Hemigraphis alternata (Purple waffle Plant) Care Indoors, Propagation and Common Problems
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Purple Waffle Plant (Hemigraphis alternata) prefers bright light with some direct sunlight, warm and humid conditions and consistently moist, rich, well-drained soils coupled with fortnightly feeding in the growing season.
Hemigraphis alternata also called Red Flame Ivy, Metal Leaf Plant or Red Ivy is a climbing plant whose leaves are silvery in the shade and metallic purple when grown under some direct sunshine making it one of the popular purple-leaved plants.
Red Flame Ivy is perfect for a hanging basket, pedestal or tabletop where the stems can beautifully cascade downwards to display the beauty of the metallic leaves. It is among the best plants for hanging baskets and is ideal for a beginner.
Botanical name: Hemigraphis alternata
Synonym: Hemigraphis colorata
Family: Acanthaceae
Common names: Purple Waffle Plant, Red Ivy, Red Flame Ivy, Metal Leaf Plant
Origin
Hemigraphis is a genus of perennial plants consisting of about 30 species native to tropical Asia.
Size
Though called an Ivy, it is not a True Ivy, it is quite different from a True Ivy in that the growth is limited to 1-2 feet and the 3 inches leaves are oval.
Varieties
Apart from Hemigraphis alternata, there are other species that can grow indoors like Hemigraphis exotica which has puckered leaves.
Toxicity
Hemigraphis alternata is non-toxic to humans and pets as indicated by ASPCA. The plants are safe to grow indoors.
Related: 15 Indoor Plants that are Safe for Cats and Dogs
Hemigraphis alternata Care Indoors
Purple Waffle Plant (Hemigraphis alternata) grows best in bright light with 4-6 hours of direct sunlight, average warmth of 18-270C, humidity of 55-65% and consistently moist, rich, well-drained, all purpose soils coupled with fortnightly feeding in the growing season.
Hemigraphis alternata requires regular pruning to keep it neat, encourage a bushy growth and discourage pest and disease infestations. Repotting is only necessary when it becomes pot-bound. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Hemigraphis alternata
Light Requirements
Purple Waffle Plant grows best in bright light with 4-6 hours of direct sunlight to enhance leaf color. Protect or keep it away from hot midday sunshine to prevent scorching of the leaves.
Hemigraphis alternata can be grow under a grow light if the natural light is not sufficient. Take a look at these full spectrum grow lights on Amazon.
To ensure even growth and prevent leggy growth, rotate the pot regularly to make sure that the plant receives light on all sides.
Watering
Water Purple Waffle Plant liberally during the growing season while allowing the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil consistently moist.
Cut down on watering during the cold season to keep the soil slightly moist but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Confirm that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead in root-rot and death of the plant.
Temperature and Humidity
Average warmth of 18-270C is ideal for your Purple Waffle Plant. Keep it away from cold drafts as they can cause leaf drop.
Purple Waffle Plant thrives in a humidity of 55-65%. Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to raise humidity. Learn more on how to increase humidity for houseplants.
Fertilizer
Feed Purple Waffle Plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing period for lush growth. Withhold feeding in the cold season as growth is minimal and feeding at this time may lead to fertilizer burn.
Soil
The best soil for Purple Waffle Plant should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. All purpose potting mixes are ideal for this plant.
Repotting
Repot Red Flame Ivy during the growing season only when the plant has become pot-bound. Use a pot one size larger than the current one. Ensure the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot. Check out these pots with multi mesh drainage holes on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning Purple Waffle Plant involves frequent removal of any dead foliage to keep the plant neat and tidy as well as discourage pest and disease infestations.
Pinch off the growing tips to encourage bushyness and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Cutback the stems at the beginning of the growing season when they become straggly to rejuvenate growth.
Propagation
Purple Waffle Plant (Hemigraphis alternata) can be propagated at the beginning of the growing season from stem cuttings.
How to propagate Purple Waffle Plant from stem cuttings
Take stem cuttings of about 4-5 inches length from a healthy Purple Waffle Plant. Ensure each cutting has at least one set of leaves.
Insert the cuttings in moist rooting soil and place in warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight.
Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges and substantial growth has been observed.
Transfer the rooted cuttings to individual pots and begin routine care. For a fuller Metal Leaf Plant, transfer several cuttings into one pot.
Hemigraphis exotica
Hemigraphis alternata Problems
Purple Waffle Plant (Hemigraphis alternata) problems are brought about by cultural faults (improper care) and include brown leaf tips, brown leaves, leaf drop, wilting, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems, their remedies and solutions.
Pests
Common pests in Purple Waffle are scale insects and whiteflies. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the other plants and treat it for the pests. Learn how to identify and treat pests in houseplants.
Brown-grey dust on the leaves
Brown-grey dust on the leaves of Purple Waffle Plant is an indication of powdery mildew which is prevalent in a warm humid environment. Do not mist the Red Ivy or wet the foliage. Ensure that there is good air circulation for the plant to discourage the disease infestation.
Brown leaf tips and edges
Brown leaf tips and edges in Purple Waffle Plant are due to dry air (too low humidity) especially where the temperatures are very high. To elevate humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or grow the plant in the bathroom or other moist areas in the home if the lighting is adequate.
Curling, browning leaves and leaf drop
Purple Waffle Plant curling leaves followed by browning and leaf drop is due to a sudden drop in temperature caused by cold darfst. Keep the plant away from cold drafts to maintain a constantly warm room temperature.
Brown and wilting leaves
Purple Waffle Plant brown and wilting leaves are due to underwatering. Maintain the soil consistently moist during the growing season and slightly moist in the cold period but never allow the soil to dry out completely.
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