Episcia cupreata, Flame Violet, 'Pink Panther'

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 ‘Pink Panther’ – A Bold Beauty with Velvet Leaves and Fiery Flowers

If you’re dreaming of a houseplant that combines lush texture, vibrant color, and a bit of wild personality, you’ll fall for Episcia cupreata ‘Pink Panther’. This variety of the beloved Flame Violet isn’t just another trailing tropical—it’s a head-turning plant with deep bronze-to-pink foliage, iridescent shimmer, and hot pink to red blooms that pop like little bursts of color among the leaves.

‘Pink Panther’ is perfect for small spaces, shelves, terrariums, and hanging baskets. Its soft, velvety leaves and vivid flowers bring a dramatic yet playful energy to any room. And the best part? It’s low-maintenance and easy to grow—even for beginners.

Let’s explore how to bring out the best in this vibrant trailing houseplant.

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Why Grow Episcia ‘Pink Panther’?

‘Pink Panther’ earns its name with flair. Its dark olive to bronzy leaves are washed with rosy-pink undertones, sometimes appearing almost metallic in the light. The leaves are soft and fuzzy—like velvet to the touch—and make a beautiful backdrop for the bright pink to coral-red flowers that appear throughout the warmer months.

This plant grows in a low, spreading habit, sending out vines and “babies” on runners. Over time, it forms a lush mat of foliage and blooms—perfect for spilling over pots or filling in the base of a terrarium.

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Light Requirements: Bright but Indirect

‘Pink Panther’ loves bright, indirect light, but not harsh sun. Too much direct sunlight can scorch its velvety leaves, while too little light can make it leggy and reduce flowering.

• Ideal location: Near an east- or north-facing window

• Filtered light works well in a bright room

• Avoid strong midday sun, especially in summer

• Grow lights work well in low-light homes or terrarium setups

If your leaves look dull or flowers stop forming, try moving it to a brighter—but still indirect—location.

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Watering: Moist but Not Soggy

This plant likes consistent moisture but doesn’t want wet feet. Think “evenly damp,” like a wrung-out sponge.

• Water when the top ½ inch of soil feels dry

• Use room-temperature water

• Water gently to avoid splashing the leaves

• Drain well—never let it sit in water

In warmer months, you may water 2–3 times a week. In cooler seasons, reduce watering and always check the soil first.

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Humidity and Temperature: A Tropical Must

Episcia ‘Pink Panther’ is native to humid rainforests, and it thrives in warm, moist conditions. Dry air or chilly temps can damage this sensitive beauty.

• Humidity: 60%–80% is ideal

• Temperature: 65°F to 80°F (18°C–27°C)

• Avoid temps below 55°F and keep away from AC vents or drafty windows

Want to boost humidity? Try:

• A humidifier

• A tray of pebbles and water under the pot

• Grouping plants together

• Growing it in a terrarium, where it absolutely thrives

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

Episcias hate soggy roots, so use a soil mix that drains well but still holds enough moisture for tropical roots.

Ideal soil mix:

• 2 parts African violet potting mix

• 1 part perlite or coarse sand

• Optional: a pinch of coco coir or sphagnum moss for moisture retention

Plant in a shallow container with drainage holes, as the roots are shallow and spread horizontally. Terracotta or ceramic pots work well.

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Fertilizer: Feed Gently for Lush Growth

A little food helps keep your plant blooming and growing strong—but go easy.

• Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to ¼–½ strength

• Feed every 2–4 weeks during spring and summer

• No need to fertilize in winter when growth slows

Too much fertilizer can cause leaf burn or reduce blooming. Watch for signs like browning tips or overly fast, weak growth.

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Growth Habit: Creeping, Spreading, and Trailing

‘Pink Panther’ is a creeping or trailing plant, perfect for hanging baskets, shelves, or the front of a mixed planter. It spreads by stolons (runners) that produce baby plants along the way.

Want to keep it tidy and full?

• Pinch back the growing tips to encourage branching

• Let it trail for a cascading effect, or

• Plant runners into nearby pots or sections of the same container

Its elegant vines and vibrant leaves create a soft, layered look that feels lush and full.

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Flowering: Little Flames All Season Long

When it’s happy, ‘Pink Panther’ produces bright pink or coral-red trumpet-shaped flowers on short stems above the leaves. Flowers are small but eye-catching—and they often bloom on and off throughout the growing season.

To encourage blooms:

• Provide bright, indirect light

• Keep the plant warm and evenly moist

• Feed lightly and regularly during active growth

• Avoid drafts or dramatic temperature changes

The flowers may not last long, but new ones appear regularly if conditions are right.

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Propagation: Make More Panthers

One of the easiest things about Episcia ‘Pink Panther’ is propagation. The plant creates runners with new plantlets that are practically begging to be potted up.

To propagate:

1. Locate a baby plant forming on a stolon

2. Let it root in place or snip it off and plant it in moist soil

3. Keep warm and humid while it settles in

4. Mist gently and watch it grow

In a few weeks, you’ll have a whole new plant ready to trail and shine.

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Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Here are a few things to watch for:

Brown leaf edges?

• Likely dry air or underwatering

• Raise humidity and water consistently

Yellow or mushy leaves?

• Usually from overwatering or poor drainage

• Improve airflow and reduce watering

No flowers?

• Probably not enough light

• Move it closer to a bright window or use a grow light

Pests?

• Rare, but sometimes mealybugs or spider mites

• Treat early with neem oil or insecticidal soap

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Styling and Display Tips

With its bold colors and trailing form, ‘Pink Panther’ is made to be admired.

Try it:

• In a hanging pot where vines can spill over

• In a terrarium with moss, ferns, and tropical companions

• On a plant shelf or bookcase, where the leaves catch the light

• As a gift plant, paired with a pink ceramic pot or pastel décor

The mix of shimmer, softness, and flower color is hard to resist.

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A Fierce, Fabulous, and Friendly Houseplant

Episcia cupreata ‘Pink Panther’ is a plant that checks all the boxes: beautiful, easy to grow, and unique. With its jewel-toned leaves and little flame-like flowers, it brings personality and color to any room. And with its low maintenance needs, it’s as practical as it is pretty.

Whether you're new to tropical plants or a collector of all things fabulous, this is one panther you'll want prowling around your indoor jungle. Because when your plant glows with this much color, it’s not just a decoration—it’s a daily delight.