Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant Care

The Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant has stunning foliage that stands out partly because of its variegation and because there is so much of it. The Black Pagoda is a full and lush plant that is easy to grow and a good pick for anyone interested in plants, whether a novice or a seasoned pro.

Back in Black

The botanical name of this plant is Aeschynanthus longicaulis, although it is sometimes listed as Aeschynanthus marmoratus. This Lipstick Plant is native to tropical climates in Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia. The Black Pagoda is a fast-growing plant with a trailing habit that grows as an epiphyte on trees in nature.

Leaves are often 2 to 4 inches long and about one inch wide. The Black Pagoda has ovate foliage with stunning variegation. Glossy, dark green leaves have chartreuse stripes with an organic form, giving the foliage a mottled look. The striped foliage inspires the common name, Zebra Basket Vine. The leaves are lovely, but they have a surprise and boast a decadent purple veining on the underside.

Black Pagoda Light Needs

The Black Pagoda needs bright, indirect sunlight. This leafy beauty can handle medium light, but the foliage will lose its luster. High light levels are necessary to maintain the variegation but avoid direct sunlight, which will burn the leaves. Close to a south-facing window is a good location, or in an east- or west-facing window. Give the pot a quarter turn every time you water the plant so each side can soak up sunlight and experience even growth.

How Often to Water Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant

Water the Zebra Basket Vine when the top couple of inches of potting mix are dry. Saturate the root ball and remove excess water from the cover pot or saucer to protect the roots from rot. Dormant plants are not very thirsty, so it is normal to scale back on watering frequency during the fall and winter.

Best Soil for Zebra Basket Vine

Give the Black Pagoda moist, well-drained soil. A lightweight mix works best and avoid heavy, dense mixes. A general potting mix is an excellent choice, but take it to the next level by amending the mix with perlite to improve the drainage.

Temperature for Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant

Temperatures between 65° to 90° F are ideal for Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant care. As a tropical plant, the Black Pagoda likes a warm environment; most homes are warm enough for this plant. Chilly weather is bad news, so avoid vents and drafts.

Zebra Basket Vine Humidity Needs

Increased humidity is necessary for proper Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant care. Extra dampness in the air keeps the leaves lush and healthy. Brown, crispy leaf edges occur when the air is too dry. A naturally humid spot, like a kitchen or bathroom, is a good location, or make any spot a good home with a humidifier or pebble tray with water.

Zebra Basket Vine Fertilizer

Keep this plant full and lush with a monthly dose of fertilizer. Use a balanced plant food to support consistent growth. A water-soluble plant food is a good pick because it can be applied during a routine watering session and protects the roots. Only feed plants when they are actively growing. Do not fertilize dormant plants.

Does the Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant Bloom?

Yes, the Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant blooms. A lot of houseplants only bloom under the most perfect of conditions, but Black Pagodas are not picky and often bloom indoors. This lovely vining plant produces orange tubular flowers that measure about 2 inches long. Flowers bloom in clusters and open during the spring and summer.

Zebra Basket Vine Pruning Tips

Remove dead or damaged growth at any time. Prune the Black Pagoda during the spring or summer to encourage more growth and create a full and bushy plant.

When to Repot Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant

The Black Pagoda generally needs to be repotted every one to two years. Roots growing through the drainage holes in the pot are the surefire sign that your plant needs a new container. Slightly root-bound plants are more likely to bloom, but severely root-bound plants will not bloom and may experience stunted growth.

Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant Propagation

Easily expand your plant collection by propagating the Aeschynanthus longicaulis. Black Pagoda Lipstick Plants can be propagated through stem cuttings rooted in water or soil. Each cutting should measure at least 6 inches long. Remove lower leaves, but retain the upper leaves.

Place the cut end in water or soil. Replace the water each week or when it becomes cloudy. Transplant a water-propagated cutting to potting mix when the roots are at least one inch long. Use a moist but well-drained medium for soil propagation. Keep the potting mix damp but not soggy.

Is Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant Pet Safe?

This beauty is pet-safe. The Aeschynanthus longicaulis is non-toxic for humans and animals. Feature the Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant in a home shared with cats and dogs. The foliage, stems, and flowers are not poisonous and will not harm your pet if ingested.

Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant Styling Tips

The Zebra Basket Vine is a natural choice for a hanging basket. New stems reach upward before toppling under their weight and cascading over the edge of the container. A pedestal table or plant stand are also good choices for a Black Pagoda because the reaching stems will be able to do their thing, and it’s an unexpected way to display this charming and beautiful plant.