Vicki -

episcias are very tender plants - and usually large nurseries do not have a good selection of them. They ship poorly - they die if the temperature goes down to 50F - so no winter shipping.

Usually small nurseries specialising in AVs and other gesneriads carry episcias - so check on your neigbours - VioletBarn.com and LyndonLyon.com

At this time of the year - it will be better if you can pick them up yourself. I would say a good way to increase your collection would be be to attend the African Violet Show and Gesneriad show in your area - you can see the well grown plants and purchase a starter of the one you like - and the price will be good.

Look up at the Gesneriad Society events and African Violet society events - and figure out which one is closer to you.

The second thought - if you have AV or Gesneriad clubs in your area - usually people share plants and good time together - may be you will be interested in joining one.

Good Luck

irina

Here is a link that might be useful: AV show schedule

Irina,

Thank you so much for all of the information outlined in your message. Very informative. When I lived north of my present location, I was a member of an African Violet Society but it is just too great a distance to commute now. There aren't any places which I know of that engage in the sale of A.V.'s other than the local shops and usually the small plants are overwatered and have cold water spots on them. No gesneriads in the shops here.

I checked the events in the A.V. Society listing but there again, the closest one is perhaps 30 miles away. I will wait until I attend the Philadelphia Flower Show and perhaps The Violet Gallery may have specimens of interest. Thanks again. Vicki

Vicki -

I thought you are in New Jersey - but looks like you are a Pennsylvania resident now!

In any case - you can order lots of them just wait till May - and since you can grow Pink Brocade - you can grow them all.

The new one - Pink Smoke - is quite sturdy - and I heard that Cleopatra Canadian clone can grow without a terrarium.

Good Luck

Irina

Vicki, they're also traded quite frequently and successfully - especially in spring and fall when the weather is good for shipping cuttings.

I'm not sure but Rob's may ship the non variegated ones in the winter. Check out "Star of Bethelem", unbelieveable flower (i've killed it twice already], I have trouble with epescias [overwatering?].

Here is a link that might be useful: violet barn

Friend of mine just got episcias about a week or two ago from Rob's, so I'm pretty sure they ship now. I suppose since it's already getting warm down here that might make a difference, but I don't think so. Nice plants too--she got I think she said three yellow-flowered ones (and some other things too) and a couple are blooming already.

I want to try my luck with episcias, does anyone know where I can get some. Thanks Brenda

Brenda -

try ebay - or order from the vendors.

The second suggestion - check on the AV clubs in your area. avsa.org/LocalClubs.asp
Usually people who grow AVs - grow episcias too.

Good Luck

irina

Here is a link that might be useful: vendors

I've gotten nice ones from Rob's Violets and from Lyndon Lyons. You may also want to try Garys Out of Africa.

As Key(Komi) mentioned, trading is one (fun) way to come by new varieties. Branch out to other gardening sites where there are VERY active AV/Gesneriad forums.

Hi Everyone,
Do Episcias wilt over a certain temp? Like 90?
Mine seems to be getting fragile, breaking off easy but did better in the spring. Am I over-watering it perhaps?
Thanks
Lori

Lori - don't you wilt at 90 in NY?

I saw episcias growing outside in Tampa in semi-shade - and they looked great - and it is very hot there. So far for my episcias the cold is much worse. Below 60 - and they can catch a rot and die.

Hard to say about overwatering - it depends on the soil. They like light and humid soil. not soggy and not heavy.

Good Luck

Irina