Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant

The Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant should be watered moderately and regularly during the growing season, keeping the compost just moist. During the winter season, watering can be reduced significantly and water it only when the top half of the potting mix is dry. The plant should never be allowed to sit in soggy soil for prolonged periods, as this encourages the roots to rot.

The Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant likes bright indirect light, but even when grown in a darker spot, it will tolerant less sunlight. When grown in low light, the plant won't produce bright beautiful blooms, however, if good care is provided, the plant will thrive and display its characteristic foliage. Avoid direct light that can burn the foliage and overexposure to the sun that can fry delicate blooms.

The Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant prefers temperatures between 65 & 75°F (18-24°C) in the summer & 50-60°F (10-16°C) in the winter. A temperature spike or drop of more than 10° or so could cause undue stress and may damage the plant. Exposure to drafts, cold, heat, and air conditioning should all be avoided.

The Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant prefers humidity between 40-60%. When humidity drops below 40%, misting can help to increase the humidity levels around the plant. You can also use a humidity tray or humidifier to help maintain the right level of humidity.

The Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant prefers a well-draining potting soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. You can use a standard potting soil, or mix it in with one-third perlite or pumice to promote drainage and root aeration. The plant has moderate fertilizer needs, however, adding a balanced slow-release fertilizer to the soil mix once a year will help maintain the growth rate.

During the growing season, the Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer once a month. Reduce to once every other month when flowering season starts. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduce blooms. Always use a slow-release fertilizer that won't burn the roots or leaves of the plant.

The Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant is a generally low-maintenance, pest-free plant. But scale, mealybugs, and aphids can be a problem. If these pests appear on the plant, the first step is to isolate it from other plants. After that, remove affected leaves or branches with a clean pair of clippers and then spray insecticidal soap on the plant to kill the bugs. You can also use neem oil or horticultural oil to get rid of the pests.

Repotting the Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant every two years is recommended. When repotting, choose a larger pot with a quality potting soil and slow-release fertilizer. To reduce stress on the plant, place the root ball in the center of the pot and fill in the sides with fresh soil. Repotting can be done any time of the year but the best time is during the spring season when the plant can benefit from the extra boost of nutrients the potting soil provides.

Regularly prune the Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant to promote new growth and encourage blooming. Use pruning shears to cut back leggy growth and stems that have become too long. The best time to prune is in the spring, after new foliage has started to grow. This will promote plenty of blooms when flowering season arrives.

Mulching the soil around the Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant helps to retain moisture in the soil and helps to keep the weeds away. Use organic mulches such as compost or shredded bark. Mulch should be added in the spring and removed in the fall to allow for proper air circulation.

The Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant can be propagated by taking stem cuttings in late spring or early summer. Take individual stem cuttings that have at least four nodes, then cut them just below a node and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut ends into rooting hormone powder and plant them in a peat-based potting mix. This is best done in a heated propagator, where the cuttings should be kept above 20°C. The cuttings should take four to six weeks to root.

If not given enough support, the Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant can become leggy. It’s best to train a young plant onto its support right from the start, and it can also be done on mature plants by tying the stems together with plant ties or small strips of fabric. Training the stems onto a trellis or a hanger will also help to give the plant support.

The Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant needs some rest in winter, and during this time the watering schedule should be reduced and no feeding should take place, as it can harm the plant. During this time, the plant should also be kept out of direct sunlight, as it will burn the foliage. Choose a cool, draft-free spot where the temperature is around 50°F (10°C) to help promote dormancy.

The Black Pagoda Lipstick Plant is not toxic to pets, so it can be placed in any home without worry.