Episcia War Plant – Red Flower

Size: Single Plant | 2.5″ Pot Included

The Episcia War Plant – Red Flower, often called the “Flame Violet” or “Carpet Plant,” is a beautiful houseplant prized for its colorful, textured leaves and charming small flowers, which can indeed be red in some varieties. While they aren’t as carefree as some other houseplants, providing the right conditions will reward you with their unique beauty.

Here’s how to care for your Episcia War Plant – Red Flower:

Light

• Bright, Indirect Light is Key: Episcias thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. An east- or west-facing window where the plant receives gentle morning or late afternoon sun is ideal.
• Avoid Direct Sun: Direct sunlight, especially during the harsh midday hours, can scorch their delicate leaves, causing the color to fade or brown, crispy edges to appear.
• Insufficient Light: If the light is too low, the vibrant colors in the leaves may fade.

Watering

• Keep Soil Consistently Moist: The soil should be kept consistently moist but never waterlogged. Think of the conditions of a rainforest floor – humid but well-drained.
• Water When Top Inch is Slightly Dry: Allow the very top inch of the soil to slightly dry out before watering again.
• Avoid Letting Soil Dry Out Completely: Letting the soil completely dry out can lead to brown leaf edges and stress the plant.
• Water Carefully: Avoid getting water directly on the leaves, as this can cause spotting and potentially fungal issues. Bottom watering (placing the pot in a saucer of water and allowing it to soak up moisture from the bottom for about 30 minutes) is a good method to ensure the roots get water without wetting the leaves. Use lukewarm or room-temperature water to avoid shocking the plant.

Humidity

• High Humidity is Crucial: Episcias are native to tropical rainforests and therefore need high humidity to thrive and flower well.
• Increase Humidity: You can increase humidity by:
  • Using a humidifier.
  • Placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (making sure the bottom of the pot is above the water line).
  • Grouping plants together, as they create a microclimate of higher humidity.
  • Growing them in a terrarium, especially varieties with pink in their leaves.
• Low Humidity Signs: Brown leaf edges can be a sign of low humidity.

Temperature

• Warm Temperatures Preferred: Episcias prefer warm temperatures, ideally between 18°C and 27°C (65°F and 80°F).
• Avoid Cold Drafts and Extreme Temperatures: Protect them from cold drafts and temperatures below 10°C (50°F), which can be fatal. Lower temperatures may also cause brown leaf edges.

Soil

• Well-Draining and Rich Mix: Use a well-draining, rich potting mix. An African violet mix or a peat-based mix amended with perlite or vermiculite works well to provide good drainage while retaining some moisture.

Fertilizing

• Feed During Growing Season: Fertilize your Episcia regularly during the active growing season (spring and summer).
• Use a Balanced, Diluted Fertilizer: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength or a fertilizer specifically formulated for African violets. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks.
• Reduce or Stop in Winter: Reduce or stop fertilizing during the fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows down.

Propagation

• Easy from Stolons (Runners): Episcias readily produce stolons, which are trailing stems with small plantlets at the ends. These can be easily propagated by:
  • Cutting off the plantlets and potting them in fresh, moist soil.
  • Pinning the stolon with the plantlet down onto a separate pot of soil while still attached to the mother plant. Once roots develop, you can sever the connection.

Flowers

• Encouraging Blooms: Providing the right conditions – bright indirect light, consistent moisture, warm temperatures, and high humidity – will encourage your Episcia to flower.
• Pruning Runners: Some growers find that removing or pruning back the runners can sometimes encourage the plant to put more energy into flowering rather than vegetative growth.

Pests and Diseases

• Watch for Common Houseplant Pests: Keep an eye out for common houseplant pests like mealybugs and spider mites. Treat any infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil. High humidity can help prevent spider mites.
• Good Air Circulation: Ensure good air circulation around the plant to help prevent fungal diseases.

By following these care tips, you can enjoy the vibrant foliage and lovely red flowers of your Episcia War Plant – Red Flower!