Carpet plant, Flame violet

Episcia spp.

Gesneriaceae

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.

Different species of the plant has various colours. Flowers are usually bright reddish orange, although some species and cultivars have lavender or pink flowers.

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.

The plant requires average or above average warmth in summer. Keep fairy cool in winter.

A light porous mix with a little extra lime. Use an equal mixture of peatmoss, perlite and vermicompost.

A high level of humidity is preferred.

The soil needs to be continuously moist while it is growing freely, but not waterlogged.

The plant is prone to attack from aphids. Avoid wetting the leaves; they attract mealybugs.

It is a very fast growing plant and grows up to 6 inches tall.

Apply a liquid fertilizer containing equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphate and potash at one fourth of th recommended strength.

Remove dead or dying leaves as soon as they have been noticed.

Propagation is done through stolons. It can also be propagated from seeds, leaf cuttings of runners.

Watch out for aphids from attacking the young leaves.

The plant can be used as a ground cover in shady locations. The distance of planting should be 9 inches c/c.

Hanging baskets, terraniums, ground covers