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Episcia reptans

Phonetic Spelling
eh-PISH-ee-ah REP-tanz
Description

Flame violet is a tropical perennial native to the tropics of South America in the African violet family. These plants have showy variegated leaves and bright red solitary flowers. They grow in a rosette with lateral creeping stolons. 

These plants need indirect sunlight, warmth and high humidity but do not tolerate water on their leaves. Use this plant in a container with fertile well-drained soils. They look great in a hanging pot, terrarium or in a greenhouse. These plants can be difficult to grow, especially in winter when the humidity is low and days are short. Be sure to cut back on watering in winter to prevent root rot. If the plant is looking poor after winter, it can easily be propagated by stem cuttings.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Insect pests include aphids and mealybugs.  Fungal leafspots, stem blights, and root rots occasionally occur.  Leaves scorch in full direct sun; dieback occurs if too much water or too little air circulation, leaf margins turn brown from low humidity and too dry conditions.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common African violet diseases and insect pests.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#houseplant#red flowers#high maintenance#hanging baskets#terrarium#tropical herbaceous perennial#tender perennial#groundcover#humidity tolerant#difficult to grow#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant#greenhouse plant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#houseplant#red flowers#high maintenance#hanging baskets#terrarium#tropical herbaceous perennial#tender perennial#groundcover#humidity tolerant#difficult to grow#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant#greenhouse plant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Episcia
    Species:
    reptans
    Family:
    Gesneriaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Tropical Americas
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 4 in. - 0 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Ground Cover
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Creeping
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    High
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Round capsule 1 mm in size
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Solitary
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Trumpet
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Trumpet-shaped flowers with a spurred base and up to 1.5 inches across. Ring of hairs in the throuat.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Velvety
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Long-lasting
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Leaf Margin:
    Crenulate
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Elliptical variegated hairy leaves with serrate to crenulate margins. Apex acute or obtuse, base rounded or subcordate. They can be 2-6 inches long and 1-4 inches wide.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    Vertical stolons grow from the rosette.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Hanging Baskets
    Houseplants
    Small Space
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Humidity