No tracking. No cookies. No ads. Privacy-first
Bright, indirect light or artificial fluorescent light for at least 8 hours daily. direct sun (right in the window where sun actually hits the leaves. A strong grow light 4-6 inches away can substitute) fades the leaf color. Does well on a bright windowsill without direct exposure.Light
Keep soil consistently moist but never soggy. Water once or twice weekly during the growing season. In winter, allow the soil to dry slightly more between waterings. Never let it dry between waterings (stick your finger 2 inches into the soil. If it is dry, water it. If it is still damp, check again in a day or two), as the leaves will develop brown edges.Water
high humidity (60-80%. Group your plants together, set them on a pebble tray with water, or run a humidifier nearby) is important. Use a pebble tray with water, a nearby humidifier, or grow in a terrarium. Daily gentle misting (note: misting does not actually raise humidity meaningfully. A pebble tray or humidifier is more effective) is an option, but avoid soaking the leaves directly.Humidity
Warm household temperatures, ideally 65-80°F (18-27°C). Keep away from cold drafts and heating or AC vents. Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) will kill the plant.Temperature
moderateDifficulty
Episcia reptans plant

Scarlet Violet

Episcia reptans

Moderate

Episcia reptans is a low, creeping perennial that hugs the ground with elliptical, velvety leaves that are typically dark green with silvery or coppery patterning and produces vivid scarlet, trumpet-shaped flowers with a ring of fine hairs inside the throat. Your plant stays compact at 4-6 inches tall but spreads generously sideways via trailing stolons, making it ideal for hanging baskets, terrariums, or as a tabletop specimen where the runners can tumble freely over the edge. It is sometimes confused with Episcia cupreata, and indeed the care requirements are nearly identical.

Episcia reptans plant
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Episcia reptans plant
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Care Guide

How to grow Scarlet Violet

Light

Bright, indirect light or artificial

Water

Keep soil consistently moist but never soggy.

Humidity

60-80%

Temperature

65-80°F

Soil

Rich, airy potting mix with good drainage.

Propagation

Very easy from stolons.

Common Problems

Spider mites and mealybugs.

Did You Know

Fun Facts

The genus name Episcia derives from the Greek word episkios, meaning 'shaded,' which tells you exactly where to put it: away from direct sun and in the kind of dappled light found on a tropical forest floor.

Pet Safety

Pet safe

Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, confirmed by the ASPCA.

Sources

  1. Episcia - Wikipedia (opens in new tab)Reference
  2. Episcia - Wikipedia (opens in new tab)Reference
  3. How to Grow and Care for Episcia - Houseplant 411 (opens in new tab)Reference
  4. How to Grow and Care for Episcia - Houseplant 411 (opens in new tab)Reference
  5. How to Grow and Care for Flame Violets - Gardener's Path (opens in new tab)Reference
  6. How to Grow and Care for Flame Violets - Gardener's Path (opens in new tab)Reference
  7. Episcia reptans - NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab)University Extension
  8. Episcia reptans - NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab)University Extension
Copied to clipboard