Episcia cupreata is a herbaceous perennial in the Gesneriad family. The Flame Violet grows 8 to 12 inches in height with a one to two foot spread. It can be grown as an annual ground cover in heavy shade, but it is most popular as a houseplant. Episcia makes a great hanging basket plant with its pretty foliage trailing over the sides of the basket. Episcia can also be grown as a terrarium plant, under grow lights, or as a windowsill plant. The important thing is to not subject it to direct sun, which will scorch the foliage. Bright indirect light is best. E. cupreata is a seasonal bloomer, but as a houseplant it will flower off and on all year round. The tubular blooms are red to orange in color with a yellow throat, and although the tubular flowers are very pretty, the plant is grown by many for its lovely variegated foliage, which is bright green with shades of pink to coppery brown and sometimes silver veining.

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Episcias are warm climate plants known for their colorful leaves and beautiful blooms. They make wonderful houseplants if you give them some good light and humidity. Never put them into direct sunlight because that will burn them. They should never be totally dry. I keep them slightly moist all of the time. Water from the bottom, and do not mist them. A pebble tray of water is best for increasing humidity. They require more water than their relatives, the African violets. Episcias are happiest with a temperature of about 60 to 70 degrees, although mine have done well up to about 90 degrees. Never let them go lower than 50 degrees or they die.

These plants put out runners so they make beautiful hanging baskets. If you'd like more flowers, cut most of the runners off. They can be propagated to give you more plants, or plants to share with friends.

I feed them every 2 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Give these wonderful old plants a try! They used to be much more common, but not many know about them now.

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Common names for this plant in Brazil include "Planta-Tapete", "Laço-de-Amor", "Asa-de-Barata", and "Violeta-Vermelha".

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