Episcias, sometimes called flame violets, are of the African violet family and native to the tropical regions of Central and South America. The name is derived from Greek, meaning “shaded”, which speaks of the environment it best thrives in. There are 10 species of episcia plants and many varieties and hybrids featuring patterned leaves of shiny green, silver and bronze, and trumpet-shaped blooms of pink, red, yellow and white. 

Episcias typically have medium to large leaves that grow rapidly to fill a pot. Each plant sends out runners (called stolons), that trail over the edges of the planter, making them lovely to have in hanging baskets indoors. When planters are filled with plants of varying ages, you can expect blooms every month, making for a very satisfying plant to have. 

All episcia have similar growing requirements. As their name suggests, keep your episcia in bright, indirect light. They will flower as long as there is a decent amount of light. Episcias thrive in a well-draining soil mixture of 2 parts peat moss and 1 part perlite, kept moist but not soggy. You can expect the edges of the leaves to brown when moisture levels are not adequate. They are best fertilised with African Violet fertilisers when the plant is actively growing. Trim regularly to shape the entire pot, or episcias can look straggly quickly.

Episcias are easily propagated from the little plantlets at the end of the stolons. Root them in water before potting into soil and soon you will have planters overflowing with this ever blooming plant.

Animal lovers would be pleased to know that episcias are not poisonous and safe to have around pets.