Hemigraphis alternata, also known as Strobilanthes alternata, is a tropical perennial known for its colorful oval leaves.
The leaves are usually green with a red or purple tint, giving the plant its unique appearance.
Native to India, Malaysia, and Indonesia, Hemigraphis alternata is usually seen as a groundcover or border plant, reaching medium heights of 6″ to 9″ inches.
Because of its tropical habitat, the plant requires high humidity, making it difficult to grow anywhere other than zones 10-11. Even then, many gardeners find it best to keep in a greenhouse outdoors.
Some gardeners living outside zones 10-11 can plant the Hemigraphis alternata outdoors as an annual instead of a perennial.
Besides a groundcover, Hemigraphis alternata can be grown in containers, hanging baskets, and indoors.
The plant spreads its roots at the stem nodes, making it a perfect and easy-to-grow groundcover.
However, replicating the plant’s tropical habitat indoors can be tricky for beginner gardeners.
Here are the several common names of Hemigraphis Alternata:
- Red Ivy
- Red Flame Ivy
- Metal Leaf
- Waffle Plant
Quick Facts On Hemigraphis Alternata
- Family: Acanthaceae
- Light: Bright indirect light
- Temperature: Minimum of 68° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Regular watering
- Fertilizer: Liquid houseplant food or granulated fertilizer
- Propagation: Cuttings
- Common Problems: Withered leaf tips or loss of color
Hemigraphis Alternata Care
What Does The Waffle Plant Look Like, And How Big Does It Grow?
The Waffle plant is admired for its oval leaves that are reddish or purple in color. The “puckered” appearance of its leaves is the reason for the common name of the Waffle plant.
The plant only grows to about 6” to 9” inches tall but is a creeper plant, slowly spreading its roots.
When Does The Waffle Plant Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
While the Waffle plant flowers, it’s not the main reason for purchasing this plant. Summertime brings small white flowers that are relatively inconspicuous and lack fragrance.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
The Waffle plant needs bright, indirect light, but the direct sun can damage the edges of the leaves. Not only can direct sun damage the leaves’ borders, but the leaves’ metallic luster may fade.
In contrast, if the plant doesn’t receive sufficient sunlight, the plant’s purple color may disappear.
If you keep your Waffle plant indoors but don’t have a suitable window, they can thrive under artificial lights.
In addition to bright, indirect light, Waffle plants thrive in warm temperatures. They do their best to grow and flourish in 68° degrees Fahrenheit or more temperatures.
In addition to a warm environment, Waffle plants need a lot of humidity.
Therefore, if kept as a houseplant, you may need to mist your leaves frequently to replicate the humidity of its native habitat.
How And When To Water And Fertilize The Waffle Plant?
The Waffle plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, especially during the spring and summer.
In addition, a small dose of liquid houseplant food or granulated fertilizer is recommended twice a month during the growing season.
What Is The Best Soil For Hemigraphis Alternata, And When Should You Transplant?
The Waffle plant is not super fussy about its soil, so any commercial potting soil should be fine. Or, you can use regular soil but add compost to enrich it.
Spring is the best time to transplant your waffle plant. Purchase a pot slightly larger than its current one, and use potting soil or enriched regular soil.
Adding a drainage layer such as small stones or pebbles at the bottom of your pot may be beneficial to increase drainage.
Does Hemigraphis Alternata Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
If you keep your waffle plant as a perennial, pulling up any offshoots that root around the central part of the plant may be beneficial. Otherwise, the plant can spread rather quickly.
However, if you live in a colder climate and plan on keeping it as an annual, it’s unnecessary to do any pruning.
You can keep potted plants or indoor houseplants well maintained by pinching off the stems just above a leaf node.
How To Propagate Red Ivy?
Red ivy is a particularly easy plant to propagate; if left alone in the perfect climate, it will multiply on its own.
However, if you have it as an indoor plant or keep it as an annual outdoor plant, you’ll need to propagate it on your own.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Use a pair of sharp and clean pruning shears to cut the end of a healthy stem, including one or two leaf nodes.
- Be careful not to take a stem too close to the soil as it may already be forming roots.
Place the stem cutting in a pot of pre-moistened potting soil.
Ensure the plant has adequate moisture, warmth, and humidity until you see new growth.
When you see new growth, your cutting has rooted. You can now transplant the new plant into your garden or container.
While you can propagate by seeds, there is no need to, as stem cuttings are straightforward.
Hemigraphis Alternata Pests And Diseases
If planted outdoors in the garden, the Red flame ivy plant doesn’t usually have many issues with pests or diseases.
However, it can occasionally have problems with its leaves if it’s not receiving enough sun or if the air is too dry. Planting in zones 10 to 11 should prevent those issues.
Most of the pest issues with Red flame ivy plants are when the plant lives indoors. For example, like many houseplants, whiteflies and scales are common.
You can usually treat these pests with an insecticidal soap by spraying the leaves every week until the infestation disappears.
If you accidentally overwater your Red flame ivy, it may get root rot. It’s common when a plant is overwatered or is growing in potting soil that doesn’t drain well.
To prevent root rot, you can place a layer of pebbles or pea gravel at the bottom of the pot. The small rocks will help ensure proper drainage.
Suggested Red Flame Ivy Uses
The Metal leaf plant, also known as Red flame ivy, can be used as a colorful groundcover in the right conditions, in courtyards, flower beds, or gardens.
However, since the plant doesn’t do well in direct sun, the Metal leaf plant will need bright, indirect light wherever you plant it.
Many people choose to keep this plant in a hanging container outdoors or as an indoor houseplant.
Either way, you can enjoy the colorful oval leaves the plant is known for.