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Episcia cupreata, Flame Violet, 'Silver Sheen'

$16.99 USD

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Size 1 Plant 4" Pot 1 Plant 2" Pot

Quantity

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 ‘Silver Sheen’ – A Sparkling Jewel for Your Indoor Garden

Looking to add something truly unique to your indoor plant collection? Say hello to Episcia cupreata ‘Silver Sheen’, a rare variety of the beloved Flame Violet. This plant isn’t just eye-catching—it’s a living tapestry of shimmering silver, soft greens, and delicate pinks. And when it blooms? Expect bright coral-red to orange flowers that light up its velvety foliage like tiny flames. That’s where the “flame violet” name comes from!

Whether you’re creating a cozy windowsill jungle, building a terrarium, or just need a houseplant that sparkles even in the shade, ‘Silver Sheen’ is a winner. Let’s explore what makes it so special—and how to grow it with success and confidence.

What Is Episcia cupreata ‘Silver Sheen’?

Episcia cupreata is part of the Gesneriad family—yes, the same group as African violets! Native to Central and South America, these tropical plants are loved for their lush foliage, trailing growth, and seasonal flowers. ‘Silver Sheen’ stands out for its metallic silver patterns across minty-green leaves, often edged in pink or coppery tones.

Its low-growing, spreading habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets, terrariums, and indoor planters. And its flowers? Bright, tubular, and absolutely charming.

Light Needs: Bright but Indirect

Episcia ‘Silver Sheen’ does best with bright, indirect light. It loves good light, but not the harsh rays of the midday sun.

Ideal spot: Near an east-facing window or set back from a bright south-facing window.
Too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves or cause them to fade.
Too little light leads to leggy growth and fewer flowers.

If you’re growing it in a terrarium, natural light is fine—but a grow light can also work beautifully, especially in winter.

Watering: Keep It Consistently Moist

This plant likes its soil to stay lightly and evenly moist, but not soggy. The key is balance.

Water when the top ½ inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Use room-temperature water—cold water can shock the roots.
Never let the plant sit in standing water, or it may rot.
During the growing season (spring and summer), it may need more frequent watering.

Watch the leaves for clues:

Wilted or dry edges? It’s probably too dry.
Yellowing or mushy leaves? You might be overwatering.

Humidity and Temperature: Loves It Warm and Humid

Episcia ‘Silver Sheen’ is a true tropical plant. That means it thrives in warm, humid air and doesn't like cold drafts.

Ideal humidity: 60–80%
Ideal temperature: 65°F to 80°F
Avoid temps below 55°F or sudden chills—cold air can damage the foliage.

To boost humidity:

Use a small humidifier nearby.
Set the plant on a pebble tray with water.
Mist lightly, but avoid soaking the leaves.
Terrariums are a great environment for this plant—it loves the constant humidity.

Soil and Potting: Light and Well-Draining

Episcia needs a light, fluffy soil mix that holds moisture but drains quickly.

Great soil mix options:

2 parts African violet soil
1 part perlite or pumice
Optional: a bit of coco coir or sphagnum moss for added moisture retention

Use a shallow pot with drainage holes. The roots are fairly shallow, so no need for a deep container. Repot every 1–2 years to refresh the soil and promote healthy growth.

Feeding: A Gentle Boost for Gorgeous Growth

To keep those leaves shimmering and those flowers coming, a little fertilizer goes a long way.

Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to ¼ or ½ strength.
Feed every 2–4 weeks during spring and summer.
Stop feeding in fall and winter when growth slows.

Avoid overfeeding—it can lead to leaf burn and leggy growth.

Growth Habit: Spreading and Trailing

‘Silver Sheen’ has a creeping or trailing growth habit, with stolons (runners) that produce new baby plants along the vine. It makes a stunning ground cover in terrariums, or it can trail gracefully from a pot or basket.

To shape it:

Pinch back the growing tips to encourage bushier growth.
Let the runners develop if you want a fuller, trailing look.

It’s also easy to propagate using these runners. More on that below!

Flowering: A Surprise That Keeps Coming

While its leaves are the main attraction, the small trumpet-shaped flowers are a beautiful bonus. They typically bloom in spring through summer, with colors ranging from orange to coral red.

Each flower only lasts a few days, but the plant can bloom in waves if it’s happy.

Want more flowers? Make sure it’s getting:

Plenty of bright, indirect light
Warm temps and good humidity
Light feeding during the growing season

Propagation: Easy and Rewarding

Episcia ‘Silver Sheen’ is one of the easiest houseplants to propagate, thanks to its stolons.

To propagate:

Find a baby plant (offshoot) growing on a runner.
Gently cut the runner, keeping the baby intact.
Plant the baby in a moist, well-draining mix.
Keep in a warm, humid place until roots develop.

You can also root it in water, but soil is often faster. These pups grow fast and make lovely gifts for fellow plant lovers.

Common Problems and Fixes

Here are a few quick tips if your Episcia runs into trouble:

Curling Leaves or Brown Tips?

Usually caused by low humidity or dry soil. Increase humidity and water consistently.

Leaf Yellowing or Mushiness?

That’s a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Let the soil dry a bit more between waterings.

No Flowers?

Could be from low light, cool temps, or lack of nutrients. Move to a brighter spot and resume gentle feeding.

Pests (rare but possible)

Keep an eye out for spider mites or mealybugs. Wipe leaves with neem oil or treat with insecticidal soap if needed.

Styling and Display Ideas

Because of its size, texture, and sparkle, Episcia ‘Silver Sheen’ is a wonderful design element.

Try it:

In a hanging basket where vines can spill over
As a ground cover in a closed terrarium
On a shelf with trailing stems cascading down
Paired with darker-leaved plants to highlight the silver
In a low ceramic bowl for tabletop elegance

Its low profile and trailing habit make it a great filler in mixed plantings, too.

A Shimmering Jewel with Tropical Charm

Episcia cupreata ‘Silver Sheen’ is one of those plants that feels like a little luxury. With its velvety, metallic leaves, playful flowers, and easy-going nature, it brings beauty and joy into any indoor space. It’s compact, non-fussy, and always rewarding—especially when you see that next silver-splashed leaf or a bold flower peeking through the foliage.

For anyone looking to add texture, color, and a bit of sparkle to their indoor collection, this flame violet is a must-have. It’s not just a plant—it’s a living work of art.

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Episcia cupreata, Flame Violet, 'Silver Sheen'