All About Black Lipstick Plant Seeds:
Germination, Storage and Sowing

The black lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) is a popular houseplant known for its beautiful, dark green leaves and stunning red flowers. It is native to Southeast Asia and is relatively easy to grow. One of the most important aspects of growing black lipstick plants is knowing how to germinate, store, and sow its seeds.

Germinating Black Lipstick Plant Seeds

Germinating black lipstick plant seeds can take some time and patience, but it’s worth it in the end. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Collect the seeds: Wait until the flowers have faded and the seed pods have turned brown before collecting the seeds. Be sure to collect ripe seeds that are dry and hard.

2. Soak the seeds: Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting them. This will help to soften the seed coat and promote germination.

3. Prepare the soil: Use a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter. You may also mix perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage.

4. Plant the seeds: Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil, spacing them out evenly. Cover them lightly with soil or vermiculite.

5. Water regularly: Keep the soil moist but not wet. You can cover the pot with plastic wrap or a clear plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect.

6. Provide warmth and light: Place the pot in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight. Maintain a temperature of around 70°F (21°C).

7. Be patient: Germination can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks, so be patient and keep up with watering and providing warmth and light.

Storing Black Lipstick Plant Seeds

If you’re not ready to sow your black lipstick plant seeds immediately, you can store them for later use. Here’s how:

1. Dry the seeds: Spread them out on a paper towel or a piece of newspaper and let them dry completely.

2. Store in an airtight container: Once they are dry, transfer them to an airtight container such as a plastic bag or glass jar.

3. Label and date: Be sure to label the container with the date and type of seed.

4. Store in a cool, dry place: Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Sowing Black Lipstick Plant Seeds

Sowing black lipstick plant seeds is similar to germinating them, but there are some differences in technique:

1. Prepare the soil: Use a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter.

2. Plant the seeds: Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil, spacing them out evenly. Cover them lightly with soil or vermiculite.

3. Water regularly: Keep the soil moist but not wet.

4. Provide warmth and light: Place the pot in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight. Maintain a temperature of around 70°F (21°C).

5. Thin out seedlings: Once they have germinated and grown their first true leaves, thin out the weaker seedlings so that each one has enough space to grow properly.

6. Transplant: When they have grown big enough, transplant each seedling into its own pot filled with fresh potting mix.

FAQ

Q1: How often should I water my black lipstick plant?

A1: Water your black lipstick plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to touch.

Q2: How often should I fertilize my black lipstick plant?

A2: Fertilize your black lipstick plant once every two weeks during its growing season (spring/summer) using a balanced fertilizer.

Q3: Why are my black lipstick plant leaves turning yellow?

A3: Yellowing leaves could be due to overwatering or underwatering, lack of nutrients, pests or disease.

Q4: Can I grow black lipstick plants from cuttings?

A4: Yes, you can propagate black lipstick plants from stem cuttings taken during spring or summer.

In conclusion, growing black lipstick plants from seed is an exciting process that requires patience and attention to detail but can be very rewarding in the end. By following these guidelines for germination, storage, and sowing, you can successfully grow your own beautiful black lipstick plants at home!