Terrarium Creations
Plant Library

Flame Violet

Episcia cupreata

Family: Gesneriaceae

Flame Violet (Episcia cupreata)

Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

Difficulty
Moderate
Light
Bright, indirect
Water
Evenly moist
Humidity
High
Size
Spreading, 10–15 cm
Closed terrarium
Excellent

A relative of the African violet, the Flame Violet offers the best of both worlds: quilted, coppery, iridescent foliage and bright red flowers. It demands warmth and humidity — exactly what a terrarium offers.

Light

Bright, indirect light encourages flowering and keeps the metallic leaf sheen; avoid direct sun.

Water & humidity

Keep evenly moist with lukewarm water and avoid cold water on the leaves, which marks them.

In the terrarium

Flame Violets genuinely thrive in warm closed terrariums, spreading by runners into a colourful mat and often flowering — something they rarely do in dry rooms.

Tip: Keep it warm (18 °C+). Cold is the one thing Flame Violets won't tolerate.

Common problems

  • No flowers = needs more (indirect) light and warmth.
  • Leaf spots = cold water splashed on the foliage.
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Frequently asked questions

Do Flame Violets flower in terrariums?

Yes — the warm, humid, stable conditions of a closed terrarium often coax them into flowering when they wouldn't in an open room.

What temperature do Flame Violets need?

Warmth — ideally above 18 °C. They're sensitive to cold, so keep the terrarium out of draughts.

Care information is a general guide; conditions vary. Some links on this site are affiliate links that help support Terrarium Creations.