Aeschynanthus ‘Mona Lisa’

Aeschynanthus ‘Mona Lisa’ is a beautiful trailing Lipstick Plant with long, cascading stems clothed in glossy, dark green leaves. In the right conditions, striking red tubular flowers emerge from darker, cup-like bases, giving this tropical houseplant its wonderfully descriptive common name.

Supplied in a 15cm diameter nursery pot with a trailing length of approximately 60cm+, ‘Mona Lisa’ makes an impressive addition to hanging displays, high shelves and plant stands. The hanger can be removed, giving you the flexibility to display its leafy stems wherever they have room to cascade.

What Makes ‘Mona Lisa’ Special?

The combination of rich evergreen foliage and vibrant red flowers gives ‘Mona Lisa’ plenty of character. Its arching, trailing stems create a full, leafy display even when the plant is not flowering.

The flowers develop near the ends of the stems, with the emerging blooms resembling lipstick being pushed from a tube. Plenty of bright, filtered light and consistent warmth help encourage flowering, although blooms should be treated as a seasonal bonus rather than a permanent feature.

Light & Position

Aeschynanthus ‘Mona Lisa’ grows best in bright, indirect light. A position near an east- or west-facing window is often suitable, with protection from prolonged strong sunshine.

A little gentle morning or evening sun is usually well tolerated, but harsh midday sunlight can scorch the leaves. Avoid placing it in a dark corner, as insufficient light can lead to weaker growth and fewer flowers.

Position the plant where its stems can trail freely without being crushed or repeatedly brushed against.

Watering

Allow the upper few centimetres of compost to dry before watering again. The plant appreciates a thorough drink followed by a chance to dry slightly, rather than compost that remains constantly wet.

Water thoroughly and allow excess water to drain freely from the nursery pot. Empty any water collected in a decorative pot or saucer to prevent the roots from sitting in water.

Water less frequently during autumn and winter when growth slows. Check the compost before watering rather than following a fixed weekly schedule.

Humidity & Temperature

This tropical plant appreciates moderate to high humidity, particularly in warm rooms. A bright bathroom can be a good position, provided there is sufficient natural light.

Keep it comfortably warm, ideally around 18–25°C, and avoid prolonged temperatures below around 15°C. Position away from cold draughts, hot radiators and sudden temperature changes.

Feeding

Feed approximately once a month during spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser at a suitably diluted strength, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Reduce or stop feeding during winter when growth slows, and avoid applying fertiliser to completely dry compost.

Repotting

Aeschynanthus do not need an oversized pot. Repot when the roots have filled the existing nursery pot, usually moving up by just one pot size.

Use an airy, free-draining houseplant compost. Added perlite or fine orchid bark can help maintain drainage and air around the roots. Always choose a nursery pot with drainage holes.

If stems become overly long or sparse, trim them lightly after flowering to encourage a fuller shape.

Why You'll Love It

• Long, cascading stems with glossy dark green foliage
• Striking red flowers when conditions are right
• A generous trailing length for an immediate leafy display
• Ideal for hanging planters, high shelves and plant stands
• Removable hanger for flexible styling
• Attractive evergreen foliage between flowering periods

Pet & Child Safety

Lipstick Plants are generally regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs. However, this is an ornamental plant rather than an edible one, so discourage chewing and keep trailing stems out of reach of pets and young children.

Plant Details

Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus ‘Mona Lisa’
Common Name: Lipstick Plant
Family: Gesneriaceae
Nursery Pot Size: 15cm diameter
Approximate Trailing Length: 60cm+
Fits Decorative Pot Size: Usually 17cm+, depending on the internal dimensions
Foliage Colour: Dark green
Flower Colour: Red
Growth Habit: Trailing / cascading
Position: Bright, indirect light
Hanger: Removable

Please note: As this is a living plant, the exact length, shape and density of foliage will naturally vary from plant to plant. Flowers and buds are seasonal and may not be present on arrival. This plant is supplied in a plastic nursery pot with a removable hanger.