How to Grow Flame Violet, Ember Lace
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Flame Violet, Ember Lace
Episcia cupreata 'Ember Lace'
flowerEpiscia cupreata 'Ember Lace' is a tropical perennial houseplant prized for its striking foliage featuring deep burgundy leaves with intricate silver or copper vein patterns. It produces delicate orange-red tubular flowers that emerge from the decorative foliage. This low-growing plant is ideal for terrariums, hanging baskets, and indoor plant collections.
When should you plant Flame Violet, Ember Lace in your zone?
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Example Flame Violet, Ember Lace timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Flame Violet, Ember Lace
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Flame Violet, Ember Lace blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Flame Violet, Ember Lace dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 11-12; must be grown indoors in cooler climates
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Starter/Young Plant
2-4 weeksSmall rosette with emerging patterned leaves, minimal stolons
Acclimate to home conditions gradually. Keep soil evenly moist. Maintain high humidity with pebble tray or humidifier. Avoid drafts and temperature fluctuations.
Vegetative/Foliage Development
4-8 weeksPlant expands with larger, more vibrant patterned leaves. Stolons (runners) begin to develop and trail or spread
Feed with diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during growing season. Pinch growing tips to encourage bushier form if desired. Maintain warm temperatures (65-75°F).
Flowering
Intermittent, ongoing with proper careSmall orange-red or coral tubular flowers emerge from leaf axils against the decorative foliage backdrop
Flowers appear naturally as plant matures; no special triggering needed. Continue regular watering and humidity. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Blooms may appear year-round indoors.
Established/Trailing
Ongoing maintenancePlant forms full rosette with multiple crowns and trailing stolons bearing new plantlets, cascading form ideal for hanging baskets
Prune back old or straggly growth. Can propagate new plants from stolons. Repot or refresh soil annually. Continue routine feeding and humidity maintenance.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Isolate plant. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap diluted to half strength. Apply to undersides of leaves. Repeat every 7-10 days for 3 weeks.
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Increase humidity immediately. Spray undersides with water or dilute neem oil. Isolate from other plants. Monitor closely.
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Allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. Use bottom watering. Apply sticky traps near soil. Use neem soil drench if severe.
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Improve air circulation and reduce humidity slightly. Spray with sulfur-based fungicide or neem oil. Remove heavily affected leaves. Avoid overhead watering.
Uses
Decorative Indoor Display
Household'Ember Lace' is prized as an ornamental houseplant for its stunning foliage with deep burgundy leaves and silver or copper vein patterns combined with delicate orange-red flowers. Perfect for terrariums, shade houses, and collectors seeking tropical vibrancy indoors. [source]
Terrarium & Vivarium Star
CraftThe compact, moisture-loving nature and striking appearance make 'Ember Lace' ideal for enclosed terrariums, bottle gardens, and biodomes. Low-growing habit doesn't overcrowd small spaces while providing visual impact. [source]
Indoor Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe tubular flowers attract hummingbirds and insects when grown in sunrooms or open indoor spaces. Can support small beneficial insects and provides nectar indoors. [source]
Air Quality & Humidity Indicator
HouseholdEpiscia's humidity requirements (50-60%) make it useful as a biological indicator of indoor air moisture levels. Healthy foliage signals proper household humidity for human respiratory comfort. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not typically harvested for food. Enjoy foliage year-round and flowers as they bloom naturally. Propagate plantlets from stolons by detaching and rooting in moist soil or water. Propagate leaf cuttings: place single leaves on moist soil under humidity dome; new plantlets emerge in 4-6 weeks.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Episcia cupreata is a flowering gesneriaceae family member, relatives to African violets and gloxinias, and thrives in similar humid, bright-indirect conditions.
- 🌱 'Ember Lace' produces stolons that develop plantlets at the nodes, allowing gardeners to create an expanding family of clones for propagation or gift-giving without seeds.
- 🌱 The metallic vein patterns on 'Ember Lace' leaves are caused by specialized leaf cell structures that reflect light, making the foliage shimmer differently depending on viewing angle and humidity levels.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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