How to care for Episcia: Care tips for houseplants

Episcia, also known as the flame violet, is a plant family that instantly brings tropical vibes into your home with its colorful leaves and unique flowers. Native to the rainforests of Central and South America, it loves to relax in shady spots. What makes this plant family so great is that it adds an exotic touch to your space without being high maintenance. It is perfect for anyone who wants a bit of tropical flair without too much fuss!

The leaves of Episcia are a real treat to the eyes! They range from green to silver-gray and often feature striking patterns that enhance the feel of a tropical paradise. These plants can produce small flowers, which, despite their size, make a big impression. They come in shades of red, orange, and yellow, with a tubular shape that gives them an elegant look.

In this blog, you will find everything you need to know to keep this gorgeous plant family thriving. Whether you are a newbie gardener or already have some experience, Episcia is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves plants!

Fun Fact! Did you know that Episcia can bloom for months with the right care? In a well-lit space, its blooming period can start in the spring and continue into the fall. Who knows, your plant might even surprise you with small flowers all season long!

Episcia care: 10 expert tips for growing it successfully

1. Place the plant in a spot with indirect light, such as near a north-facing window, where it can enjoy that soft light.
2. Water regularly, but make sure the top layer of soil dries out between waterings!
3. Use lukewarm water and try to keep the leaves dry for the best care.
4. Feed every 4-6 weeks in spring and summer; in winter, it is not necessary.
5. Keep the temperature nice and warm, between 18°C and 28°C; truly tropical! Just make sure it’s not placed in a drafty corner or anywhere colder than 15°C.
6. Maintain higher humidity by occasionally misting or placing a dish of water nearby.
7. Repot every 2-3 years in well-draining potting soil, such as a mix of peat moss and perlite—this will keep her happy!
8. If your Apoballis grows a bit too wild, trim any long runners and damaged leaves in spring or summer to keep her compact and full.
9. Also, make sure she’s not near drafty spots or hot radiators—she doesn’t like that.
10. Keep an eye out for pests like mealybugs or spider mites. If you spot them, you can simply rinse them off with water or use a bit of neem oil.

Episcia care

Light & Placement

Episcia loves a bit of shade, so avoid placing it in direct sunlight. It thrives best in soft, indirect light—think of a north-facing window or a spot away from the bright sun. Too much sun can burn its tropical leaves, and we definitely don’t want that! However, it is quite flexible; as long as it gets enough light, it will bloom happily. A bit of artificial light works just fine too, so even if your room is not super bright, it can still do well. In short, find a spot where it won’t get too hot, and it will reward you with beautiful, colorful leaves!

Water

When watering your Episcia, finding the right balance is super important. It likes to stay a bit moist, but not soggy! Water it regularly, but make sure the soil doesn’t get too wet. It can cause root rot. Let the top layer of soil dry out a bit between waterings, but don’t let it go completely dry. A good trick is to stick your finger about 2-3 cm into the soil. If it feels moist, wait a bit longer before watering. If it is dry at that depth, it is time to water. In winter, you can water less since the plant isn’t growing as much. Easy, right? Just a little love and attention and it will keep growing!

Expert Tip: Always use lukewarm water when watering, as cold water can confuse the roots! Also, be careful with the leaves! You can try to keep them dry, as water droplets on the leaves can cause stains.

Fertiliser

Fertilizing is an easy way to keep your Episcia happy, especially during spring and summer when it’s actively growing. It is best to fertilize every 4 to 6 weeks using PLNTS nutrition. This helps keep those beautiful leaves and maybe even flowers! Just don’t overdo it; a little less is usually better than too much. Always check the label for the right dosage. Regular feeding helps your plant grow and stay healthy. In fall and winter, skip the fertilizer since the plant is resting. This way, your Episcia stays in great shape without the risk of overfeeding!

Temperature & Humidity

Episcia loves warm, humid spots, so try to keep it in a room where the temperature stays between 18°C and 28°C. Cold air can cause it to tilt quickly, and if it drops below 15°C, it could get seriously damaged! For humidity, this plant thrives in air with a bit of extra moisture, just like in its natural jungle habitat. In winter, when the air’s drier, you can boost humidity by putting the plant in a more humid environment, like the bathroom, or placing a small bowl of water nearby to help increase moisture as it evaporates.

You can also mist your Episcia now and then to increase the humidity around the leaves. Just be careful not to wet the leaves too much, as tropical plants like Episcia don't like water sitting on them. This can cause spots or mold. It is best to mist in the morning so the water has time to evaporate before it gets too warm in your home.

