Lavender Flamingo Violet
episcia lilacina
Also known as: ["Lavender Flame Violet","Lavender Episcia"]
Overview
A trailing tropical plant with vibrant lavender-blue flowers and attractive foliage, native to Central and South America.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","long-flowering","pet-friendly"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Gesneriaceae |
| Genus: | Episcia |
| Botanical Name: | Episcia lilacina |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in a warm, humid room with bright indirect light
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"18–27°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"11–12"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain high humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, rich, and slightly acidic potting mix; a mix of peat, perlite, and compost works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Every 2–3 months or as needed to control growth and shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown, but avoid heavy pruning during flowering
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves; adjust light exposure gradually if moving from low to bright light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate the plant to brighter light slowly over a week; place in a spot with filtered light or sheer curtains; for outdoor placement, provide shade during peak afternoon hours.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
bright, indirect light
Rotate the plant weekly for even growth; use a sheer curtain to filter direct sunlight; monitor for signs of light stress like leaf burn.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting the plant sit in water; water more frequently during active growth.
Soil
moist, well-draining, organic-rich potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic, ideally between 5.5–6.5.
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid compacted soil; check moisture before watering; repot if soil becomes exhausted.
Temperature
Prefers temperatures between 65–80°F (18–27°C); thrives in warm, humid conditions; avoid exposure to temperatures below 60°F (15°C).
Avoid placing near drafty windows or air conditioning vents; maintain consistent room temperature; monitor humidity levels to prevent stress.
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during active growth (spring and summer), monthly in fall and winter
Always water before fertilizing to prevent root burn; flush the soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; apply fertilizer in the morning for better absorption.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings with nodes; leaf cuttings can also be used but are less reliable.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 3–4 inch cutting with at least two nodes.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist propagation medium.
- Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F or 21–24°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based potting mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to encourage faster root development.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth may appear in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors or pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagation dome, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Keep the medium consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible to speed up rooting; avoid direct sunlight to prevent overheating.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips to encourage branching; cut stems just above a leaf node or junction.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove leggy or damaged stems.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, disinfectant (optional).
Checklist
Disinfect tools before use; prune in early morning or evening; remove dead or yellowing leaves; avoid cutting into old wood.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider in diameter) than the current one.
Method
Remove the plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for maintaining vigor and growth.
Checklist
Prepare new pot with drainage holes; use fresh, well-draining soil; water after repotting; avoid fertilizing for a few weeks.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture daily; water early in the day; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency based on season and growth stage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture distribution; focus on the root zone and avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal issues; allow excess water to drain completely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility; use a pH test kit to adjust acidity if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in cold conditions; wilting, brown leaf edges, or flower bud drop in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage; prolonged exposure may lead to leaf drop and eventual plant decline.
Solution: Move the plant to a warmer location; protect from drafts and cold windows; use a space heater if necessary to maintain optimal temperature.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, and dehydration; high temperatures combined with low humidity can stress the plant.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier; water more frequently to compensate for faster evaporation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer label for dilution ratio; fertilize during active growth; avoid over-fertilizing; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer); reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicEpiscia lilacina is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with ingestion or contact.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicEpiscia lilacina is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with ingestion or contact.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicEpiscia lilacina is not considered toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with ingestion or contact.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Episcia lilacina?
A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot.
Q: Does Episcia lilacina need direct sunlight?
A: It prefers bright, indirect light; direct sunlight can scorch its leaves.
Q: Can Episcia lilacina be grown outdoors?
A: It thrives in warm, humid environments and can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 10-12, but is typically grown as a houseplant in cooler climates.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Gesneriaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | bright, indirect light |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
