Orange Zest Episcia

Orange Zest Episcia likes to stay evenly moist but not soggy. During the growing season from spring to fall, water when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. In the winter, let the soil dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot and is deadly to the plant.

Orange Zest Episcia needs to be in bright, indirect light. A south or east facing window will work best. It prefers natural light over fluorescent lighting and should be moved away from direct sunlight to avoid burning the leaves. Too little light may cause the leaves to yellow and drop off.

Orange Zest Episcia should be kept between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-24 degrees Celsius) in the summer and 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit (12-18 degrees Celsius) in the winter. It is sensitive to temperatures outside of this range, so make sure to keep it away from drafty windows, HVAC vents, and any other heat/cold sources.

Orange Zest Episcia thrives in high indoor humidity. Try to keep the humidity between 50%-70% by using a humidifier, grouping plants together, or by placing the plant on a pebble tray. Keep an eye on the humidity levels to make sure it’s not too high as this can lead to pests or disease.

The best soil mix for Orange Zest Episcia is a 50/50 mix of peat moss/potting soil and perlite. It’s important to use a soil mix with good drainage, as the plant is sensitive to overly wet soil. The pH of the soil should be 5.5 to 6.5 which is slightly acidic.

Orange Zest Episcia should be fertilized during its growing season, from spring to fall, with a balanced fertilizer at half strength. Water the plant before applying the fertilizer directly to the soil. Avoid overfertilizing as this can cause leaf burn or discoloration of foliage.

Orange Zest Episcia is susceptible to pests such as aphids, mealybugs, mites, and scale. These pests can cause damage to foliage and flowers and stunt the growth of the plant. If you notice any pests on your plant, don’t wait to take action. Insecticidal soap and neem oil are great natural pesticides for houseplants. Make sure to treat the entire plant, including the undersides of leaves, and continue treatments every few days until pests are gone.

Orange Zest Episcia should be repotted once a year, in the spring time, or when it outgrows its pot and the roots begin to circle the bottom. Repot it in a slightly larger container and make sure not to overwater. You can also divide the rhizomes and repot each section in its own pot.

Orange Zest Episcia does not require much pruning but you may want to trim back its stems to keep it looking neat and tidy. Make sure to wear gloves and use sharpened, shears to make clean cuts. Pruned stems can be propagated to create more plants.

Mulching is not necessary for Orange Zest Episcia unless it is planted outside. If used outdoors, use organic mulch to help retain water and discourage weeds.

Orange Zest Episcia can easily be propagated by division of the rhizomes. Wait for new growth to appear before dividing the plant. Carefully dig up the plant, and gently pull the rhizomes apart. Discard any parts that may be diseased, and replant the healthy rhizome divisions in their own containers.

Orange Zest Episcia is a low-growing plant and usually doesn’t need any support. If it is leggy, or grows too tall, you can use small tomato cages to help support the stems.

Orange Zest Episcia does not need a defined rest period, but it may slow down in the winter season. It may go dormant and lose some of its leaves in the winter, though it will not die off unless it is subjected to cold temperatures.

Orange Zest Episcia is toxic to pets and should be kept away from any cats or dogs in the home. The foliage contains oxalates which can cause skin reactions or gastrointestinal issues.