Alsobia is a rather new genus in the plant world. In 1978, two Episcia species, namely, E. dianthiflora and E. punctata were reclassified under this new genus. Most, but not all botanists, have recognised these two species in their new genus. Little information, however, can be found for plants belonging to the genus Alsobia. Most of the literature written on gesneriads, published during the 1950s to 1970s, still has these two Alsobia species included in the Episcia genus. So it is up to growers, researchers and writers to ferret out information about this exotic plant genus.

Right: The habit of the Alsobia plant. Shown here is Alsobia dianthiflora. (Dale Martens)

Alsobia, commonly called 'lace flower vine' and Episcia are two closely related genera of plants. Both produce stolons and have a fiberous root system. However, the flowers of the Alsobia flowers are different from those of the Episcia, in both form and colour. So far, only one colour dominates the scene of Alsobia, that is, white. Alsobia species mostly have white-fringed flowers whereas Episcia flowers have many colors but are not fringed. One Alsobia species has purple dots in the throat extending onto the lobes of the flower. When these two species were hybridised, the plantlets produced have flowers that are mostly white with purple dots. The leaves of the Alsobia are also different from those found in Episcia.

Left: The frilled edges of an Alsobia flower. Shown here is Alsobia punctata. (Dale Martens)

Easy to Grow. Very tolerant of neglect. Great for the novice.

Pronouncation: "Al-SO-bia".

Common Name: Lace flower vine

Habit: Basket plant, 6 to 12 inches, produces stolons.

Description of flowers: White and tubular, most often with filaments and spotted.

Original location: Costa Rica to Mexico, Peru and Brazil.

Type of Root: Fibrous.

Propagation: Cuttings, seed & stolons.

Temperature: 16 degrees Celsius and higher.

Light: Sun to partial shade.

Fertiliser: As with Episcia, at every watering.

Special Notes: Formerly classified under the genus Episcia. More cold tolerant than Episcia.

Alsobia dianthiflora has small leaves and is a compact plant. Flowers are white and have frilled edges indicated as fimbriated. This species is very highly recommended for both novices and more experienced growers as it is an extremely vigorous grower.

Web pictures of Alsobia dianthiflora: Picture 1 & Picture 2.

Alsobia dianthiflora 'Costa Rica' has greenish white fimbriate flowers with lobes folded back. It has heavy bearding on lower lobes.

Web picture of Alsobia dianthiflora 'Costa Rica': Picture 1.

Left: Alsobia dianthiflora (Lena Klintberg).

Alsobia punctata

Alsobia punctata is larger than A. dianthiflora and has large frilled flowers that are white and spotted with purple.

Web pictures of Alsobia punctata: Picture 1 & Picture 2.

Right: Alsobia punctata (Lena Klintberg).

Alsobia 'Cygnet'

The most popular hybrid is A. 'Cygnet'. Alsobia 'Cygnet' was produced by crossing A. dianthiflora with A. punctata at Cornell University in 1967. This hybrid has purple spots on lobes and the interior of the flower. It is larger than A. dianthiflora, which is one of its parents. This plant has two-inch long scalloped rhombic leaves with two-inch petioles and is a much freer bloomer and is considered a truly everblooming gesneriad.

Left: Alsobia 'Cygnet' (Ron Myhr).

Alsobia 'Iris August'

Alsobia 'Iris August' has white-fringed flowers with purple spots.

Left: Alsobia 'Iris August' (Christina Kennås)