Episcia and Black Flamingo

These two plants have similar leaf texture,  the leaves are thick, rough and coarse to the touch. Both are very different types of plants.  The left hand side is the Episcia while the one below is the Black Flamingo.

The Episcia or Flame Violet has many species, but I am happy with this one that I have, with the green leaves and red flowers. The leaves will turn a bit darker (bit of bronze) in the shade.  This plant propagates by what they called stolons;  baby plants that grow at the tips of  the long thin stem structure that grows from the base of the plant.  In the picture below, you can see a number of them.  Roots will soon emerge from the stolons. These plants have very shallow roots, can be potted in shallow pots. These plants can be planted as ground cover as well.  Avoid over watering the plants, because  the leaves  will rot easily sitting on the wet soil.  It is recommended that the plant is watered in the morning, not at night.  This allows the water to drain out. Watering can be skipped a couple of days .  Allow the soil to dry in between watering.  These plants do just as well in the shade or direct sunlight.  This plant does not need much feeding and the plant is rather robust, grows easily.  It is really a fuss free plant.  This plant is best grown as a hanging plant, the stolons will cascade gracefully downwards.

The Black Flamingo aka Sunset Bells (Chrysothemis pulchella) is a rather interesting plant.  Propagation is easy and can be done in the following ways that I have tried and was successful. Just insert a cut leaf  it in the soil, and soon a new plant will appear. Alternatively,  the use  of stem cuttings  works just as well.  This plant will flower very well  in the shade. The bright  yellow - orange flowers are really stunning in contrast against the copper colored leaf. Another common name for this plant is Copper Leaf, so apt.  However this plant is prone to mealy bugs attack since the plant  likes a moist environment. Being a herbaceous plant, it will lean all over the place unless given some support. This plant is easy to care for and multiplies fast from the the roots as well. So it is not uncommon to see a cluster of this plant, with baby plants sprouting out if the conditions are right.