Episcia or Flame Violets are a close relative of African Violets which are in the gesneriad family. They are a plant that has both beautiful foliage and flowers. The leaves have  a wide range of colors including light green, dark green, pink, red, silver, brown, white and yellow. The flowers are mostly red-orange but some varieties have pink, yellow, or blue flowers. Generally the non-red flowering plants are more difficult to maintain. The orginial species are usually from central and south America. The plant on the left is Alice's Aussie. The plant on the right is Ronnie.

Most people are familiar with African violets. These plants will grow under similar conditions. They differ from violets in that they love more heat, humidity, and light. Episcias can be kept in either natural sunlight or florescent tubes. They do not require full sun all day but bright light is appreciated. If grown under lights, the duration has to be 12 - 14 hours a day. The is best achieved with a timer.

Humidity. Episcia like it  humid.  They are  happiest with humidity over 50%. It would probably be a challenge to have healthy looking plant in places like Arizona or Nevada. If your humidity is very low. They will do better in a terrarium. Some of the non-red flowering plants need the higher humidity of a terrarium to grow properly. The plant might develop a puckered look to the leaves. It would be less likely to produce flowers. A pebble tray with water in it will help the humidity in the area. Also a large number of plants growing together will change the surrounding environment. All those plants are transpiring water and the air will have more moisture in it.

Watering. Episcia like the African violet like to be evenly moist. In other words the soil should be wet but not waterlogged. This can be done with regular watering. I like to do things the easy way. Water-wicking is a method that gives the plant a constant source of  moisture. I will explain water wicking in more detail. another guide. The classic water-wicking soil mix is 1-1-1 peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. This is a "dry" mix that allows the roots to have plenty of oxygen while absorbing water and fertilizer.

Fertilizer. I use the constant feed method. Any water soluble fertilizer will work. I prefer Jack's Classic African Violet 12-36-14 Water soluble plant food. You can also use Jack's Classic 20-20-20. You can use an empty milk jug to mix the fertilizer. The water will turn a nice bright blue color. It is one quarter teaspoon per gallon. They include a measurer in the container but I prefer a own regular measuring spoon.

Propagating. This plant actually tries to reproduce itself. It produces stolons, runners, or pups. When these stolons touch soil they start to grow roots. I put the stolons inside either a plastic clear container or a bag. I put this under florescent light. If a sealed container is put in full sunlight it will cook in minutes. Episcia root usually within one or two weeks. You can wait longer but check the plant every few days.

Commonly found varieties.

Cleopatra. This is a albino form that has green, pink, white and yellow on the leaves. It is more sensitive and slow growing compared to others.  It is usually kept in a terrarium.
Faded Jade. The leaves are medium green with silver coloring. The flowers are a bright orange-red that contrast nicely with the leaves. It is very easy to grow and makes great baskets quickly. The stolon usually root in less than a week.
Pink Panther. The leaves are brown on the brown or dark green on the outside with a medium green center. The flowers as the name suggests pink. This plant might need a terrarium.
Silver Skies. This is a miniature plants. The leaves are usually under one inch in size. The leaves are silver with an attractive brown edge. The flowers are orange-red. I have received blue ribbons for showing this plant at African violet shows. It is easy to grow and very popular plant. Grab it if you find in on eBay.
Strawberry Patch. The leaves are a bright metallic red color. The flowers are orange-red. It is an easy to grow plant. It is very different looking than most houseplants.

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