Black Pagoda lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus longicaulis) is a trailing houseplant grown for its dark, mottled leaves with maroon undersides and clusters of orange to yellow tubular flowers. Give it bright, indirect light, let the top inch or two of soil dry between waterings, and it's easy to grow. The ASPCA lists lipstick plant as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
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Shop Black PagodaBlack Pagoda at a glance
| Botanical name | Aeschynanthus longicaulis 'Black Pagoda' (also sold as A. marmoratus) |
| Other names | Zebra basket vine, mottled lipstick plant, black lipstick plant |
| Pets | Lipstick plant is listed as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses by the ASPCA |
| Light | Bright, indirect. Tolerates medium light but blooms less |
| Water | When the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry |
| Temperature | 65–80°F; keep above 60°F |
| Size | Trailing stems 1 to 2 feet or more; ideal for hanging baskets |
| Flowers | Orange to yellow tubes, green near the base, from burgundy buds |
| Bloom time | Mostly late winter and spring |
What do Black Pagoda flowers look like?
The flowers come in clusters at the tips of the stems. Each one is a slim tube that's orange to yellow-orange, fading to green near the base, emerging from a dark burgundy bud that looks like a lipstick tube. They're more subtle than the bright red flowers of the classic lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus radicans), and most people grow Black Pagoda as much for its leaves: glossy dark green with a marbled pattern on top and deep maroon underneath.
How to get it to bloom
- More light. This is the #1 reason it won't flower. Bright, indirect light near an east or west window is ideal. Avoid harsh afternoon sun, which bleaches the leaf pattern.
- Don't prune in late fall or winter. Flowers form at the stem tips, so trimming then cuts off next spring's buds. Prune right after it finishes blooming instead.
- A short winter rest. Slightly cooler temperatures (around 60–65°F) and a little less water in winter help trigger spring blooms.
- Light feeding. Feed with a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength every 4 weeks in spring and summer. Too much nitrogen gives you leaves instead of flowers.
- Patience. Young or freshly shipped plants often take a season to settle in before they bloom.
Black Pagoda lipstick plant care
Light
Bright, indirect light keeps the leaves patterned and the plant flowering. It tolerates medium light and grows fine there, just with fewer flowers and longer gaps between leaves.
Water
Water when the top inch or two of soil is dry, then water thoroughly and let it drain. Like other lipstick plants, it handles a little dryness far better than soggy soil. In winter, water less often.
Humidity and temperature
Average household humidity is fine, though it looks its best around 50%. Keep it between 65 and 80°F and away from cold windows in winter. Below about 60°F, leaves can drop.
Soil and pot
Use a light, fast-draining mix: regular potting soil with added perlite and orchid bark works well. It flowers best slightly root-bound, so only size up the pot every 2 to 3 years. A hanging basket shows off the trailing stems and keeps them out of reach of playful cats.
How to propagate Black Pagoda
- Cut a 4 to 6 inch stem tip just below a leaf node.
- Remove the lowest pair or two of leaves.
- Root it in a glass of water, or directly in moist potting mix with a clear bag over the top for humidity.
- Keep it warm with bright, indirect light. Roots usually form in 3 to 4 weeks.
- Plant several rooted cuttings in one pot for a full, bushy basket.
Common problems
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No flowers | Not enough light, or pruned at the wrong time | Brighter indirect light; prune only after blooming |
| Leaves dropping | Cold drafts or soggy soil | Keep above 60°F; let soil dry more between waterings |
| Long bare stems | Low light | More light; trim leggy stems after flowering and root the cuttings |
| Faded leaf pattern | Too much direct sun | Move out of harsh afternoon sun |
| Crispy brown edges | Very dry air or soil dried out completely | Water a bit sooner; group with other plants |
Is Black Pagoda lipstick plant safe for cats and dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus) as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Its entry uses the species A. humilis. Black Pagoda is a different species in the same genus, and no Aeschynanthus appears on the ASPCA's toxic list.
Non-toxic doesn't mean edible. A pet that eats a lot of any plant may get a mild upset stomach. Cats do love to bat at trailing stems, so a hanging basket protects the plant more than the cat. If your pet eats a plant you can't identify, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Black Pagoda vs. other lipstick plants
| Plant | Leaves | Flowers |
|---|---|---|
| Black Pagoda | Dark, mottled, maroon undersides | Orange to yellow, subtle |
| Classic lipstick plant | Glossy green | Bright red, showy |
| Curly lipstick plant | Twisted, curled green | Red |
FAQ
How fast does Black Pagoda grow?
Moderately fast in bright light, often 6 to 12 inches of new trailing growth a year. It slows down a lot in winter.
Why are the leaves purple underneath?
That's normal. The maroon undersides are part of what makes Black Pagoda distinctive, and they show best in bright, indirect light.
Can I grow it outdoors?
Only in frost-free climates (roughly USDA zones 10 to 12), in shade. Elsewhere, it can summer outside in a shaded spot and come in before nights drop below 60°F.
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Shop Black PagodaWritten and reviewed by Nikki, founder of Root & Reach Botanicals. Last updated September 2026. Pet safety source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, Lipstick Plant. This article is general information, not veterinary advice.