The purple waffle plant (Hemigraphis alternata) is aptly named for its distinctively shaped, purple-hued leaves that resemble waffles. This plant belongs to the Acanthaceae family and is native to Asia. Despite its exotic appearance, the purple waffle plant is relatively low maintenance and will flourish with the proper care.
This trailing plant is often used in hanging baskets, which look beautiful and is easy to do. You can also grow purple waffle plants in pots on a windowsill or shelf to add a splash of color to any room in your home.
These tips will help you take care of your purple waffle plant.
Table of Contents
Light
The purple waffle plant does best in bright, indirect light.
Avoid placing your plant in direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to scorch.
Now, if your plant is not exposed to the right amount of light, its leaves will start to turn pale. And the best remedy in this case is to move your plant to a brighter spot.
Water
To water your purple waffle plant, give it a good soaking. This plant prefers to be kept moist, but not soggy. So, regular watering is required.
And good drainage is essential for this plant, as it is susceptible to root rot. So, be sure to empty any water that collects in the drainage tray after watering.
Soil
The purple waffle plant does best in porous, well-draining potting mix. You can either make your own potting mix or purchase one from a garden center. If you’re making your own, simply mix equal parts perlite, bark, and peat moss.
Fertilizer
Feed your purple waffle plant every four weeks during the spring and summer while it’s growing. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer reduced to half strength. Be mindful not to overfertilize, as this can result in a leggy plant with fewer leaves.
Temperature and humidity
This plant prefers warm temperatures, between 60 °F and 80°F (15 °C and 27 °C), and high humidity (between 55% and 80%). If your home is on the drier side, increase the humidity level by either placing your plant on a pebble tray or by using a humidifier.
Pruning
To keep your purple waffle plant looking its best, pinch back the stems
to encourage new growth. You can also trim any leggy or overgrown areas.
Propagation
The purple waffle plant is easy to propagate by stem cuttings. Follow these steps to propagate your plant:
- Cut a stem from your purple waffle plant.
- Plant the stem in the potting mix and keep the soil moist.
- Place the pot in a shaded spot, and roots will appear in approximately 6 weeks.
Once your plant has rooted, you can repot it into a larger pot.
Here’s a quick video demonstration:
Repotting
The purple waffle plant will need to be repotted every one to two years. Be sure to use a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one. When repotting, simply remove the plant from its current pot and replant it in a new pot with fresh potting mix. Water your plant well after repotting.
Common Purple Waffle Plant Varieties
Here are some common varieties of this plant:
Hemigraphis alternata ‘Rubella’: This variety has beautiful magenta-colored leaves.
Hemigraphis alternata ‘Tricolor’: As its name suggests, this type has green, white, and purple leaves.
Hemigraphis exotica ‘Red Star’: This type features burgundy-red leaves.
Hemigraphis exotica ‘Silverstone’: This variety is characterized by its silver-green leaves with purple veins.
Pests
The most common pests affecting this plant are whiteflies and scale. These pests can be controlled by using insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or yellow sticky traps.
Toxicity
The purple waffle plant is not toxic to humans or animals.
Common questions
Do purple waffle plants like to be misted?
Yes, purple waffle plants like to be misted. This helps to provide the humidity they need. And helps to control any pests that might be attracted to the plant, such as the previously mentioned whiteflies and scale.
Is the purple waffle plant a hanging plant?
This plant looks great in a hanging basket, because of its long, trailing stems.
What are other common names for this plant?
This plant is also called the red ivy plant and the metal leaf plant.
How tall will this plant get?
The purple waffle plant can grow up to 12 inches tall (30 cm). However, it is more likely to stay around 6 to 8 inches tall (15 to 20 cm). And in terms of width, its spread can measure up to 24 inches (60 cm).
I noticed that the leaves on my purple waffle plant are turning brown and crispy. What’s wrong?
If the leaves on your purple waffle plant are brown and crispy, this is usually a sign of too much sun. These plants prefer bright, indirect light. Be sure to provide your plant with the proper amount of light to prevent this issue.
Why is my purple waffle plant leggy?
Leggy stems are often the result of overfertilization or not enough light. Be sure to provide your plant with the proper amount of light and fertilizer to prevent this issue.
How do I make my purple waffle plant bushy?
To make your purple waffle plant bushy, you will need to pinch back the stems. This will encourage the plant to produce new growth. Pinch back the stems every few weeks to maintain a compact shape.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for houseplant that adds a splash of color to any room, the purple waffle plant is a great option. This exotic plant is sure to garner attention from guests and family members alike. With its vibrant leaves, the purple waffle plant is perfect for adding some personality to your living space.