Hanging Mona Lisa Lipstick Plant

Origin
The Aeschynanthus 'Mona Lisa', also known as the lipstick plant, has its origin in the rainforests of Asia. Specifically, the plant can be found in countries like Malaysia, the Philippines, and New Guinea. This plant generally grows on the trunks of trees, adapting to the humid conditions and living as an epiphyte - a plant that thrives on other plants.

Characteristics
The Aeschynanthus 'Mona Lisa' is characterised by its striking flowers and glossy green leaves. The lipstick plant earns its name from the vibrant red, tube-like flowers that emerge from a dark, almost black calyx, which resembles a protruding lipstick. The flowers grow in clusters at the end of the overhanging shoots and can reach a length of up to 10 centimetres. The plant's green foliage is lance-shaped and can grow up to 15 cm in length.

Care
The plant prefers a light location, but preferably no direct sunlight. When watering, it is important to allow the soil to slightly dry out. The Aeschynanthus requires high humidity levels to thrive. Therefore, it is recommended to spray the plant regularly if the air in the room feels dry. It is also advisable to lightly fertilise the plant during the growth period.