Episcia

Varieties we grow

Pink Panther

Medium-sized velvety leaves in olive green and purple with pink undersides; small pink flowers in warm weather and a slightly trailing habit, ideal for baskets.

Light

It wants brightness but never direct sun. A table near a bright window or a porch with light shade brings out its best color. With too much light the leaves fade and growth slows; with too little it gets leggy and hardly flowers.

Watering

Keep the soil lightly moist and always empty the saucer. Water at the base without wetting the leaves, because their fuzz holds water and spots appear. Use room-temperature water; cold water from the fridge leaves pale marks on the leaves.

Soil and pot

Its roots are fine and delicate, so it needs a loose, airy mix, for example with coco coir and plenty of perlite. It does well in 4–8 inch pots or in a hanging basket, where its creeping stems spill over the edges. No need to pinch it; it branches on its own.

Humidity and temperature

It loves warmth and high humidity; it's comfortable between 68 and 86 °F (20–30 °C) and flowers more when it's warm. Below 59 °F (15 °C) it suffers and the leaves get damaged. In dry rooms, set it on a tray of pebbles and water instead of misting it.

In the Dominican Republic

Our heat suits it perfectly, and with it the plant flowers for much of the year. Strong sun, however, burns the leaves quickly; outdoors, only on a well-shaded porch. Shelter it from heavy downpours, which soak the leaves and rot the stems, and bring it indoors if a hurricane is coming. Inside, keep it away from the air conditioning, which chills it and dries the air.

Also known as

Episcia

Common Spanish name

Violeta llama

Common Spanish name

Planta alfombra

Common Spanish name

Flame violet

Common English name

Carpet plant

Common English name

Common problems

• Pale or brown spots on the leaves→Cold water or droplets on the leaves; water at the base with room-temperature water.
• Faded leaves or scorched edges→Too much light or direct sun; move it to a spot with light shade.
• Soft, dark stems at the base→Rot from overwatering; let the soil dry a little, improve drainage and root the healthy tips.
• No flowers→It needs more warmth or light; move it somewhere warmer and brighter, out of direct sun.
• Sticky leaves or tiny silvery specks→Aphids, thrips or whiteflies; wash it with lukewarm water and insecticidal soap and check the undersides weekly.