Flame violet (episcia) Episcia cupreata
Flame violet (episcia) (Episcia cupreata) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Gesneriaceae family, native to Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil. It grows 10–15 cm (4–6 in) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 15 °C (59 °F). Space plants about 25 cm (10 in) apart.
Plan Flame violet (episcia) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Flame violet (episcia) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Gesneriaceae |
| Mature height | 10–15 cm (4–6 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 25 cm (10 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 1 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 15 °C (59 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | about 26–52 weeks after planting, for 13–26 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Flame violet (episcia) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous to cats or dogs (ASPCA).
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Flame violet (episcia)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Questions about Flame violet (episcia)
- How far apart should I plant Flame violet (episcia)?
- About 25 cm (10 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Flame violet (episcia) need full sun?
- Shade: at least 1 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Flame violet (episcia) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Flame violet (episcia)?
- It tolerates about 15 °C (59 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Flame violet (episcia) flower?
- About 26–52 weeks after planting, for 13–26 weeks.
- Is Flame violet (episcia) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous to cats or dogs (ASPCA).
- What grows well with Flame violet (episcia)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Flame violet (episcia). Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- A tropical plant: outdoors only in frost-free, humid climates; elsewhere a houseplant for bright, indirect light that likes warmth and humidity and hates cold draughts.
- A relative of the African violet with quilted, metallic, copper and silver patterned leaves and bright red tubular flowers; it spreads by runners like a strawberry, so it suits hanging baskets.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- African violet Streptocarpus ionanthus
- Lipstick plant Aeschynanthus radicans
- Pyrenean violet (resurrection plant) Ramonda myconi
- Orpheus flower (Rhodope haberlea) Haberlea rhodopensis
- Sunflower Helianthus annuus
- French marigold Tagetes patula
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Zinnia Zinnia elegans