Purple Waffle Plant (Hemigraphis alternata)

Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kohawaii/26071942187
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Also known as red ivy, red flame ivy, silver waffle plant, metallic plant, cemetery plant, metal leaf

The following plant information was last updated on 8/6/2021.

Plant Type: creeping herb

Plant Family: flowering plants (Acanthaceae)

Native Region(s): Indonesia and Malaysia

Landscape Use: containers, hanging baskets, ground cover (currently listed as invasive in the Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Fiji, Chagos, Reunion, Cook Islands, Samoa, French Polynesia, Niue, Palau and Tonga)

Height: 6-9 inches

Spread: 12-24 inches

Hardiness Zones: 10-11, indoors elsewhere

Hardy Down To: frost-sensitive

Light: outdoors: partial shade (light to medium shade); indoors: bright indirect light

Water: Prefers consistently moist soil; does not tolerate drought or salty conditions. Do not overwater; does not like "wet feet." Water whenever the top 2 to 4 inches of soil feels dry to the touch, water thoroughly. (If limp and wilted-looking, it's telling you it needs water.)

Soil: Rich, humus-filled, well-draining soil (avoid hard clay soils). Prefers slightly acid soils, with pH ranging from 6.1 to 7.5

Maintenance: Pinch the tips on new growth for a bushier plant: pinch the stems just above a leaf, stem or bud.

Fertilize: once a month in the spring and summer with a general indoor plant fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength (or full strength at a ratio similar to 5-10-5). Water immediately after fertilizing.

Season(s) of Interest: consistent year-round

Toxicity: non-toxic to pets and humans

Additional Resources:

 

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