Indian Shot vs Lipstick Plant Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Indian Shot
Canna indica
Canna indica, commonly known as Indian Shot, is a rhizomatous perennial known for its bold foliage and vibrant flowers. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 meters. The plant features large, paddle-shaped leaves and produces asymmetrical flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, or pink. While it can be grown indoors, it requires very bright light and ample space, making it primarily an outdoor plant. People grow it for its ornamental value, adding a tropical flair to gardens and landscapes. The rhizomes are also edible, providing starch.
Lipstick Plant
Aeschynanthus radicans
The Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) is an epiphytic vine prized for its unique flowers that resemble tubes of lipstick emerging from a dark-colored case. It features long, trailing stems adorned with small, oval-shaped, dark green leaves. Primarily grown as a hanging plant, it thrives indoors with proper care. Its cascading growth habit and vibrant blooms make it a popular choice for adding a touch of the tropics to homes. While it can survive outdoors in very warm climates, it's predominantly an indoor plant due to its sensitivity to cold temperatures.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Indian Shot | Lipstick Plant |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering. | Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. |
| Watering | Every 2-5 days during the growing season, depending on weather and soil drainage. Less frequently in winter. | Every 7-10 days, adjust based on environmental conditions and pot size. |
| Humidity | 40-60% | 50-70% |
| Temperature | 18-27°C | 18-24°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Moderate |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Moderate |
| Max Height | 0.5-1 meter indoors (much taller outdoors) | 30-60 cm (indoors) |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. A mix of potting soil, compost, and perlite is suitable. | Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark. |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | With Caution |
| Weekly Maintenance | 30 minutes weekly (primarily watering, fertilizing, and deadheading) | 10 minutes weekly |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Indian Shot
| Scientific Name | Canna indica |
|---|---|
| Family | Cannaceae |
| Native To | South America (exact origin debated) |
| Also Known As | Indian Shot, Canna Lily, Achira, Edible Canna |
| Leaves | Large, paddle-shaped leaves, typically green but can also be bronze or variegated. Leaves are smooth and can grow up to 60 cm long and 30 cm wide. |
| Flowers | Produces asymmetrical flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, or pink. Flowering is more prolific outdoors in full sun. Rarely flowers indoors due to insufficient light. |
Lipstick Plant
| Scientific Name | Aeschynanthus radicans |
|---|---|
| Family | Gesneriaceae |
| Native To | Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam |
| Also Known As | Lipstick Plant, Lipstick Vine |
| Leaves | Small, oval-shaped leaves, typically 2-5 cm long. They are usually a deep green color and have a slightly waxy texture. |
| Flowers | Yes, it can flower indoors with proper care. The flowers are tubular, bright red, and emerge from dark-colored bracts, resembling tubes of lipstick. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Indian Shot
Lipstick Plant
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Indian Shot
Methods: Division, Seed
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Divide rhizomes in early spring before new growth emerges. Ensure each division has at least one eye (bud). Seeds require scarification (nicking the seed coat) and soaking before planting.
Lipstick Plant
Methods: Stem cuttings
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Take 10-15 cm stem cuttings with at least 2-3 nodes. Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in water or directly into moist potting mix. Keep the cutting in a warm, humid environment until roots develop.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Indian Shot
Its large, paddle-shaped leaves and vibrant, asymmetrical flowers give it a distinctive tropical appearance. The edible rhizomes are another unique feature, setting it apart from many other ornamental plants.
- ✓ Adds a tropical aesthetic to gardens
- ✓ Provides edible rhizomes
- ✓ Attracts pollinators like hummingbirds
- ✓ Offers bold foliage and vibrant colors
- ✓ Can be used as a privacy screen outdoors
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
Lipstick Plant
The Lipstick Plant is distinguished by its unique flowers that emerge from dark-colored bracts, resembling tubes of lipstick. Its trailing growth habit and epiphytic nature make it a visually appealing and adaptable houseplant.
- ✓ Adds a vibrant pop of color to indoor spaces.
- ✓ Unique and eye-catching flowers serve as a conversation starter.
- ✓ Relatively easy to propagate, allowing you to expand your collection.
- ✓ Trailing growth habit adds visual interest to hanging baskets.
- ✓ Can help improve indoor humidity levels.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Indian Shot
Lipstick Plant
🌞 Light Requirements
Indian Shot
Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Lipstick Plant
Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Indian Shot
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to rhizome rot. During the growing season, water more frequently. Reduce watering in the winter. Signs of underwatering include drooping leaves and dry soil. Overwatering signs include yellowing leaves and soggy soil.
Lipstick Plant
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and stem rot. Underwatering results in shriveled leaves and bud drop.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Indian Shot
Temperature: 18-27°C
Humidity: 40-60%
Lipstick Plant
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 50-70%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Indian Shot
Canna indicaGardeners in warm climates looking for a bold, tropical-looking plant for their outdoor spaces.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a bold, tropical look in your garden.
