, this one’s for you.

How to Keep Your Lipstick Plant Blooming

Okay, let’s get real: this isn’t quite as low-maintenance as some of our previous picks, but it’s still totally doable—even if you forget to water things sometimes.

Here’s what I’ve learned through trial, error, and a few Google panic searches:

Light: It loves bright, indirect light. Not full sun—that can burn the leaves—but a well-lit windowsill or under grow lights works great.
Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Don’t let it dry out completely between drinks, though—it doesn’t love that.
Blooming Tips: To encourage those signature red blooms, give it a rest period in winter—cut back on watering a bit and keep temps around 60°F. Then, when spring hits, bump up the light and water again.
Soil & Drainage: Use a rich, well-draining mix—something with peat or coco coir helps retain moisture without getting soggy.

And don’t forget to rotate the pot occasionally so it grows evenly toward the light.

Common Mistakes I Made (So You Don’t Have To)

First mistake? Putting it in a dark corner thinking “plants need rest, right?” Nope. That just made it sad and bloomless for months.

Then I overwatered it trying to fix the problem. Big oops. The roots started getting soft and I almost lost it. Lesson learned: balance is key.

Also, I used regular potting soil at first, which drained too fast. Switched to a moisture-retentive mix and now it’s thriving.

Oh—and here’s a tip: don’t pinch off the spent flowers right away. Let them fall off naturally. Tugging can damage the growth nodes where new blooms come from.

Ready for something a little more unusual but super easy once you get the hang of it?

👉 Click the “Next” button below to meet the Arrowhead Plant, a versatile, fast-growing vine that adapts beautifully to indoor life and looks great trained or trailing.