Photo: Patrice78500 · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Flame Violet
Episcia cupreata
Textured coppery foliage plus little red-orange flowers. Sends out runners like a strawberry.
- Terrarium type
- Closed
- Terrarium size
- Small
- Light
- Medium
- Care level
- Moderate
- Growth habit
- Trailing
- Pet safety
- Non-toxic to pets
Growing Flame Violet in a terrarium
Where to place it
Position it where its coppery, textured leaves get medium indirect light — enough to encourage the little red-orange flowers without scorching.
Watering & humidity
Keep the substrate consistently moist and the air humid; a closed setup suits it. Avoid splashing the fuzzy leaves with cold water, which spots them.
Watch out for
It throws out runners like a strawberry and will colonise the space — pin down or trim the runners to control where it spreads.
Reference: Episcia cupreata on Wikipedia.
Flame Violet FAQ
Can Flame Violet grow in a closed terrarium?+
Yes — Flame Violet (Episcia cupreata) thrives in a closed terrarium. The sealed glass traps the constant, high humidity it needs, and it tolerates the lower light inside a covered vessel.
Can Flame Violet grow in an open terrarium?+
It isn't recommended. Flame Violet (Episcia cupreata) wants the constant humidity of a sealed, closed terrarium and will quickly dry out and crisp up in an open, airy one.
What size terrarium does Flame Violet need?+
Flame Violet suits a small terrarium — jars & bottles. It has a trailing growth habit, so plan its position with that in mind and trim or divide it if it starts to outgrow the glass.
Is Flame Violet easy to care for?+
Flame Violet is rated moderate to care for in a terrarium. Textured coppery foliage plus little red-orange flowers. Sends out runners like a strawberry. It throws out runners like a strawberry and will colonise the space — pin down or trim the runners to control where it spreads.
How much light does Flame Violet need?+
Flame Violet does best in medium light. Keep it out of direct sun, which magnifies through glass and scorches leaves. Position it where its coppery, textured leaves get medium indirect light — enough to encourage the little red-orange flowers without scorching.
Is Flame Violet safe for cats and dogs?+
Flame violet (Episcia cupreata) is non-toxic to cats and dogs according to the ASPCA.
