Why Your Lipstick Plant Is Growing Sideways

Introduction

Lipstick plants (Aeschynanthus radicans) are popular houseplants known for their vibrant flowers and trailing vines. However, it can be frustrating when your lipstick plant starts growing sideways instead of upright. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this behavior and provide some tips on how to encourage your lipstick plant to grow in a more vertical direction.

Insufficient Light

One of the common reasons why your lipstick plant may be growing sideways is due to insufficient light. These plants thrive in bright, indirect light conditions. When they don’t receive enough light or are placed in a location with uneven lighting, they tend to grow towards the nearest light source, resulting in a sideways growth pattern.

To address this issue, consider moving your lipstick plant to a brighter spot in your home. Place it near a window where it can receive bright, indirect sunlight for several hours each day. If natural light is limited, you can also supplement with artificial grow lights to provide the necessary light intensity.

Uneven Watering

Inconsistent watering practices can also contribute to the sideways growth of your lipstick plant. Overwatering or underwatering can cause stress to the plant, leading to weak stems and an inability to grow upright.

To prevent this issue, it is crucial to establish a regular watering routine for your lipstick plant. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, and then thoroughly saturate the soil until water drains out of the bottom of the pot. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water as it can lead to root rot. Consistent and appropriate watering will help promote healthy growth and prevent your lipstick plant from leaning sideways.

Lack of Support

Another reason why your lipstick plant may be growing sideways is the lack of proper support. Lipstick plants have trailing vines that naturally seek support as they grow. Without any support structure, the vines may become tangled and start growing in various directions, including sideways.

To encourage upright growth, provide your lipstick plant with a trellis, stakes, or a moss pole for support. Gently tie the vines to the support structure using soft plant ties or twine. This will guide the growth of the plant upwards and prevent it from sprawling sideways. Regularly check and adjust the ties as the plant grows to ensure it remains properly supported.

Pruning Neglect

Pruning is an essential practice for maintaining the shape and form of your lipstick plant. Without regular pruning, the plant can become leggy and develop a sideways growth habit. Over time, this can result in an unattractive and unruly appearance.

To prevent sideways growth caused by lack of pruning, regularly trim your lipstick plant to encourage bushier growth and maintain its upright form. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to remove any leggy or excessively long stems. Additionally, pinch off the growing tips of the vines to promote branching and compact growth. Pruning should be done during the active growing season to avoid stunting new growth.

Lack of Nutrients

Inadequate nutrition can also contribute to the sideways growth of your lipstick plant. When essential nutrients are lacking in the soil, the plant may struggle to grow upright and instead focus its energy on survival.

To ensure proper nutrition, feed your lipstick plant with a balanced houseplant fertilizer during the growing season. Choose a fertilizer specifically formulated for flowering plants and follow the instructions on the packaging for application rates. Regular fertilization will provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and help prevent sideways growth.

Conclusion

If your lipstick plant is growing sideways instead of upright, consider evaluating its light exposure, watering routine, support structure, pruning practices, and nutrient supply. By addressing these factors, you can encourage your lipstick plant to grow in a more vertical direction and enjoy its beautiful flowers and trailing vines to the fullest. Remember, a little care and attention can go a long way in maintaining the health and appearance of your houseplants.