Aeschynanthus is a large genus of Old World tropical herbs native primarily to Southeast Asia. In many respects, they are analogous to the genus Columnea in Central and South America -- both are most often trailing epiphytes with fairly large and showy flowers which are frequently bird pollinated.
The appearance of the various Aeschynanthus species varies widely. The original "Lipstick Plant", A. lobbianus, has hard-surfaced shiny leaves, with bright red flowers that emerge from a very dark red tubular calyx, in a fashion reminiscent of lipstick emerging from a tube. On the other hand, the popular small-sized and upright species A. hildebrandii has fairly soft leaves and bright orange flowers of quite different form to A. lobbianus. Other species range from the very large A. speciosus and the upright, spreading and almost succulent A. evrardii, to A. micranthus, of manageable size with wiry trailing stems and small leaves and flowers. A. marmoratus and its hybrid A. 'Black Pagoda' have attractively mottled foliage, with interesting burnt-orange flowers.
Like most epiphytes, Aeschynanthus require growing conditions that provide good light combined with well-drained soil that is allowed to dry out somewhat between waterings. Some species, like A. hildebrandii, may be less tolerant of drought, but in general these plants do best with a light watering hand.
Some reference books claim a requirement for high humidity and warmth. While many of the species may do well under such conditions, it has been my experience that many of these plants thrive in fairly cool temperatures, and produce their best bloom when emerging from a chilly winter to the warmth and brighter light of spring. The trick is to keep them on the dry side, and to try not to force new growth with excess fertilizer during the cooler times of the year. I also believe that the cooler temperatures help the plants tolerate the intrinsically less humid conditions of winter -- dry heat is destructive, but a cool dryness seems to be less so.
