🌿 Aeschynanthus 'Caro Improved' — The Ruby Glow of the Jungle

Some plants decorate a corner; others transform it. Aeschynanthus 'Caro Improved' belongs to the second category. It extends its stems with natural elegance, lets the waxy foliage fall in green cascades, and bursts into intensely red flowers — hence its popular name, "lipstick plant".

The 'Caro Improved' cultivar is an improved version of Aeschynanthus radicans, selected for larger flowers and more abundant blooming. Foliage remains dense, branches grow balanced, flowers appear in compact clusters at stem tips.

🌍 Origin and Botanical History

The Aeschynanthus genus includes ~150 species in the humid forests of Southeast Asia. Described in 1822 by botanist William Jack, name from Greek "aischuno" (to blush) and "anthos" (flower). Parent species A. radicans is native to Java and Sumatra, growing epiphytically at elevations of 200-1500 m.

🌱 The Foliage

Leaves are opposite, sessile, 5-7 cm long, lance-shaped. Surface is strongly waxy, dark green, reflecting light. The wax layer reduces water evaporation, making the plant resistant to dry modern apartment conditions.

🌸 The Flowers

Flowers appear in clusters of 6-15 at stem tips, each 5-7 cm. The dark tubular calyx forms the "lipstick tube" from which the bright red corolla emerges. Blooms late spring to autumn, waves every 4-6 weeks. Requires strong light, phosphorus fertilization and slight autumn cooling.

🌱 Growth and Care

Trailing-pendant habit, moderate growth (15-25 cm/year). At maturity reaches 60-90 cm — ideal for hanging baskets. Propagation: tip cuttings 8-12 cm root in 2-3 weeks.

• Light: Bright indirect, 10,000-20,000 lux.
• Temperature: 18-27°C; 15-18°C autumn.
• Watering: Every 5-7 days summer, 10-14 winter.
• Humidity: 50-70%.
• Substrate: 40% pine bark, 25% perlite, 20% peat, 15% sphagnum.
• Fertilization: Biweekly NPK 10-30-20.

On Eufloria, part of trailing plants. Use our substrate. Non-toxic — pet-safe.