A unique and fast-growing multi-colored houseplant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, the Waffle Plant is becoming increasingly popular for good reason! It is fairly easy to care for and adds interesting color and texture to your houseplant collection.
Background
Strobilanthes alternata (formerly Hemigraphis alternata), also known as Purple Waffle Plant or simply Waffle Plant, is a tropical plant native to Indonesia and commonly kept as a houseplant. Other common names for this plant include ‘Red Ivy’ or ‘Metal Leaf Plant’. Most well known for its crinkly leaves that have purple undersides.
Size
Has a spreading, mound shaped growth habit. Grows to about 10-12″ in height. Can be easily pruned to maintain desired height and shape.
Growing Conditions
Light
Like many other houseplants, bright indirect light is best for Waffle Plants. However, it can tolerate medium light just fine. Too much direct sunlight might scorch the edge of their leaves.
Watering
Waffle Plants can be somewhat needy about water. Regular watering will be required. Make sure the potting mix is moderately moist, but certainly not overly wet. Never let it completely dry out. Waffle plants tend to let you know they need some water by starting to droop over, sometimes dramatically so! If your Waffle Plant has drooped over, water it and it will soon be back upright again.
Potting Mix
Because Waffle Plants like regular watering, it is crucial to use a potting mix that balances moisture retention with adequate drainage.
Humidity
Does not necessarily require high humidity indoors, but the plant will grow and look better with higher humidity.
Fertilizer
Purple Waffle Plants would definitely appreciate a regular fertilizing regimen to make the potting media nice and rich.
Propagation
Fairly easy to propagate through stem cuttings. Just cut off a stem, remove all of the lower leaves, and place the cutting in water, with the remaining leaves out of the water. Roots should start to appear after a few weeks.
Toxicity
Purple Waffle Plant is non-toxic according to the ASPCA.
Potential Problems
The plant might lose some of its trademark purple coloring if there is not sufficient enough light. On the other end of the spectrum, too much direct sunlight can cause the coloring to dull out or can also cause browning of the leaf tips.
Strobilanthes alternata has fairly good resistance to the common pests that sometimes plague houseplants. You may encounter scale or whiteflies though.
Frequently Asked Questions
Purple Waffle Plant leaves are drooping – how to fix?
Because Waffle Plants require constant moisture and regular watering, it is not uncommon to discover that your entire waffle plant has started drooping. Don’t be too alarmed, as this can be easily fixed by giving it a deep water. You want to try and not allow the entire plant to droop down like this too many times, however in general the plant will bounce back fairly easily.
The leaves on my waffle plant are curling up and drying out – how to fix?
This might be caused either by the waffle plant getting too much direct sunlight, which they don’t like, or it could also be from not watering the plant enough, especially if you are noticing that the plant is shedding dry, brown leaves.