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.
Propagation
Episcia sends out runners (stolons) tipped with small plantlets, much like a strawberry. Pin a plantlet onto the substrate while it is still attached to the parent; once it roots, sever the runner. Leaf cuttings also work.
Common problems
- No flowers = needs more (indirect) light and warmth.
- Leaf spots = cold water splashed on the foliage.
Good companions
Flame Violet pairs well with plants that want the same conditions, a humid, closed terrarium with bright, indirect light. Here are some species that thrive alongside it:
→ Explore more matches with our Plant Pairing Tool.
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.