Common name: |
Carpet plant, Flame violet |
Botanical Name: |
Episcia spp. |
Family: |
Gesneriaceae |
Foliage: |
Many hybrids have been created, with foliage ranging from pale pink, white and green, to dark chocolate brown, with many variations of silver, red and pink in between. |
Flowers: |
Different species of the plant has various colours. Flowers are usually bright reddish orange, although some species and cultivars have lavender or pink flowers. |
Light: |
It grows beautifully under artificial light or in a bright window. It should be placed in bright, indirect sunlight with shade from harsh summer sun. |
Temperature: |
The plant requires average or above average warmth in summer. Keep fairy cool in winter. |
Soil: |
A light porous mix with a little extra lime. Use an equal mixture of peatmoss, perlite and vermicompost. |
Humidity: |
A high level of humidity is preferred. |
Watering: |
The soil needs to be continuously moist while it is growing freely, but not waterlogged. |
Pest and Problems: |
The plant is prone to attack from aphids. Avoid wetting the leaves; they attract mealybugs. |
Growth habit: |
It is a very fast growing plant and grows up to 6 inches tall. |
Fertilizing: |
Apply a liquid fertilizer containing equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphate and potash at one fourth of th recommended strength. |
Pruning: |
Remove dead or dying leaves as soon as they have been noticed. |
Propagation: |
Propagation is done through stolons. It can also be propagated from seeds, leaf cuttings of runners. |
Special Care: |
Watch out for aphids from attacking the young leaves. |
Landscaping Utility: |
The plant can be used as a ground cover in shady locations. The distance of planting should be 9 inches c/c. |
Uses: |
Hanging baskets, terraniums, ground covers |
Click here to locate a nursery to buy this plant. |