How to Grow and Care for Flame Violet (Episcia cupreata) Indoors
Some links in this post may be affiliate links
Botanical name: Episcia cupreata
Family: Gesneriaceae
Description
Flame Violet (Episcia cupreata) is an eye-catching plant which is grown for its large leaves quilted with silvery or pale-green veins and tubular orange-red flowers which are yellow-eyed and about 3/4 in. diameter.
The Flame Violet produces runners which root in surrounding soil where they form plantlets that are used for propagation.
Due to its high requirement for high humidity, it may be difficult to grow as a stand alone plant or in a hanging basket.
However, Flame Violet is an excellent ground cover between taller plants where it can enjoy the increased humidity in the group of plants.
Though an attractive trailing plant, it is not as popular as its well-known relative, the African Violet. This is due to its requirement for highly humid conditions.
Origin
Flame Violet is a perennial flowering plant which is native to Brazil, Columbia and Venezuela.
Varieties
Flame Violet has produced many hybrids like Amazon, Metallica, Cleopatra, Harlequin and Acajou among others.
Where to Buy
Beautiful Flame Violets are available online at Etsy. Buy Flame Violet (Episcia cupreata) online from Etsy.
Related Plants
Flame Violet care is similar to that of its close relatives African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha), Cape Primrose (Streptocarpus hybrida) and Gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa).
Episcia cupreata Care Indoors
Flame Violet (Episcia cupreata) care indoors is easy when the right growing conditions are provided. Flame Violet thrives in bright light away from direct sunshine, warm and humid conditions and consistently moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with regular feeding with a phosphorous-rich fertilizer to promote flowering.
Episcia cupreata requires repotting only when extremely pot-bound as it blooms best when root-bound. Regular pruning is needed to keep the plant neat and tidy as well as encourage a bushy growth. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Light Requirements
Flame Violet grows best in bright light away from direct sunshine as it can scorch the leaves.
If light is too little, the plant will be leggy and will not flower. Rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the plant is receiving light on all sides for uniform growth.
Episcia cupreata can also grow under a grow light where natural light is not sufficient.
Watering
Water Flame Violet thoroughly during the growing season and allow the top 1-2 in. of soil to dry out between waterings to maintain the soil moist through out.
Decrease watering during the cold season to maintain the soil slightly moist but do not let it dry out completely as it can lead to wilting and laef drop.
Ensure the pot has a draiange hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot and eventual death of the plant.
Temperature
Average room temperature with a minimum of 130C is ideal for Flame Violet. Protect it from cold draughts to prevent leaf fall and reduced growth.
Humidity
Flame Violet grows best in humid conditions. Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to increase humidity. Check out these techniques on how to raise humidity for houseplants.
Fertilizer (Feeding)
Feed Flame Violet with a phosphorous-rich, water-soluble fertilizer every 3 weeks during the growing season to promote flowering.
Stop feeding during the growth season as growth is minimal at this and feeding can cause fertilizer burn and death of the plant.
Pruning
Prune Flame Violet by removing dead blooms and leaves to maintain the plant neat and tidy as well as discourage pest and disease infestations.
Pinch off the growing tips in young plants to encourage a bushy and compact growth.
Cutback the plant after flowering to 1/2 of its height to encourage new growth from which the flowers arise.
Repotting
Repot Flame Violet at the beginning of the growing season in a pot one size larger than the current one only when the plant becomes pot-bound. Being pot-bound encourages flowering.
Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining soil to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot.
Soil
The best soil for Flame Violet should be free-draining and rich in organic matter like this African Violet potting mix available at Amazon.
Propagation
Flame Violet (Episcia cupreata) can be propagated at the beginning of the growing season from the plantlets borne on the runners.
How to propagate Flame Violet from plantlets
Detach the Flame Violets plantlets from the mother and pot them in their individual pot or pot several plantlets in one pot for a bushy plant.
Ascertain that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting of the plant.
Position the set up in a warm, well-lit place and maintain the soil moist through out until the new Flame Violet plants are well established.
Episcia cupreata Problems Indoors
Flame Violet (Episcia cupreata) problems indoors are caused by cultural faults and include wilting, leaf drop, brown leaf tips and edges, lack of blooms, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems, their remedies and solutions.
No flowers (blooms)
There are three possible reasons why Flame Violet will not bloom (flower). One possible reason is too little light.
Move the Flame Violet to a brighter spot where it will receive bright light or instal a grow light if the natural lighting is not sufficient.
The second possible reason why Flame Violet is not blooming (flowering) is feeding it with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer which promotes foliage growth at the expense of flower production.
Feed the Flame Violet with a phosphorous-rich, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season to promote flowering.
The third possible reason why Flame Violet is not blooming (flowering) is underwatering.
Water the plant thoroughly and maintain the soil consistently moist during the growing season.
Reduce watering in the cold season but never allow the soil to dry out completely.
Wilting and drooping leaves
Wilting and drooping leaves in Flame Violet are caused by underwatering. Water the plant liberally and keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season. Lessen watering in the cold season but never allow the soil to dry out completely.
Dropping leaves
Leaf drop (loss) in Flame Violet are due to exposure of the plant to cold draughts and exposure to direct sunlight. Keep it away from cold draughts like windy doors and windows to maintain warm room temperatures. Shield it from direct sunlight by use of light curtain.
Brown leaf tips and edges
Brown leaf tips and edges in Flame Violet are caused by too low air humidity for the plant. Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to raise humidity.
Pests
The common plant pests in Flame Violet are Spider Mite, Scale Insects and Aphids. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other houseplants. Read on how to identify and get rid of pests in houseplants.
Is Flame Violet toxic?
As listed by American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Flame Violet (Episcia cupreata) is non-toxic to both humans and pets. It is safe to grow in the home.
