gesneriaceae

Episcia cupreata – Flame Violet

Flame violets are a member of the Gesneriaceae family, and the genus Episcia has about eight members. Native to Central and South America, they’re related to African violets. Episcia cupreata cultivars come in a variety of patterns and colors, such as red or silver leaves and orange, red, or pink flowers. Mature plants make runners and are ideal for hanging baskets.

Episcia Silver Frog
Episcia “Silver Frog”

How to care for Episcia cupreata

The flame violet grows good in bright locations. It can tolerate a bit of morning or evening sunlight such as winter sun or a lightly shaded area.

It can be grown in a standard potting soil or a specialized mix for African violets. I use a mix of potting soil, coarse sand, and grit in a ratio of 3:1:1.

Keep the soil evenly moist, avoiding excess water as it may cause rot. It’s okay for the soil’s surface to dry between waterings, but it should not be completely dry.

In the spring/summer, give a fertilizer that is half diluted with water once a month. Newly-purchased or recently repotted plants do not need to be fed for the first year. During the winter, they don’t require feeding.

Episcia cupreata prefers warm temperatures year-round and requires a winter minimum of around 15°C/59°F. When the temperature is in this range, watering can be decreased, and feeding isn’t necessary. However, the soil should not completely dry out. A slightly cooler winter location can aid in blooming in the spring.

Episcia cupreata

Propagation

Episcia cupreata can be propagated from seed, stem cuttings, or leaf cuttings, and the process is similar to that of African violet propagation.

Chirita sinensis

the genus chirita belongs to the gesneriaceae family and contains approx. 150 members. they are related to the african violet. the native to china chirita sinensis is probably the most widely cultivated species. there are a lot of cultivars available, some of them with a silver pattern on green leaves, flowering in white, purple or pink.

chirita sinensis

chirita sinensis care

chirita sinensis does best if located bright but protected from afternoon sun. a bit of morning or evening sun, such as a light shaded place will be tolerated.

it can be grown in a standart potting soil or in a special mix for african violets. i’m using a mix of potting soil, sand and grit (3:1:1).

keep it evenly moist but not wet. sitting in water can cause rotten roots. the drying of the soil’s surface between the waterings is ok. but it shouldn’t dry in complete.

in spring/summer a water soluble fertilizer at half strength can be given monthly and if placed at +/-20 °c/68 °f in fall/winter every six to eight weeks. new bought or recently repotted plants don’t need to be fed for the first six to eight weeks.

chirita sinensis can be cultivated at room temperature the year round and needs a winter minimum of approx. 15 °c/59 °f. at this temperature range, watering can be reduced, a fertilizer must not be given. but the soil should not dry out completely. a somewhat cooler winter location can have a positive impact on blooming in spring.

chirita sinensis leaf

chirita sinensis care propagation

chirita sinensis can be grown from seeds or leaf cuttings. the procedure is the same as for african violets.