Expert tip: Episcia is pretty tough, but it doesn’t like extreme temperatures. Keep it away from drafts and direct sunlight. Cold air will make the leaves droop and turn yellow, while heat can cause brown, crispy spots. So, keep it away from radiators and open windows to keep your Episcia happy and healthy!

Soil & Repotting

Ah, the Episcia! What a beautiful plant, but like any tropical beauty, it needs a little extra care. When it comes to repotting, it is important to pick the right potting mix and know when it is time to move your plant to a new pot.

Episcia loves light, well-draining soil because it doesn’t like to have ’wet feet.' A good option is the PLNTS potting soil. Use a mix that allows for good airflow, like a combination of sphagnum moss, perlite, and a little vermiculite. This helps the water drain properly while still giving the roots enough moisture and nutrients.

As for repotting itself: Episcia grows pretty quickly, but it doesn’t mind being a little snug in its pot. You don’t need to repot until it really outgrows its pot or the soil gets used up. This usually happens every 2-3 years, preferably in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Just make sure to choose a pot that is a bit bigger than the last one so the roots have room to expand. With the right soil and occasional repotting, your Episcia will keep blooming and growing—brightening up your home!

Pruning

Episcia doesn’t need to be pruned often, but a little maintenance now and then is helpful. In the spring or summer, you can trim back any long runners and remove any damaged leaves. This will make your plant look fuller and healthier!

Pruning will also help the plant take on a nice shape. It encourages new branching, which results in more leaves and flowers. Don’t worry about leaf loss; Episcia bounces back quickly with new growth. Prune at the right times, and it will thank you!

Propagation Episcia

Episcia is one of the easiest plants to propagate, and you can easily grow a new baby Episcia from stem cuttings. Propagation is extra easy because the plant has plenty of runners. So, what are you waiting for? Follow these simple steps, and in a few weeks, you will have a new plant to enjoy!

1. Pick a healthy, pest-free Episcia. Look for a stem with 2-3 healthy leaf nodes. Using clean, sharp scissors, cut the stem just below a leaf node. A cutting of about 5-10 cm is ideal.
2. Gently remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, exposing the leaf nodes. These nodes will form roots later on.
3. Now, place the cutting in a small pot with moist, well-draining soil. Make sure the nodes are buried under the soil, as this is where the roots will grow.
4. Put the pot in a spot with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight since that can overheat and damage the cuttings. Check the cuttings regularly and water gently if the soil gets too dry. Be careful not to overwater, as that can cause the cuttings to rot!
5. After a few weeks, gently pull on the cuttings to see if there is resistance, which means roots are forming! Or, check underneath the pot for roots growing out of the drainage holes.
6. Once the cuttings have rooted well, you can repot them into a new pot with the right soil for Episcia.

Expert tip: Want to speed up rooting? Put the cutting in a warm spot and cover the pot with a plastic bag to raise the humidity around it.

With a little patience and the right care, your Episcia cutting will grow into a beautiful new plant!

Most common pests and diseases on Episcia

Episcias can sometimes get bothered by little pests like mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, and thrips. Mealybugs look like tiny white fluff on the stems or leaves, and they suck sap from the plant, weakening it. Spider mites show up when the air’s too dry and leave tiny silver spots or webs on the leaves. Aphids usually gather under the leaves and leave sticky spots behind. Thrips can cause silvery marks too.

The good news is that it is usually easy to get rid of them with some water, neem oil, or a bit of soap. Just keep an eye on your plant and make sure the humidity is good; that can help keep it healthy too!

Is Episcia toxic for your pets or children?

Luckily, Episcia is not toxic to pets or kids, making it a safe choice for your home! Still, it is always a good idea to be cautious. It is best to make sure your pets or little ones don’t chew on the plant or play with it too much, just to avoid them accidentally eating a leaf or some soil. Better safe than sorry!

Nice to know: Episcia is also great for improving air quality in your home! Like many other green plants, it helps purify the air by reducing harmful substances like formaldehyde.

Buy Episcia online at PLNTS.com

Now you know all about Episcia! This plant is a great addition to your home with its stunning, colorful leaves. It is also perfect for ground cover in your terrarium or as a climbing or trailing plant, where it really shows off its cheerful vibe. The Baby Pink Brocade has those lovely soft pink tones, and the Baby Silver Shield shines with a gorgeous silver glow. Both are real gems!

What makes Episcia so special isn’t just its vibrant leaves but how easy it is to care for. And the best part? You can propagate it yourself! Whether you love bold colors or soft, silvery hues, it will fit right in with your home.

Buy Episcia online at PLNTS.com and give this beauty a spot in your place. Enjoy your new green buddy!