Episcia ‘Emerald Velvet’ is a popular houseplant known for its velvety, deep green leaves, often accented by shimmering silver or light green venation and reddish undersides. It also produces vibrant, small, trumpet-shaped flowers, typically in shades of red or orange, with proper care. The combination of its eye-catching foliage and colorful blooms makes ‘Emerald Velvet’ an appealing addition to indoor plant collections.
Caring for Episcia ‘Emerald Velvet’
Light
Episcia ‘Emerald Velvet’ thrives in bright, indirect light. Providing at least 10 hours of indirect sunlight supports optimal blooming. Direct sunlight, especially harsh afternoon sun, can scorch the leaves. If the plant receives too little light, its vibrant colors may fade.
Water
Consistent moisture is important for ‘Emerald Velvet’. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Watering in the morning can help prevent mildew. Avoid soggy soil, which can lead to root rot. Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the plant.
Humidity
High humidity levels are beneficial for Episcia ‘Emerald Velvet’. Signs of insufficient humidity often appear as crisping or browning leaf edges. Methods to maintain humidity include placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, ensuring the pot does not sit directly in the water. Grouping plants together can also create a localized humid microclimate, or a humidifier can provide consistent moisture.
Soil
A well-draining, airy potting mix is ideal for Episcia ‘Emerald Velvet’. Mixes formulated for African violets are often recommended. Components like peat moss, perlite, and coco coir create a loose, aerated substrate that drains well and retains some moisture. Ensuring the pot has drainage holes is important to prevent water accumulation.
Temperature
Maintaining a warm environment is important for ‘Emerald Velvet’. This plant thrives in temperatures between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Temperatures below 60°F (15°C) are detrimental, and the plant cannot tolerate temperatures below 50°F (10°C). Protecting it from cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations is advisable.
Fertilizer
Regular fertilization during the active growing season (spring and summer) supports healthy growth and blooming. Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer or one specifically for African violets. Diluting the fertilizer to half or quarter strength and applying it every 4-6 weeks is recommended. During fall and winter, reduce or withhold fertilization when growth slows.
Propagating Episcia ‘Emerald Velvet’
Episcia ‘Emerald Velvet’ is easily propagated, with stolons (runners) being a common method. These plants naturally produce plantlets at the ends of their runners, similar to spider plants. To propagate using a stolon, select a healthy plantlet with at least two pairs of leaves. Cut the stolon from the mother plant using sterilized scissors, leaving a short stem section attached to the plantlet.
The prepared plantlet can be planted directly into a well-draining, moist potting mix, ensuring the node is in contact with the soil for root development. Alternatively, root stolons in water until roots are at least an inch long before transplanting to soil. Maintaining high humidity around the newly planted stolon, perhaps by covering it with a clear dome or plastic bag, encourages root formation and establishment. Warmth also aids rooting, with new growth appearing within several weeks.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Leaf browning or crisping on Episcia ‘Emerald Velvet’ indicates insufficient humidity or underwatering. Increasing the surrounding humidity through methods like pebble trays, humidifiers, or grouping plants helps. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, allowing only the top inch to dry out between waterings, to prevent desiccation.
A lack of blooms may result from insufficient light or nutrient deficiencies. While Episcias prefer bright, indirect light, too little light hinders flower production. Adjusting the plant’s location to a brighter spot, without exposing it to direct sun, encourages blooming. Consistent fertilization during the growing season provides nutrients for flower development.
Fading variegation or a loss of vibrant leaf color indicates inadequate light levels. The striking patterns and hues of ‘Emerald Velvet’ are best maintained with ample indirect light. Moving the plant to a brighter location restores its characteristic foliage coloration.
Common houseplant pests such as spider mites or mealybugs may affect Episcia ‘Emerald Velvet’. Inspecting the plant regularly for signs of these pests, such as webbing or small, cottony masses, allows for early intervention. Organic treatment methods, such as wiping affected areas with a neem oil solution or insecticidal soap, manage infestations.