While some people have a green thumb by nature, others are perpetually saddened by their withering plants. It’s crucial to choose plants for the latter category that are simple to grow and need little to no upkeep.
The Purple Waffle plant is one such low-maintenance plant. Hemigraphis alternata is the scientific name, and other names for it include purple waffle plant, red ivy plant, red flaming ivy, and graveyard plant.
Let’s look at how you may take care of a purple waffle plant at home in this article from homegardenartful.com.
About Purple Waffle Plant
The appealing oval leaves of the purple waffle plant (Hemigraphis alternata), also referred to as red flame ivy, have a gray-green top surface and a purple underside. It is a tropical plant with a prostrate, spreading growth habit. Although they are less impressive than the leaves, the summer’s little white blooms are nevertheless beautiful.
Waffle plants can be grown both indoors and outdoors
Waffle plants are perfect for being common indoor plants because of their modest surface area. They thrive indoors in hanging baskets and terrariums and grow just as well outside in partial shade thanks to their low maintenance and year-round beauty. Waffle plants are outdoor plants that provide excellent ground covers for other new garden growths. However, one obvious advantage of growing them indoors is that you have more control over their environmental circumstances. This is useful if you reside in a hardiness zone that is a little drier or colder than they are accustomed to.
7 Steps to Waffle Plant Care
Although waffle plants are simple to care for, they still require nutrition and close monitoring to thrive. To cultivate and take care of your own waffle plants, follow these seven steps.
1. Make sure the soil is ideal. In potting soil that is moist and has lots of drainage holes, waffle plants do well. These plants benefit from moist soil as long as it isn’t extremely wet or flooded because it helps them start their growing season in good health. Make sure you have a mechanism in place to drain excess moisture since too much water in your soil might cause root rot.
2. Create a humid environment. Since waffle plants are native to tropical climates, it’s crucial to provide them with an environment with high humidity (either naturally occurring or artificially created). Misting these plants regularly can be crucial if you don’t reside in an especially humid location. Another way to help them maintain humidity is to plant them near or in a pebble tray.
3. Only obtain adequate light. Waffle plants require bright, indirect light to thrive. However, too little direct sunlight causes their leaves to lose their vibrant brilliance. Too much direct sunlight can cause sun bleach on their leaves. These plants can be eager growers as long as they are in partial shade, whether inside or outside.
4. Apply nutrients to plants. These plants require regular fertilization. Their growth cycle will be accelerated, and a slow-release houseplant fertilizer applied once a month or so will maintain their roots strong and their color vibrant.
5. Get rid of pests. Waffle plants could also draw their fair share of pests, just like any other plant in your garden. Waffle plants, in particular, draw scale insects. You can tell if these pests are beginning to devour the waffle plant’s leaves by looking for their honeydew secretions. They also list aphids and whiteflies as typical annoyances. After early detection, utilizing an insecticidal soap can assist in eradicating a pest problem.
6. Trim as required. Even though waffle plants are small and generally relatively manageable in size, pruning them can keep them from becoming cumbersome. Additionally, it’s advisable to use your pruning shears to get rid of any infected plant matter if you see a set of leaves succumbing to a plant disease before the problem spreads.
7. Proliferate widely and repotting plants. It’s easy to report and grow waffle plants. If you want to establish a new plant without significantly shrinking your primary one, take stem cuttings then replant them in a different type of soil. To divide the original plant, you can dig up the entire root ball, divide it into two or more pieces, and then replant each root network in a new pot or garden plot
Conclusion
The purple waffle plant is a beautiful option for interior design.
Purple waffle plants are also excellent air-purifying plants. Hemigraphis alternata are a great alternative for anyone looking for low-maintenance greenery because they are simple to plant and grow quickly.
To appreciate the beauty around your home, just make sure to give it less light and water it occasionally.
