Aeschynanthus longicaulis — Zebra basketvine with marbled foliage and tubular blooms


Aeschynanthus longicaulis Wall. ex R.Br. is a trailing, epiphytic Gesneriad prized for patterned leaves and orange-red flowers. Arching stems carry glossy, elongated blades with cream-green marbling above and a purple wash beneath. On mature wood, pairs or small clusters of tubular blooms open through the year, often peaking late summer under bright conditions. Easy care, compact habit, and pet-safe status make this a reliable hanging or shelf plant.
 
● What makes zebra basketvine a standout trailing houseplant


Patterned leaves: 6 – 10 cm, elongated, with pale midrib and fine venation that pops against the marbled surface; undersides often purple-tinged.
Seasonal flower show: Orange-red tubes with yellow throats on older stems; each bloom lasts 1 – 2 weeks, with sequential buds extending display.
Graceful trailing habit: Flexible shoots reach 30 – 60 cm indoors; easy to shape with light pinching.
Low fuss, high reward: Thrives in bright rooms with stable warmth and moderate humidity.
 
● Where Aeschynanthus longicaulis comes from


Native to Southeast Asia — confirmed from Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Peninsular Malaysia — growing epiphytically on branches in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests with bright, filtered light, high humidity, and excellent airflow. Some floristic accounts also cite records from Cambodia and Vietnam. In cultivation, replicate airy roots, steady warmth, and intermittent moisture. Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
 
● Care instructions for year-round health


Light: Bright, indirect light; a little soft morning sun is fine. Strong light from late winter encourages bud set.
Water: In active growth, water when the top ~1 cm of mix dries. In short-day, cooler months, let the top layer dry a touch longer; never leave the mix soggy.
Humidity: Performs at typical indoor levels, but 50 – 70% keeps leaves lush and reduces crisp tips.
Temperature: 18 – 28 °C; avoid drops below 15 °C and cold drafts.
Soil mix: Very airy and fast-draining: ~50% coco coir, 30% perlite, 20% fine orchid bark. Stale, compact media suppress flowering.
Fertiliser: Every 4 – 6 weeks spring – summer with a dilute, bromeliad/houseplant feed; a modest, low-phosphorus formula supports flowering without excess foliage.
Potting: Slightly root-bound promotes blooms. Refresh mix every 1 – 2 years.
Pruning: Light tip-pinching after flowering promotes branching; avoid hard pruning of older, flower-bearing stems.
Propagation: 7 – 10 cm stem cuttings root in water or moist mix in 2 – 4 weeks; use multiple cuttings per pot for a full basket.
 
● Troubleshooting growth and flowering issues


Leggy, sparse vines: Light is too low. Move closer to a bright window or add grow light.
Yellow leaves or soft stems: Overwatering or compact mix. Improve aeration and allow slight surface drying between waterings.
No flowers: Increase light from late winter, keep slightly pot-tight, feed regularly, and avoid removing mature stems.
Pests: Check for aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Rinse foliage; treat early with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
 
● Styling and display tips


Hang at eye level so marbling and purple undersides are visible.
Mount in a slatted or net pot liner to maximise airflow around roots.
Group with ferns, Hoya, and other epiphytic companions for a naturalistic canopy look.
 
● Botanical background and name


Collected by Nathaniel Wallich and published by Robert Brown in 1839. Aeschynanthus derives from Greek “aischyno” (to shame) and “anthos” (flower), referring to nodding blossoms; longicaulis means “long-stemmed,” reflecting the trailing habit.
 
● Questions growers often ask


How long do flowers last? Individual blooms persist about 1 – 2 weeks; successive buds can extend the display for several weeks.
Should I mist? Occasional misting is fine, but prioritise ambient humidity and a consistently airy, lightly moist mix.
Can it grow outdoors? Yes, in frost-free climates with bright, filtered light and protection from heavy rain; bring inside before temperatures drop.
Is pinching helpful? Light pinching after bloom cycles encourages branching and a fuller basket.
 
● Quick care reference


Light: Bright, indirect (morning sun OK)
Water: Slightly moist, brief surface dry-down
Humidity: 50 – 70%
Temperature: 18 – 28 °C
Fertiliser: Monthly, dilute; low-P preferred
Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets
Add zebra basketvine to your space today — patterned foliage and tubular blooms, minimal fuss.