Episcia cupreata
flame violet
An evergreen, low-growing perennial usually grown as a houseplant with creeping stems bearing colourful, textured green, brown and red foliage with silvery-green veining. Funnel-shaped, bright red flowers with a yellow eye appear intermittently from spring into autumn
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red | Green Brown Red Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green Brown Red Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Red | Green Brown Red Grey Silver | ||
| Winter | Green Brown Red Grey Silver |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Gesneriaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Trailing, Bushy
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow 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
Propagation
Propagate by stem cutting, by division or removing rooted runners
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- hanging basket
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse leafhoppers, mealybugs, Thrips, vine weevil and tarsonemid mite
Diseases
May be susceptible to basal rot and grey moulds if overwatered
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.