If you are a plant-loving person, you must have considered adopting a Purple Waffle plant, but do you know how to care for it? You can add this low-maintenance purple plant into your home plant collection. Here is all you need to know about the Waffle plant (Hemigraphis) before you incorporate it into your home.
Does the Purple Waffle Plant Have Any Other Names?
The Purple Waffle plant belongs to the Strobilanthes alternate class and is a prostrate plant with purple leaves. Sometimes it might be called the red ivy or the red flame ivy.
Different Types of Purple Waffle Plants
Although the Purple waffle plant is a single colorful; species of home plant, it comes in different varieties, such as the snow-white purple waffle plant with light green foliage with pink and white edges patented. The Belgian Waffle is another form of the plant and has medium green foliage with creamy-white edges and grows up to 6 inches tall and 12 inches wide. The dragon’s tongue is another form of the waffle plant with narrow purple leaves and is a low-growing plant. Again, the purple waffle plant appears metallic rich purple and has a unique puckered texture.
Main Uses of The Purple Waffle Plant (Hemigraphis)
The Purple waffle plant freshens the air as it absorbs the free radicals in your home and, in turn, releases oxygen. You can put waffle pots in your room to get rid of harmful radicals. Again, it is an ornamental pant as it appears very beautiful. The purple, red and greenish varieties will add style to your home. The waffle plant is suitable as a potted plant on top of the table or shelf and can enhance the beauty in a living space.
How to Prune Purple Waffle Plants
The old leaves on the purple waffle plant (hemigraphis) will wilt off, making the plant appear dull, and it is wise to prune it to make it lively. First, you can note the dry and wilted leaves at the bottom of the Waffle plant, as new growth appears at the center of the plant. It would be best to use a sharp knife that does not harm the plant during pruning.
Best Soil for Purple Waffle Plants
Waffle plants do well in rich humus, and if you want to plant it in a pot, you have to incorporate well-rotted compost. You may use leaf mold, which can enrich the soil and improve its drainage and moisture retention. The plant would thrive in shades where the soil is enriched with mold fallen leaves in an outdoor environment.
How Much Light Do Purple Waffle Plants Need?
The plant needs little light, and it does well away from direct sunlight. When growing in outdoor spaces, the waffle plant would do well under the shades. If you place it by the window, you should ensure it is away from direct sunlight. Otherwise, it would be perfect for tabletops and shelves and your bedroom where it is warm and away from direct sunlight.
How Often to Water Purple Waffle Plants
The waffle plant will tell you when it wants water as it wilts; however, the wilting might not indicate poor health. Once you feed the plant with adequate water, it becomes plump.
Ideal Temperature Conditions for Waffle Plants
The waffle plant needs warm temperatures as it is a plant that thrives in a temperate climate. If you keep it as an indoor plant, it could help to keep the house warm.
Humidity Conditions for Purple Waffle Plants
The plant needs a humid environment, and you can maintain indoor humidity with a spray bottle. You can place the pot above a tray of water and ensure the bottom does not touch the water. Alternatively, you would place it on a bathroom windowsill.
Best Fertilizer for Purple Waffle Plants
you can use any plant fertilizer that has all the minerals but ensure it has nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium
How to Propagate Purple Waffle Plants
You can propagate the Waffle plant with stem cuttings. However, you should follow the proper procedure when cutting the stems. You can dip the stem into the water and sterilize the soil before planting it to avoid rotting due to infections.
Growth Rate of Purple Waffle Plants
The waffle plant has a high growth rate and will quickly become root-bound in a pot. During the first propagation, you may plant in a small pot, but once the stems and branches outgrow the pot, you can transfer them to larger pots
Ideal Pot Size for Purple Waffle Plants
The waffle plant needs large pots as they have a high growth rate, and they quickly become root bound in a small pot. The plant grows at a high rate, and thus a large pit would be ideal to house the growing roots, branches, and leaves.
Repotting Tips for Purple Waffle Plants
When repotting the Waffle plants, you can begin by checking the roots if they are bound to the pot; root-bound plants are least likely to get the nutrients from the soil in the pot. During repotting, you should ensure your waffle plant has the required nutrients and water to prevent unforeseen death due to dehydration and shock.
FAQs
Are Purple Waffle Plants Edible?
The waffle plants are not edible and are grown for aesthetic purpose
Are Purple Waffle Plants Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
The plant is not toxic to pets.
Is The Purple Waffle Plants Poisonous?
The waffle plant is not poisonous to both humans and pets and is ornamental, and it can make your house look classy.
Do Purple Waffle Plants Prefer To Grow Indoors Or Outside?
The waffle plant does well in both the outdoors and indoors environment as long as it is away from direct sunlight, in a warm and humid environment.
Here’s A Few More Plants That Can Grow Well Indoors & Outdoors
When it comes to indoor and outdoor plants you have to choose carefully if you want to make sure your plant grows optimally. Here’s some of our articles on plants that thrive either inside or out.
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Final thoughts
The waffle plant is one of the most aesthetic indoor plants which can beautify your home; it thrives away from direct sunlight and needs a warm and humid environment. This plant looks purplish, and some varieties might have reddish pigment with creamy white edges. It is best when kept on the table and shelf tops and bathroom sills. The plant might need pruning because old leaves might appear dull and wilted, and it could need frequent repotting as it proliferates. Good luck with your waffle plant.
