Share
Hemigraphis alternata - commonly known as the Purple Waffle Plant is a striking houseplant loved for its rich, metallic foliage and beautifully textured, quilted leaves. With its deep purple undersides and glossy green tops, this plant brings dramatic contrast to any indoor space. Naturally compact and low-maintenance, Hemigraphis alternata is perfect for desks, shelves, tabletops, and terrariums, thriving in environments with gentle light and steady humidity.
The Purple Waffle Plant does best in bright, indirect light, which keeps its foliage vibrant and prevents it from becoming leggy. Place it near an east-facing window, or a few feet away from a bright south- or west-facing window where sunlight is filtered. While it tolerates medium light, low light will cause the colours to fade, and the plant may lose compactness. Direct sun should be avoided, as intense light can scorch or discolor the delicate leaves.
If your space is dim, consider supplementing with a soft grow light on a 10–12 hour schedule to maintain its intense purple tones.
Hemigraphis alternata prefers consistently moist soil but not soggy conditions. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry, and water thoroughly until excess drains out of the pot. Empty the saucer right away to prevent root rot. Because this plant is sensitive to drying out, be sure not to let the soil become completely dry — crispy edges and wilting are early signs of underwatering.
During winter, reduce watering slightly but maintain enough moisture to keep the roots from drying out. Always use a pot with proper drainage to keep the plant healthy.
The Purple Waffle Plant thrives in high humidity, ideally around 50–60% or higher. In dry homes or winter months, increase humidity by using a humidifier, clustering plants together, or placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water. Avoid misting directly on the leaves, as trapped moisture can encourage fungal issues.
This plant prefers temperatures between 60–80°F (16–27°C) and should be kept away from drafts, heaters, and air-conditioning vents. Sudden drops in temperature may damage the leaves or stunt growth.
A light, well-draining potting mix works best. Choose a peat-based indoor plant mix or create your own blend using potting soil with added perlite or coco coir. Hemigraphis alternata enjoys even moisture, so the soil should hold water without becoming compacted or muddy.
Repot the plant every 1–2 years, preferably in spring. Select a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one to avoid excess soil holding unnecessary moisture.
Feed your Purple Waffle Plant every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer using a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. This gentle feeding schedule promotes lush foliage and strong colour. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too many nutrients can weaken the plant or dull the leaf tones. Hold off on fertilizing during the winter when growth naturally slows.
Hemigraphis alternata grows compactly indoors but may become slightly leggy with age. Regular pruning encourages fuller, bushier growth. Trim back long stems using clean scissors or pinch the tips to promote branching. Remove any faded or damaged leaves as needed to maintain vibrancy.
If the plant becomes too woody or sparse, you can rejuvenate it by cutting the plant back more significantly in early spring — it will bounce back quickly.
Propagation is simple and highly successful with stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with a few leaves and remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes. Place the cutting in water or moist potting mix, and new roots should develop within a few weeks. Once the roots reach 1–2 inches in length, plant the cutting in a small pot. Spring and summer offer the best conditions for propagation.
The Purple Waffle Plant is considered non-toxic to pets, making it a safe and colourful choice for homes with cats and dogs. However, it’s still best to keep all plants out of reach of curious nibblers to avoid accidental leaf damage.