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Epiphyte

How to Grow and Care for a Lipstick Plant: A Comprehensive Guide

by Gregory July 5, 2024

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

How to Grow and Care for a Lipstick Plant

What is a Lipstick Plant?

The lipstick plant, also known as Aeschynanthus, is a popular houseplant known for its bright red, tubular flowers that resemble lipsticks. It is native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, where it grows as an epiphyte, meaning it attaches itself to trees and gets its moisture from the air.

Choosing the Right Growing Conditions

Lipstick plants thrive in warm, humid environments with bright but indirect sunlight. They prefer well-draining soil and do not tolerate being waterlogged.

Planting Your Lipstick Plant

Choose a pot with drainage holes and fill it with a free-draining potting mix.
Gently remove the lipstick plant from its nursery pot and loosen any tangled roots.
Plant the lipstick plant at the same depth it was in its previous pot.
Water the plant well and allow the excess water to drain away.

Caring for Your Lipstick Plant

Watering: Water your lipstick plant regularly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Never let the plant sit in water, as this can lead to root rot.

Humidity: Lipstick plants prefer humid environments. You can increase the humidity around your plant by misting it regularly or placing it on a tray filled with pebbles and water.

Fertilizing: Feed your lipstick plant monthly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Pruning: Prune your lipstick plant after it has finished flowering to encourage new growth and more flowers.

Repotting: Repot your lipstick plant when it becomes rootbound. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one.

Propagating Lipstick Plants

Lipstick plants can be easily propagated from stem cuttings.

Take a few 4-5 inch cuttings from non-flowering stems.
Remove the lower leaves from the cuttings.
Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining potting mix.
Keep the cuttings moist and warm until they have rooted.

Common Pests and Diseases

Lipstick plants are relatively trouble-free, but they can be susceptible to pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Varieties of Lipstick Plants

There are many different varieties of lipstick plants available, each with its own unique characteristics. Some popular varieties include:

Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Twister’: This variety has curled, glossy leaves and bright red flowers.
Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Mona Lisa’: This variety has orange-red flowers and dark green leaves.
Aeschynanthus japhrolepis: This variety has leathery green leaves and pink-red flowers.
Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Rasta’: This variety has unusually curled leaves and produces most of its flowers in late summer.

Where to Buy Lipstick Plants

Lipstick plants can be purchased at most garden centers and online retailers. When choosing a plant, look for one that is healthy and free of pests and diseases.

Conclusion

Lipstick plants are beautiful and easy-to-care-for houseplants that can add a touch of color and vibrancy to any home. By following the tips in this guide, you can keep your lipstick plant healthy and happy for years to come.

Gardening

Staghorn Fern Care Guide: How to Grow and Care for a Staghorn Fern

by Gregory June 29, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

How to Grow and Care for a Staghorn Fern: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Staghorn ferns are unique and beautiful plants that are native to the rainforests of Australia and Southeast Asia. They are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants, typically trees. Staghorn ferns have two types of fronds: antler fronds and shield fronds. Antler fronds can grow up to 90cm long and resemble deer antlers, while shield fronds are round and protect the plant’s roots.

Growing Conditions

Light: Staghorn ferns prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can scorch their leaves.
Humidity: Staghorn ferns require high levels of humidity. Mist them regularly or place them in a humid environment, such as a bathroom or kitchen.
Temperature: Staghorn ferns prefer average temperatures of around 20ºC in summer, falling to no lower than 16ºC in winter.
Water: Water your staghorn fern regularly, using rainwater or distilled water. You can either pour the water slowly onto the moss surrounding the roots, or immerse the whole rootball in water for five minutes and allow to drain.

Planting

Staghorn ferns do not need to be planted in soil. They can be mounted on a piece of bark or wood, or placed in a pot of moss or bark chippings.

