ESL Blogs

I confess I love Episcias! What the heck are those? Episcia is a variety of a trailing plant that is related to African violets. It is also called ‘flaming violets’ although it produces red, white or pink flowers. Don’t worry it will not burn you if you try to touch it. As a matter of fact, you will be amazed by its uniqueness when you include them in your plant collection. Its foliage is quite amusing as it looks like made of plastic. Yes personally, it is burning with beauty!

From what I have learned, Episcia plants have different varieties and cultivars. Even though they are native to South America, I have noticed they are also common here in the Philippines because they like tropical weather and high humidity. Its foliage is strikingly alluring, in fact it is a nice topic for conversation. Based on my observation though, its leaves can last for months and months as long as you plant them on a well-draining soil (with coconut coir or peat moss) and give them proper nourishment (i.e. regular fertilizers and worm castings). Hang them up in a place where they can receive morning sun. Take note, afternoon sun could be damaging to their foliage.

Moreover, Episcia plants can thrive indoors just make sure they receive bright indirect lights and filtered sunlight since they can thrive in shady spots. However, I would prefer to keep them outdoors so that they can get fresh air. Observe their growth wherever you place them, if they are thriving then you don’t have to worry too much. Be patient and their blooms will develop eventually.

Interestingly enough, Episcias send out shoots like crazy! They are called stolons which you can use to propagate and have new set of plants.  You can plant the stolons on the same pot about two to three inches away from the mother plant without cutting its stems. After a week or two, if you try to slightly pull them out, you would notice its resistance which means they have rooted well. You could also plant the stolons using another pot but for more successful growth, you should not cut its stems from the mother plant yet. Wait until they have grown a bit larger and have rooted well. This is another way of making more plants… Isn’t it exciting!

One of my favorite Episcia plants is the chocolate variety. Oh my goodness, it would have been an endless wow factor if the leaves are edible and tastier like real chocolates. A chocopiscia indeed… And have you noticed its flower? It is like she’s shouting, ‘Yo! What’s up? Take a look at me, but do not pinch me or I’ll bite you.’ :P

So if you are a plant enthusiast like me and you happen to see one of those episcia plants in the garden center, why don’t you purchase one and give her the TLC she needs. In the end, she could repay your gratitude and would lighten up your mood and spirit by simply showing her… spellbinding beauty! May Episcia be with you…

Thanks a lot for reading this blog and let's get our green fingers rolling!

For more information about growing this plant, you may check out this link. Happy growing!