This often spectacular cousin of the African violet is likely better known by its common name, the "lipstick vine".  A genus native to Southeast Asia and the East Indies, it can be one of the showiest of all gesneriads.

All are characterized by long, tubular, blooms, usually in shades of bright yellow to orange and red.  Many have distinctive calyces (a shorter tube from which the blossom protrudes) that give them their distinctive "lipstick" look.  Blooms can be produced in very large numbers, usually at the terminal ends of new growth, making for an often spectacular display when in bloom.

Foliage is either branching and spreading, or cascading, making them ideal for hanging baskets.  Care is similar to that of African violets, and they do well under either artificial light or better, in a window with good, bright light.  Many, in fact, may do better in windows, since the change in temperature from day to night on a windowsill can encourage even better bloom!

Pictured at left: Aeschynanthus splendidus
 

Price: $5.00 each  unless noted otherwise
Well-branched plants are shipped in 2 1/2" pots.

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Frostfire.  A very showy, free-blooming plant.  Bright red blooms that jump out from dark red calyces that appear in masses at ends of lovely cascading foliage.  Thick, medium-dark foliage makes this a beautiful plant even when not in bloom.  One of our favorites, it's highly recommended.  $5.00  Very limited supply.

lobiannus variegated.  Variegated cultivar of the species.  Dark green foliaged irregularly marbled cream-white.  Deep red "lipstick" blooms.  $5.00  Out of stock.

Mira.  A smaller grower with upright, branching habit.  Bright orange-red tubular blooms with yellow throat.  Small, pointed, somewhat thick and waxy, leaves.  Almost never without blooms.  Great for the windowsill or under lights.  $5.00 

splendidus.  A larger grower that makes a spectacular display.  Large clusters of large, brilliant yellow and dark orange blooms give the appearance of "firecrackers".  Thick, pointed, waxy, deep green leaves.  Brilliant!  $6.00  

"COLLECTOR'S TREASURE"

All plants listed here are in limited supply, and are sold only on an "if available" basis.  We do not propagate them on a regular basis, so they may, or may not, be available when you order.  Please list substitutes, or be prepared to receive your order without the requested variety, if it becomes unavailable. 

Fireworks.  Clusters of bright-bright red blooms on dark green upright foliage.  A nice little plant that's aptly named.  $5.00 

humilis.  Small, velvety, green leaves with clusters of scarlet-red tubular blooms.  A nearly-constant bloomer on small, upright, branching foliage.  Easily grown under both lights and in windows.  A favorite.  $7.00  See photo at left.

humilis 'Topaz'.  The yellow-flowered version of A. humilis.  $7.00  Very limited supply.

kewform.  Brilliant yellow and dark orange blooms, thick, waxy, dark green leaves heavily veined and patterned with dark maroon-brown.  Makes a beautiful foliage plant even when not in bloom.  $6.00 

Price: $5.00 each  unless noted otherwise
Well-branched plants shipped in 2 1/2" pots.

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