Mounting: To mount your staghorn fern, take a piece of wood or bark and collect a good clump of moss from the garden. Soak the moss and set it on the mount, then place the fern on top of the moss so the shield leaves are touching the mount. Tie it in place with horticultural wire.
Potting: To pot your staghorn fern, fill a pot with moss or bark chippings. Place the fern in the pot and gently firm the moss or bark around the roots.

Care

Fertilizing: Fertilize your staghorn fern every two to four weeks with a standard liquid fertilizer.
Pruning: Staghorn ferns do not need pruning. However, you can remove any brown or dead fronds.
Pests and Diseases: Staghorn ferns are relatively pest- and disease-free. However, they may be susceptible to scale insects. Remove these by hand with tweezers.

Propagation

Staghorn ferns can be propagated by spores, division, or ‘pups’.

Spores: Propagating staghorn ferns by spores is a difficult and time-consuming process.
Division: To divide your staghorn fern, simply cut it in half with a serrated knife, ensuring there are plenty of fronds and roots on both halves.
‘Pups’: ‘Pups’ are offshoots of the main plant. Gently remove these and plant them in a new pot or mount.

Buying

When buying a staghorn fern, make sure you have the right growing conditions for it. Always buy house plants from reputable suppliers.

Conclusion

Staghorn ferns are beautiful and easy-to-care-for plants that make a great addition to any home. By following the tips in this guide, you can help your staghorn fern thrive.

Gardening

Staghorn Fern Care: A Comprehensive Guide to Watering and More

by Donna May 23, 2020

written by Donna 3 minutes read

Staghorn Ferns: A Guide to Watering and Care

Introduction

Staghorn ferns are unique and eye-catching plants that are native to tropical forests. They are epiphytes, which means they naturally grow on trees or rocks, absorbing moisture from the air. As houseplants, they add a touch of the tropics to any home or garden.

Understanding Staghorn Ferns

Staghorn ferns have two types of fronds:

Basal fronds: These flat, shield-like fronds grow over the plant’s roots and help collect water and nutrients.
Upright fronds: These unique, stag horn-shaped fronds are responsible for reproduction.

Watering Requirements

Staghorn ferns have specific water requirements that vary depending on their environment.

In the Wild

In their natural habitat, staghorn ferns receive frequent rainfall and high humidity. Their basal fronds play a vital role in collecting and retaining moisture.

As Houseplants

In homes and gardens, staghorn ferns may require more frequent watering, especially during dry spells or low humidity. The key is to keep the basal fronds moist without overwatering.

Signs of Overwatering

Overwatering can lead to problems such as:

Black or gray spots on the basal fronds
Fungal rot on the upright fronds
Browning along the tips of the upright fronds

How and When to Water

To water a staghorn fern properly:

Use a long, narrow-tipped watering can: This will allow you to slowly and evenly distribute water directly to the sphagnum moss or other organic material beneath the basal fronds.
Water until the moss is fully saturated: Allow the water to trickle slowly through the moss, ensuring that it becomes completely moist.
Mist the basal fronds: Misting the basal fronds once a week helps to provide additional moisture. Use a spray bottle for small ferns or a gentle misting hose head for larger plants.
Water when the upright fronds look slightly wilted: Staghorn ferns can tolerate slight wilting, but avoid letting them become severely dry.

Special Considerations

Brown basal fronds: As staghorn ferns mature, their basal fronds may turn brown and appear wilted. This is normal and should not be a cause for concern.
Spore production: Browning along the tips of the upright fronds is also normal and indicates spore production.
Fertilizing: Staghorn ferns benefit from occasional fertilizing with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Tips for Low Humidity Environments

If you live in an area with low humidity, here are some tips for keeping your staghorn fern hydrated:

Use a humidifier: A humidifier can increase the humidity levels around your fern.
Place the fern in a bathroom or kitchen: These rooms tend to have higher humidity levels.
Group plants together: Placing your staghorn fern near other plants can create a microclimate with increased humidity.

By following these watering and care tips, you can enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of staghorn ferns in your home or garden.