Episcias are lovely trailing plants native to Central and South America, Brazil, and the West Indies. An Episcia plant is grown for its colorful textured leaves and small but pretty flowers. The most popular variety of the Episcia plant is the Flame Violet which has silver veined leaves and bears tubular bright pink or orange-red flowers about 3/4″ in size. The Episcia has never become as popular as its close relative the African Violet because they require more care. Episcias grow in a very unique manner. Each plant sends out runners called stolons which trail over the edge of the container or across the soil in the pot. New plants are propagated from these runners.This is a beautiful unique houseplant, but not a good plant for beginners.
Plant Care
Light
Episcia Plants require bright light but no direct sun. If the light is too bright, the color in the leaves fades.
Water
The soil of an Episcia plant should be moist but not soggy at all times. If the soil is too dry, the leaves develop brown edges. In the winter, when an Episcia is not growing, allow the soil to become a little drier.
Fertilizer
Special African Violet plant fertilizer is great for Episcia plants. In a pinch, use a balanced, soluble, houseplant food diluted to 1/2 the recommended strength. Fertilize monthly when the plant is actively growing.
Temperature
Average household temperatures above 65°F (18.3°C). Lower temperatures may cause brown leaf edges. An Episcia plant usually dies when the temperature goes below 50°F ( 10°C).
Humidity
Episcia plants like high humidity especially as the temperature in the room increases.
Flowering
The “Flame Violet” variety of the Episcia plant produces orange-red tubular flowers and the e. dianthiflora variety produces larger white fringed flowers. Moderate to high humidity is essential for an Episcia plant to flower.
Pests
Spider Mites and Mealy Bugs can be a problem. Check often and use a Qtip dipped in alcohol or Neem Oil to treat any plant pests as soon as they appear. Since the leaves of an Episcia plant are easily damaged, only use commercial insecticides recommended for African Violet plants.
Diseases
Episcia plants thrive and bloom in high humidity which makes them susceptible to Botritis, Powdery Mildew, and Erwinia Blight. Preventing these plant diseases is easier than treating them so try to provide good air circulation and avoid misting the leaves of an Episcia.
Soil
Episcia plants like a rich, airy potting medium. These plants are relatives of African Violets, so special African Violet plant soil is a good choice.
Pot Size
Episcia plants should be re-potted once a year with fresh soil. This helps prevent unwanted salt build-up that can damage the roots. If their roots have taken on the shape of the pot, it’s time to move your Episcia to the next size pot.
Pruning
It’s best to remove the small, developing stolons (runners), to allow the plant to develop well. Episcias grow very quickly, and can look straggly if not actively pruned. Trim the stolons (runners) to keep the plant full and bushy.
Propagation
Episcia plants produce thread like runners or stolens that root in the surrounding soil. These runners develop small plantlets at their tips. Propagation is very easy using these plantlets.
Poisonous Plant Info
An Episcia is a non – poisonous houseplant.
FAQ
Just allow the plantlets on your Episcia to grow a little larger, once they are at least an inch or two in size and can grow on their own, cut them off the stolen and root them in a separate pot. Episcais are very easy to propagate.
No, it’s not a fertilizer problem. I think your Episcia is getting too much bright light. Is it getting any direct sun any time during the day? It shouldn’t be!! Try moving it to a location that’s not quite as bright and I bet the vibrant color in leaves returns.
The edges of the leaves of an Episcia plant turn brown when the air around the plant is too cold. Episcia Plants really need temperatures of 65 degrees or more. Try to keep them away from cold windows and winter drafts.