hanging plant with green and pink leaves Aeschynanthus radicans 'Pink Polka'

hanging plant with green and pink leaves Aeschynanthus radicans 'Pink Polka'Aeschynanthus Pink Polka Soft pink tubular flowers distinguish Aeschynanthus Pink Polka from the red flowered lipstick plants more often seen in cultivation. Small, glossy green leaves sit in pairs along fine stems, and the flower buds form near mature shoot tips. Pink flowers on mature tips Leaves are firm, glossy and held in opposite pairs along fine stems. The pink flowers sit near mature shoot tips, so heavy trimming can remove the next buds. Warm

Aeschynanthus ‘Pink Polka’

Soft pink tubular flowers distinguish Aeschynanthus ‘Pink Polka’ from the red-flowered lipstick plants more often seen in cultivation. Small, glossy green leaves sit in pairs along fine stems, and the flower buds form near mature shoot tips.

Pink flowers on mature tips

Leaves are firm, glossy and held in opposite pairs along fine stems. The pink flowers sit near mature shoot tips, so heavy trimming can remove the next buds.

Warm-growing lipstick plant care

Aeschynanthus ‘Pink Polka’ is best treated as a warm-growing lipstick plant with fine roots that need air as well as moisture. Bright filtered light, full drainage and an open substrate help the stems stay firm and leafy.

How to care for Aeschynanthus ‘Pink Polka’

• Light: Provide bright filtered light to support compact growth and flowering.
• Watering: Water thoroughly after the upper substrate has partly dried.
• Substrate: Use an airy, free-draining mix that retains light moisture.
• Warmth: Keep the plant warm to protect developing buds.
• Pot size: Keep pot size proportionate to the root system.
• Pruning: Shape lightly after flowering or when stems become bare, leaving several mature shoot tips for the next flowering cycle.
• Flowering: Keep mature shoot tips in bright filtered light with steady moisture, as buds form near the ends of established shoots.

Common Aeschynanthus ‘Pink Polka’ problems and solutions

• Lower leaf drop: Older paired leaves fall from the stems due to cold exposure, irregular watering or deep drying; check warmth and moisture through the root ball.
• Yellow, soft leaves: Leaves soften and turn yellow when substrate remains dense and wet or roots decline; inspect roots and drainage.
• Wrinkled leaves: Glossy leaves lose firmness due to a dry root ball, compacted substrate or damaged roots; rehydrate evenly and inspect roots if needed.
• Few flowers: Mature stems remain leafy when light is limited or tips are frequently pruned; improve filtered light and preserve mature growth.
• Brown leaf marks: Marks on glossy leaves result from direct sun, wet foliage or uneven moisture; adjust light and water the substrate directly.
• Sticky or cottony deposits: Residue in leaf axils or beneath leaves indicates aphids, scale, mealybugs or mites; check leaf axils, stem joints and undersides before pests settle into the trailing growth.

Safety around pets and children

Aeschynanthus ‘Pink Polka’ is generally considered non-toxic. Keep the fine stems out of reach if pets or children may handle the plant.