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HouseplantsConservatory Greenhouse

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

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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Gesneriaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Trailing, Bushy
Genus

A genus of trailing, flowering perennial houseplants, native to Central and South America, Brazil and the West Indies, and grown mainly for their velvety, textured and colourful foliage. Flowers are solitary and may be red, pink or orange

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

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