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.
Episcia Star of Bethlehem
The Star of Bethlehem is a plant native to Africa with no scientific name. It’s an evergreen perennial, making it a great choice as a permanent fixture.
The leaves on the Star of Bethlehem grow in layers, with those around the outside generally being larger than those on the inside. Flowers are dotted between leaves, adding bursts of colour here and there. The Star of Bethlehem’s leaves are oval-shaped and rather rounded, with grooves along their borders. They are glossy, with scaly indents, and dark green to the point of appearing almost black. Its flowers, reminiscent of those used as cupcake decorations, grow with five small petals around a fairly long stamen.
The Star of Bethlehem should grow in dappled shade, with watering occurring regularly enough to keep the soil moist. The soil itself ought to be well-draining, and this should extend to the pot as well. As with many plants, if the soil still seems damp, there is no need to water the Star of Bethlehem again yet. The Star of Bethlehem is a hardy plant which can survive temperatures just below freezing, though a warmer environment is ideal.
Plant Care
Natural, indirect light works best
Once a week but don’t over water if soil is still damp
Well drained
Likes your pets
This guy is a naughty chap. He has caused so much trouble with his neighbor plants that he’s had to be put into solitary confinement indoors. That being said, on his own he is a joy to own and watch grow
