Episcia cupreataFlame violet
科:苦苣苔科
Family:Gesneriaceae
common name:Flame violet
introduce:Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Gesneriaceae
Missouri Native: No
Native Range: Central and South America
Height: 0.75 to 1 foot
Spread: 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
Bloom Color: Scarlet red to orange with yellow throat
Sun: Part shade to full shade
Water: Medium moisture
Maintenance: High
General Culture:
In the tropics, flame violet can be grown as a ground cover or used as bedding plants. In temperate regions, they need greenhouse culture and are often grown as hanging baskets. Episcia cupreata need plenty of light but cannot tolerate the strong rays of the sun. Water with moderation in the summer and sparingly in winter. Let the soil dry in between waterings. Flame violets need high humidity but cannot tolerate water on their leaves. Fertilize every 2 weeks in summer with a balanced fertilizer diluted to ?strength recommended on the label. The best time to repot is in March using a well-drained, high-organic matter media with small gravel added to increase drainage. In cooler climates, this is a difficult plant to over-winter in lower light conditions, but cuttings can be easily taken in late summer.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
It has oval, wrinkled, green leaves flecked with copper and purple underneath with orange-red flowers with yellows in the axils; the lobes may be fringed. Flame violet has a definite creeping habit.
Problems:
Problems include: fungal leafspots, stem blights and root rots, aphids, mealybugs; leaf margins turn brown from low humidity and too dry conditions; leaves scorch in full direct sun; die back occurs if too much water or too little air circulation.
Uses:
In its native area, it is an evergreen, creeping perennial. In cooler climates, its trailing form makes them excellent for hanging baskets.