- You live in a warm climate where it can thrive outdoors.
- You enjoy vibrant, colorful flowers.
- You are interested in edible plants and want to try growing your own starch source.
- You have a sunny outdoor space and are willing to provide consistent care.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have limited indoor space and cannot provide very bright light.
- You have pets that might ingest the plant.
- You live in a cold climate and don't want to deal with overwintering the rhizomes.
- You are looking for a low-maintenance indoor plant.
Lipstick Plant
Aeschynanthus radicansPlant enthusiasts looking for a unique and visually appealing hanging plant with vibrant blooms.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a unique hanging plant with vibrant, eye-catching flowers.
- You have a bright, indirect light location in your home.
- You enjoy the challenge of providing moderate humidity for tropical plants.
- You are looking for a plant that can be easily propagated from cuttings.
- You appreciate plants with a trailing growth habit.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that might ingest the plant.
- You struggle to provide adequate humidity for tropical plants.
- You tend to overwater your plants.
- You don't have a location with bright, indirect light.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Indian Shot is rated Expert care level, while Lipstick Plant is Moderate.
Indian Shot has fast growth, while Lipstick Plant grows moderate.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Indian Shot Care Tips
Canna indica is primarily an outdoor plant. Growing it indoors is challenging due to its high light requirements and potential for aggressive rhizome spread. It needs very bright light, consistent moisture, and regular fertilization. Overwintering rhizomes indoors is a common practice in colder climates.
- Provide consistent moisture during the growing season.
- Fertilize regularly to promote flowering.
- Protect from strong winds that can damage the large leaves.
- Overwinter rhizomes indoors in cold climates.
- Divide rhizomes every few years to prevent overcrowding.
Lipstick Plant Care Tips
Lipstick Plants are relatively easy to care for indoors, requiring bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and moderate humidity. Consistent watering and occasional fertilization will encourage healthy growth and flowering. Watch out for pests and diseases.
- Provide bright, indirect light to encourage flowering.
- Maintain consistent moisture, but avoid overwatering.
- Increase humidity by misting regularly or using a humidifier.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Indian Shot
Lipstick Plant
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Indian Shot
What are the light requirements for Indian Shot?
Indian Shot plants thrive in bright, sunny locations. Ideally, they need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to produce abundant blooms. While they can tolerate partial shade, insufficient light can result in fewer flowers and leggy growth. The intensity of sunlight influences the flower color; brighter light often leads to more vibrant hues.
How do I care for Indian Shot?
Indian Shot thrives in warm conditions and requires well-draining soil. Plant rhizomes in the spring after the last frost, about 4-6 inches deep and 1-2 feet apart. Choose a location with full sun to partial shade; at least 6 hours of direct sunlight is optimal for flowering. Water deeply and regularly, especially during hot, dry periods, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
How do I propagate Indian Shot?
Indian Shot can be easily propagated through division of the rhizomes. In early spring, before new growth begins, carefully dig up the plant and separate the rhizomes into sections, ensuring each section has at least one growth eye. Plant the divisions in well-draining soil, about 4-6 inches deep, and water thoroughly.
Lipstick Plant
What are the light requirements for Lipstick Plant?
Lipstick Plants require bright, indirect light to thrive. East-facing windows are ideal, as they provide gentle morning sun. West- or south-facing windows can work if the plant is placed a few feet away to avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Insufficient light can result in fewer flowers and leggy growth. If you don’t have adequate natural light, consider using a grow light to supplement. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even growth on all sides. During the winter months, when light levels are lower, you may need to move the plant to a brighter location or increase the use of grow lights. Observing the plant’s growth and leaf color will help you determine if it’s receiving the appropriate amount of light.
How do I care for Lipstick Plant?
Lipstick Plants thrive in bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Maintain a humidity level of 50-70%, which can be achieved by misting, using a humidifier, or placing the plant on a pebble tray. Prune regularly to encourage bushier growth and remove any dead or yellowing leaves. Provide a support structure, such as a trellis or moss pole, if you want the plant to climb, or allow it to trail freely from a hanging basket. Repot every 1-2 years as needed, using a slightly larger pot.
How do I propagate Lipstick Plant?
Lipstick Plants can be easily propagated via stem cuttings. Take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem, ensuring it has several leaves. Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in water or directly into moist potting mix. For water propagation, change the water every few days. Roots should develop within a few weeks. Once roots are established, plant the cutting in a pot with well-draining soil. Layering is another option. Pin a stem to the soil while still attached to the mother plant. Once roots form, sever the new plant from the mother.
Last updated: May 16, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.