Flame Violets

Flame Violets Care

Episcia cupreata

What is the plant

Flame Violets are stunning vining houseplants commonly grown for their beautiful textured leaves. Still, another wonderful asset of these plants is their lovely little blooms that can appear in Spring and Summer.

These plants are surprisingly easy to grow and can be a lovely addition to anyone’s home. Let them trail off high shelves or cabinets, or allow them to trellis along your walls and ceiling!

The Flame Violet belongs to the family of Gesneriaceae and is a relative of the African Violet. These plants share visual similarities but have the same overall care requirements. But be warned; the Flame Violet is known to be hard to please!

The Flame Violet grows in the wild in the tropical regions of Venezuela, Brazil, and Colombia. Here, it crawls under the canopy of larger trees and acts as a ground cover. Its growth pattern is similar to spider plants and strawberries; it produces long runners with plantlets to reproduce!

After its introduction to Europe in the 19th century, the plant has been hybridized into many varieties available worldwide.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

18°C - 20°C

Hardiness zone

10 - 12

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
For these plants, it is best to leave the soil slightly moist. Check the soil every other day, and water thoroughly when the soil feels dry. Allow the water to drip through the drainage holes, and empty the saucer or decorative pot after watering.

Make sure to use room-temperature water! Their roots are very cold-sensitive, and, like African Violets, their leaves will display yellow spots when stressed from cold.
Pruning
The plant does not require pruning, but if it grows unruly, cut it back. They grow very fast, so they might outgrow their space rapidly if you leave them untouched.
Fertilizer
If you can find a special ‘African Violet Fertilizer,’ this will be a great option! Use it according to package instructions for the best results. Alternatively, a standard houseplant fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio (8-8-8) will suffice. Providing nutrients will encourage lots of blooms and veins on your plant!

Feed every 3-4 weeks during the growing season. We suggest you dilute liquid plant fertilizers to half the recommended strength to avoid burning the roots. Do not fertilize in winter when the plant is not actively growing.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
Plenty of sunlight will encourage your Flame Violet to bloom. However, too much harsh sun can burn the leaves, so a good balance is needed. Bright, indirect light is the best option, so choose a spot in a west- or east-facing window and keep the plant out of direct sun.

Artificial grow lights can be useful in winter if your area lacks natural light. Keep these lights on for at least 8 hours daily to promote growth and flower production!
Soil
Any well-drained, airy potting mix will keep your Episcia happy. You may amend a standard potting mix with perlite, bark, and horticultural charcoal to create a beautiful soil mix for your plant! You want the soil to drain fast so the roots will not be exposed to wetness for extended periods.
Propagation
The plant naturally produces offshoots that can be cut from the mother plants and propagated. Simply trim the plantlets from the mother plant and place them in a jar with water (try not to submerge the leaves, only the base of the cutting). Keep it in a bright spot, and roots will grow rapidly!

When the roots have grown up to 2 inches (5 cm) long, you can transfer them to soil. You may also pot the baby with the mother plant to grow a big, bushy plant.

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Temperature
Being tropical plants, Flame Violets appreciate warm temperatures and high humidity. The ideal temperature range is between 70°F and 80°F (21-27°C). The plant will not appreciate heat above 85°F (29°C) or cold below 65°F (18°C). Additionally, it’s a good idea to prevent temperature fluctuations to prevent stressing the roots.

Aim to keep the plant in high humidity at all times. A humidifier can be a good solution if you live in a dry climate. During the winter, when heaters are running, ensure not to place your Flame Violet near a radiator; the leaves will quickly wither and brown.
Container
Flame Violets are fast growing, so using a pot that is the right size will help them to remain healthy and grow freely. The pot should be about 2 inches (5 cm) larger than the root ball. Avoid potting up too big, as this may lead to overwatering. Having drainage holes in your planter prevents excess water from collecting in the bottom of the pot and drowning your plant’s roots.

Due to their love for tropical climates, the flowers are often grown in terrariums and glass containers with high humidity and moisture! So, if you plan on making a DIY terrarium, this plant will be a wonderful addition.
Fun fact
In its native environment, these flowers may be used in medicinal practices to treat skin wounds and relieve pain. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory benefits, although little to no research confirms this statement.