Flame Violet Plant Care

Flame Violet (Episcia cupreata) belongs to the Gesneriaceae family within the Episcia genus. Flame Violet is native to Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. Flame Violet is also known as Velvet Violet, Painted Violet.

Flame Violet displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Flame Violet produces tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, or pink.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Flame Violet every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Flame Violet thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Flame Violet in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Episcia cupreata tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Flame Violet prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, peat-based potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Flame Violet to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Flame Violet every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, peat-based potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Flame Violet is suited to USDA Zone 12a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Flame Violet can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Flame Violet while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Flame Violet is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Flame Violet can be propagated through stem cuttings, division, runners. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lilac episcia plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Flame Violet is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Flame Violet grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Flame Violet is native to Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. In cooler regions, grow Flame Violet as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.