Find Your Ask The Expert: I have the plant called Chocolate Soldier and have struggled for almost 2 years to keep it alive!! I have it in an east window and water it when it has completely dried out….yet it continues to drop leaves and no grow much?? What can I do for him??
Thank you, Trish
Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply: Trish
Since Chocolate Soldiers (Episcia or ‘Flame Violets’) prefer a shade to partial shade environment, your east exposure should be perfect. However, make sure the plant is not receiving any harsh noon day sun.
Chocolate soldiers also need a warm environment. Make sure that the plant is always in an area that stays above 65°. Although the plant needs a state of visual dryness between waterings, they require a humid environment. So mist the air surrounding the plant with lukewarm water. Try not to wet the leaves. Once a month use a water soluble fertilizer like peters or hi-yield or even an African Violet fertilizer.
Following this houseplant care instruction for the Chocolate Soldier should help to revive him. Please let me know if I can help you with anything else.
You can find more posts about Chocolate Soldier plants in these articles:
What is a Chocolate Solider Plant?
Drooping Chocolate Soldier
Propagating Chocolate Soldier
2 questions: how often does this plant bloom? Maybe parts of it bloom a lot of the time?
should dried leaves, dried blooms, and those thread-like strands of dried flower stems be removed? Whenever I do that, it seems that the plant starts dying.
Do not remove the leaves unless they come off the plant easily. Either way, this should not cause the plant to begin dying. They are a tropical plant, so the blooming can vary. Make sure to give them a warm, humid environment with bright indirect light.
where can I buy these plants?
the ones I have are purple are there other colors?
Hi Janet,
I would check with your local florist or nursery!
Good on you for sharing.