About
Episcia cupreata, the flame violet, is a low-growing, creeping, evergreen perennial houseplant with attractively textured, velvety, bronze-green to copper-red leaves with silvery-green veining. Trumpet-shaped, bright-red flowers with a yellow eye appear intermittently from spring into autumn. An outstanding foliage and flowering plant for a warm, humid, shaded position or heated conservatory.
About the genus
Episcia are trailing, evergreen perennial houseplants from Central and South America, grown primarily for their velvety, textured, colourful foliage in shades of green, bronze, red and silver. Solitary, trumpet-shaped flowers in red, pink or orange appear from spring to autumn. Excellent in hanging baskets and humid conservatories.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeHouseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitTrailing, Bushy
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHanging basket, Houseplants, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow as a houseplant on an east or west-facing windowsill, or grow in a temperate or warm greenhouse in bright filtered light with shade from hot sun; a minimum temperature of 15°C is required. Water sparingly as compost dries in winter and in the growing season water freely allowing compost to dry out between waterings; feed fortnightly with a high-potassium fertiliser
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by stem cutting, by division or removing rooted runners
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse leafhoppers, mealybugs, Thrips, vine weevil and tarsonemid mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to basal rot and grey moulds if overwatered