Flame Violet
Episcia cupreata
Flame Violet is a warm, humidity-loving Gesneriad with velvety metallic foliage and bright trumpet flowers. Stolons let it carpet a pot or trail from a hanging planter. Leaf colors range from copper and emerald to silver, depending on the cultivar.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Moderate
Difficulty
Moderate
Humidity
High
Pet Friendly
Episcia cupreata is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
Care Notes
Light
Provide bright, indirect light. Direct sun can crisp or yellow the leaves. North or east windows are often a good fit.
Water
Keep the soil evenly moist without waterlogging. Water the soil, not the leaves; trapped moisture on velvety foliage can cause spotting and rot. Bottom-watering works well for this plant.
Soil
Use a light African Violet mix or peat and perlite blend. Shallow planters with drainage holes suit the root system.
Humidity & Temperature
Keep humidity above 50% with a humidifier or humidity tray. Skip misting the leaves. Aim for 65°F to 80°F (18°C-27°C) and protect from cold drafts and AC vents.
Common Issues
Curling or brown edges usually mean low humidity or underwatering. Leggy growth means the plant wants more light.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) or African Violet specific food
Soil
Well-draining, peat-based African Violet mix with perlite or vermiculite.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
6-10 inches tall and spreading 12-24 inches wide via stolons
Growth Rate
Moderate
Propagation
Stolons (runners), stem cuttings, or leaf cuttings.
Common Varieties
Chocolate Soldier
Quilted oval leaves in deep metallic chocolate-brown with a silvery-green pattern along the central vein.
Silver Sheen
Plush oval leaves with a metallic silver center and dark bronze-green margins.
Acajou
Quilted mahogany-bronze leaves with a metallic silvery-green pattern radiating from the center.
Harlequin
Deep chocolate-bronze margins with a mint-green central pattern along the veins.
Pink Panther
Quilted bronze leaves with metallic pink centers and silvery-pink veins.