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Episcia cupreata, Flame Violet, 'Alice'

Episcia cupreata, Flame Violet, 'Alice'

$16.99 USD
$16.99 USD
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Note: Episcia will change foliage colors due to light and environmental conditions. We grow in lower light and colors will be darker. High light will bring out the distinctive colors more.

Episcia cupreata ‘Alice’ – The Pretty Flame Violet That Shines Indoors

If you love plants with eye-catching leaves and colorful blooms, Episcia cupreata ‘Alice’ will quickly become one of your favorites. This charming variety of Flame Violet brings soft, textured foliage, trailing stems, and glowing pinkish-red flowers that pop like tiny flames against the leaves. Whether you’re growing it on a shelf, in a hanging basket, or inside a terrarium, ‘Alice’ adds color, softness, and a tropical touch that always draws attention.

This plant isn’t just about looks—it’s also easy to care for and fun to grow. Even if you’re new to houseplants, you can succeed with this one. Let’s explore how to grow and enjoy Episcia ‘Alice’ to its full, flowering potential.

What Makes ‘Alice’ Special?

Episcia cupreata is already a gem among houseplants, but ‘Alice’ stands out for her soft, silvery-green foliage with rose-toned undersides. The leaves have a velvety texture, and they shimmer in the light thanks to tiny fine hairs. This soft glow gives the whole plant a dreamy, romantic quality.

But the best part? The fiery reddish-pink flowers that bloom throughout the growing season. They rise just above the leaves on slim stems, offering a striking contrast. The combo of soft leaves and bright flowers makes ‘Alice’ feel both delicate and bold—a perfect mix.

Light: Bright, Indirect, and Gentle

‘Alice’ loves bright but indirect light. Think dappled sunlight—like what you'd find beneath a tree canopy in the jungle.

  • Place it near an east- or north-facing window for gentle morning light.

  • Keep it out of direct afternoon sun—it can scorch the delicate leaves.

  • If the light is too low, it may stop flowering and get leggy.

  • A grow light works well in darker rooms or during winter months.

Rotate the plant weekly to help it grow evenly on all sides.

Watering: Keep It Consistent, Not Soggy

This tropical beauty likes moisture but doesn’t want to sit in wet soil. The goal is to keep the soil evenly moist, but never soggy or bone dry.

  • Water when the top half-inch of soil feels dry.

  • Water from the base or the side—avoid splashing the leaves, which can lead to spotting.

  • Reduce watering slightly in cooler months, but never let it completely dry out.

A drooping or crispy leaf edge means it needs water. Yellow or mushy leaves mean it's getting too much.

Humidity and Temperature: Warm and Moist, Please

Episcia ‘Alice’ is a humidity lover. If your home is dry, especially in winter, a little extra care will help.

  • Ideal humidity: 60% or higher.

  • Ideal temperature: 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C).

  • Keep away from heaters, air vents, or cold drafts.

How to increase humidity:

  • Use a small humidifier nearby.

  • Place the pot on a tray of pebbles and water.

  • Group it with other tropical plants.

  • Grow it in a closed or open terrarium—this is where Episcia truly shines!

Soil and Potting: Light, Rich, and Fast-Draining

‘Alice’ needs a loose, well-draining soil mix that holds moisture without getting soggy.

Best mix includes:

  • 2 parts African violet potting mix

  • 1 part perlite or coarse sand

  • Optional: a little coco coir or orchid bark for added texture

Use a shallow pot with drainage holes. The roots are shallow, so no need for deep pots. Repot every 1–2 years in spring to refresh the soil and support new growth.

Fertilizer: Feed Lightly and Consistently

To keep those blooms coming and the leaves vibrant, ‘Alice’ appreciates a gentle feeding routine.

  • Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (like 10-10-10), diluted to ¼ or ½ strength.

  • Feed every 2–4 weeks from spring through early fall.

  • Skip feeding in winter when the plant slows down.

Too much fertilizer can cause root damage or leggy growth. Less is more.

Growth Habit: Trailing, Spreading, and Gorgeous

‘Alice’ is a trailing plant that grows by sending out runners, or stolons. These long stems creep along the soil surface and develop new plantlets at the ends.

  • Perfect for hanging baskets, shelves, or terrariums.

  • You can pinch back the tips to encourage bushier growth.

  • Let the runners do their thing if you want a fuller, cascading look.

This habit makes it easy to propagate and grow a larger collection.

Flowering: Small Flames That Keep on Coming

When it’s happy, ‘Alice’ blooms generously with small, trumpet-shaped flowers in bright reddish-pink shades. These blooms appear throughout the growing season, usually from late spring to early fall.

Each flower lasts several days, and the plant can produce many at once if it’s getting:

  • Bright, indirect light

  • Consistent moisture

  • Warm temperatures and humidity

  • Regular, gentle feeding

Even when not in bloom, the foliage alone is worth growing.

Propagation: Easy and Fun to Multiply

Episcia ‘Alice’ is a self-spreading plant. It creates baby plants at the end of runners, which you can root to start new plants.

Here’s how:

  1. Find a baby plant forming at the end of a runner.

  2. Let it develop small roots.

  3. Snip it off and plant in moist soil or sphagnum moss.

  4. Keep warm and humid until well-rooted.

You can also leave the runner attached and press the baby plant into soil nearby—it will root in place. Easy and satisfying!

Common Issues and Fixes

This plant is usually stress-free, but here’s what to watch for:

Leaf Curl or Crisping

  • Likely due to low humidity or underwatering. Raise humidity and water on schedule.

Mushy or Yellow Leaves

  • Often from overwatering. Let the top of the soil dry out slightly before watering again.

No Flowers

  • It may need more light or nutrients. Move it to a brighter location and resume gentle feeding.

Pests (rare)

  • Occasionally mealybugs or spider mites. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed.

Styling Tips: Let ‘Alice’ Shine

‘Alice’ is compact, soft, and stylish—perfect for:

  • A hanging basket, with vines trailing over the edge

  • A terrarium centerpiece, where her shimmer and color really pop

  • A shelf or plant stand, where she can catch the light and show off her blooms

  • A windowsill garden, paired with ferns, African violets, or peperomias

Her soft leaves and bold blooms create a romantic, jungle-inspired vibe in any room.

A Plant as Lovely as Her Name

Episcia cupreata ‘Alice’ brings a sense of delicate beauty and tropical warmth to your home. She’s soft but vibrant, elegant yet easygoing. Whether you're drawn to her silvery leaves, her fire-toned flowers, or her cascading vines, ‘Alice’ never disappoints.

With just a little love—light, moisture, warmth—she’ll grow, spread, and bloom like a true garden star. And as you watch each new runner or flower unfold, you’ll feel like you’ve welcomed a little magic into your space.

Because sometimes, all it takes is one plant to brighten your world—and ‘Alice’ does just that.

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