I got some cuttings of this so-called "lipstick" plant last summer and rooted them in water before potting them. It seemed as soon as I potted them up in early September, they started forming buds. Here are four photos I took over the last 3 days, watching that "lipstick" grow and open. BTW, can you tell me the correct name for the dark maroon cup-shaped outer portion of the bud that the bloom comes up out of? Thanks!

(Oh and please excuse the waste basket on the kitchen counter - I was so mad at myself when I looked at the other-wise nice photo later. Never even noticed it! I was home on my lunch hour when I snapped the shot and I have to keep the waste baskets out of reach of my dogs while I'm at work which is why it is up there. I could have moved it out of the way. Sigh.)