Episcia cupreata Malayan Gem - Flame violet

The Episcia 'Malayan Gem', nicknamed the Flame Violet is a popular houseplant prized for its velvety, coppery-hued foliage, trailing habit, and tubular red flowers. It thrives particularly well in rooms like a living room or lounge where it can enjoy plenty of light. It is best displayed in a hanging basket or on a shelf to fully appreciate its qualities.

The Episcia 'Malayan Gem' is a stoloniferous perennial belonging to the Gesneriaceae family, much like the African Violet (Saintpaulia). It is also known as the Flame Violet. The 'Malayan Gem' variety has a trailing habit, with stems that spread and produce stolons followed by young plants, similar to strawberry plants. Its elliptical and velvety leaves typically measure between 4 and 10 cm in length. Highly decorative, they display shades of purplish-green with coppery, silvery or pinkish reflections and a purple underside. The growth of the Episcia 'Malayan Gem' is rapid, reaching a height of 15 to 20 cm and a spread of 25-30 cm at maturity. The flowering which lasts from spring to autumn takes the form of small, tubular, red flowers perfectly complementing the foliage. The name 'Episcia' derives from the Greek 'episkios' meaning 'shaded', referencing its natural habitat under forest canopies. The genus Episcia includes several species native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, particularly Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia. These plants thrive in humid, shaded environments, often in undergrowth where they form tapetums thanks to their stolons.
As an indoor plant, the Episcia 'Malayan Gem' prefers bright but indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight through glass, which could scorch its delicate leaves. High ambient humidity is beneficial though it is advisable to avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases. The ideal temperature ranges between 18 and 24°C with a minimum of 15°C. A humus-bearing, fresh, light, and well-draining substrate is recommended, and watering should be regular, allowing the substrate to dry slightly on the surface between waterings.

The Episcia 'Malayan Gem' is ideally placed in a bright living room or bedroom where it adds an exotic and sophisticated touch. Pair it with textured ceramic or wicker pots for a tropical or bohemian look. Avoid overly dry spots such as near radiators, and opt for a location with filtered light to showcase it best. To create a harmonious combination, pair the Episcia 'Malayan Gem' with a Fittonia albivenis whose veined foliage offers a delicate contrast, and a Saintpaulia ionantha (African Violet). These complementary plants form a perfect trio, blending textures and colours in a refined tropical ambiance.