Episcia 'Pink Brocade' is an exquisite and highly sought-after cultivar of Episcia, often referred to as Flame Violet, celebrated for its exceptionally colourful and textured foliage. This stunning creeping perennial features large, velvety leaves with a captivating interplay of light to dark pink, rose, or reddish-bronze centres, beautifully contrasted by darker green or brownish-purple margins. The variegation creates a 'brocade' like pattern, making each leaf a miniature masterpiece. It also produces charming, small, trumpet-shaped flowers, typically in vibrant orange-red, that emerge above the foliage, adding another layer of visual interest. Its low-growing, spreading nature makes it an excellent choice for hanging baskets, terrariums, or as a striking groundcover in indoor plant displays. It is a member of the Gesneriaceae family, closely related to African Violets.
The genus name Episcia is derived from the Greek 'episkios,' meaning 'shaded,' referring to its natural habitat in the understory of tropical forests. 'Pink Brocade' is a cultivar name, aptly describing the intricate, fabric-like pattern and the prominent pink hues on its leaves.
Light
Episcia 'Pink Brocade' thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural habitat on the rainforest floor. Strong, direct sunlight must be rigorously avoided, as it can easily scorch its delicate leaves, leading to unsightly brown, crispy spots or a fading of its vibrant coloration. Too little light, conversely, may lead to slower growth, reduced variegation, and less intense pink hues. For a typical UK home, a position near an east or north-facing window, or a few metres away from a south or west-facing window with sheer curtains, provides ideal conditions. It also responds very well to consistent artificial grow lights, which can help maintain its vibrant colour year-round.
Water
The potting mix should be kept consistently moist but never waterlogged. It is crucial to allow the top 2-3 cm (approximately 1 inch) of the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Ensuring the pot has excellent drainage is paramount to prevent root rot, which can be a common issue for this plant. Avoid splashing water directly on the velvety leaves, as this can lead to spots, fungal issues, or rot. Reduce watering significantly in autumn and winter, as the plant's growth naturally slows. Use room temperature or slightly warmer water to avoid shocking the roots.
Soil
An airy, chunky, and well-draining potting mix is essential for Episcia 'Pink Brocade', though it should also retain some moisture. A specialized African violet mix or a blend incorporating components such as coco coir, perlite, and a small amount of orchid bark is highly recommended to provide the necessary aeration and drainage while maintaining adequate hydration. A slightly acidic soil pH, between 6.0 and 7.0, is generally preferred.
Fertilising
During its active growing period in spring and summer, a balanced, diluted liquid fertiliser should be applied every two to four weeks. Many growers find that a fertiliser formulated for African Violets, with a slightly higher phosphorus content, encourages better flowering. It is important to reduce or completely cease fertilising during the autumn and winter months when the plant's growth slows down. Overfeeding can lead to root burn, so always adhere strictly to dilution recommendations.
Temperature
This plant prefers warm and stable temperatures, ideally ranging between 20°C and 26°C (68°F and 79°F). It is vital to shield it from cold draughts and sudden temperature fluctuations, which can stress the plant and cause leaf damage or even lead to its decline. Temperatures consistently falling below 15°C (59°F) are detrimental and should be avoided for prolonged periods, as they can cause leaf drop and stunt growth.
Humidity
High humidity levels are profoundly beneficial for Episcia 'Pink Brocade', with ideal levels being above 60-70%. As a tropical understory plant, it thrives in moist air. To maintain optimal conditions, particularly during drier indoor periods in the UK (often due to central heating), consider using a humidifier nearby or placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, ensuring the pot is not submerged. Terrariums or enclosed cloches are also excellent environments for this plant due to their ability to maintain consistently high humidity, which is crucial for its thriving.
Growth Habit
Episcia 'Pink Brocade' exhibits a vigorous creeping or trailing growth habit, sending out numerous long runners (stolons) from the main plant. These stolons readily produce new plantlets that will root upon contact with moist soil, allowing the plant to spread horizontally and form a dense, colourful mat. This characteristic makes it an ideal choice for hanging baskets where its stems can cascade gracefully, or for wider, shallower pots where it can spread as a vibrant groundcover. Indoors, it typically stays under 20 cm (8 inches) tall but can spread extensively, forming a beautiful colony.
Toxicity
Episcia 'Pink Brocade' is generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets, according to sources like the ASPCA.