Size: Single Plant | 2.5" Pot Included
The Episcia Silver Skies - Red Flowers, often called Flame Violet or Carpet Plant, is a captivating houseplant prized for its attractive foliage and vibrant blooms.
Here's a guide to Episcia Silver Skies - Red Flower care:
Light
Prefers bright, indirect light. An east or north-facing window is ideal.
Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate leaves and fade the silvery patterns.
Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering, and the vibrant leaf colors may fade.
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot.
Bottom watering is recommended to avoid getting water on the leaves, which can cause spotting.
Water more frequently during the growing season (spring and summer) and reduce watering in winter.
Humidity
Requires high humidity (50-60%).
Increase humidity by regular misting, using a humidity tray (a tray filled with pebbles and water), or placing it near a humidifier.
Dry air can cause brown, crispy leaf edges and hinder flower production.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range is between 18-27°C (65-80°F).
Protect the plant from cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations.
Avoid temperatures below 15°C (59°F).
Soil
Use a well-draining, moisture-retentive soil mix. An African violet-specific potting mix is often suitable.
Ensure the pot has drainage holes.
Fertilization
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
Reduce or stop fertilization in the fall and winter when the plant's growth slows.
Flowering
Provide proper bright, indirect light and high humidity to encourage blooming.
Removing spent blooms can encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
Episcia blooms are known to last about a week, but the plant can flower frequently under the right conditions.
Repotting
Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant outgrows its current pot.
Use a pot only slightly larger than the previous one to prevent excessive water retention.
Pruning
Trim back any leggy growth to encourage a fuller and bushier appearance.
You can also prune stolons (runners) if you want to encourage flowering rather than propagation, as the plant may prioritize vegetative growth over blooming when producing many runners.
Propagation
Easily propagated by stolons (runners) or leaf cuttings. Stolons can be pinned to a new pot of soil, and once rooted, severed from the mother plant. Leaf cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in moist soil.
Toxicity
Episcia 'Silver Skies' is generally considered non-toxic to pets and humans, making it a safe choice for households with animals or children.
By providing these care conditions, your Episcia Silver Skies - Red Flower should thrive, displaying its beautiful silver-patterned foliage and vibrant red flowers.
