Episcia cupreata aka Flame Violet

Episcia cupreata, or flame violet, belongs to the Gesneriaceae family. Its native range runs from Nicaragua to northern Brazil. It grows in the wet tropics and keeps its leaves year-round. Garden sources describe it as a low, creeping perennial. People grow it indoors for its leaves and bright flowers. In warm tropical gardens, it serves as ground cover or bedding.

Plants reach about 0.7–1 foot (0.2–0.3 metres) tall. Their usual spread is 1–2 feet (0.3–0.61 metres). RHS gives a lower height of 0.33 feet (0.1 metres). Its spread can reach 3.3 feet (1 metre) there. Growth is slow, and plants form rosettes with side runners. Short stems bear hairs; red or green runners root readily. The simple leaves grow in opposite pairs and feel soft. They have oval shapes, pointed tips, and smooth edges. Their bases may be rounded or shaped like hearts. Dark green blades have pale midribs and a wrinkled surface. Copper tones and purple leaf undersides add to their colour.

Each flower grows alone and has a funnel-like shape. Red to orange petals surround a yellow throat. The hairy corolla has five lobes and a basal spur. Flowers can reach about 0.21 feet (0.064 metres) long. Some lobes have fringed edges. Bloom comes in spells rather than one short flush. RHS places flowering from spring into autumn. The trailing stems suit hanging baskets and other containers. Greenhouses and terrariums also provide useful growing spaces.

Give this plant bright light without harsh, direct sun. It needs moist soil that drains well and contains organic matter. Loam suits it, across acid, neutral, or alkaline conditions. Water moderately in summer and reduce watering in winter. Let the potting mix dry between waterings. Keep humidity high, but avoid wetting the leaves. Sources advise feeding every two weeks during active growth. RHS says to keep the temperature at least 15°C. USDA zones 10–12 suit it; its UK rating is H1B. Overwintering can be hard in cool regions.

Aphids and mealybugs may attack this plant. Other pests include thrips, glasshouse leafhoppers, vine weevils, and tarsonemid mites. Fungal leaf spots, stem blight, and root rot can occur. Excess water can also lead to basal rot and grey mould. Poor airflow and overwatering can cause shoots to die back. Strong sun may scorch leaves; dry air can brown their edges. Growers can divide plants or take stem and leaf cuttings. Rooted runners offer another way to make new plants. RHS says the plant needs no pruning.