- Slow-Growing Tropical
- Light Preference/Tolerated (Bright Indirect Light)
- Below Average Watering Needs
- Mature Height 6 Inches
- Pet Safe
Purple Waffle Plant has thickly textured leaves with purple undersides that look almost metallic. This is a good plant for beginners that want more of a challenge. In USDA growing zones 10-11, Hemigraphis alternata is grown as a dense ground cover or container plant. Metal Leaf, Cemetery Plant, and Red Ivy are some of the other common names of this plant.
Best Locations For Growing Purple Waffle Plant
Purple Waffle looks excellent in a pot on a table or hanging basket. This dense-growing tropical will add a pop of color when grown alone or can be added to an indoor plantscape as a contrast to other tropical plants. Purple Waffle is non-toxic and can be grown around pets and children without worry.
Purple Waffle Plant Sunlight Requirements
Bright indirect light is what Purple Waffle Plant needs to keep the colors of the foliage vibrant and growth robust. The plant will adjust to lower light levels of a north or east-facing window, although growth may slow a bit, and the leaves will be more green than purple.
Purple Waffle Plant Care
Repot the Purple Waffle Plant in an all-purpose potting mix with added perlite or fine orchid bark. Worm castings can be added as a top-dressing to the pot for added nutrition. Light pruning of the older leaves will help the plant keep a compact shape. Purple Waffle Plants growing outdoors for the summer need to be brought in before nighttime temperatures fall to 50 degrees F.
Watering Purple Waffle Plant
This tropical likes to stay consistently moist and has no drought resistance. Water 2-3 times a week, always letting excess water drain out. Discard any standing water in saucers or cache pots. Purple Waffle enjoys high humidity levels. Portable humidifiers provide the most consistent levels, although daily misting with distilled water is effective.
Feeding Purple Waffle Plant
Purple Waffle Plant is a great candidate for a slow-release granular fertilizer. The granules can be mixed in the soil during repotting in the spring and will feed the plant for six months during the most active growth. Every time the plant is watered, it gets fertilized a small amount. A balanced houseplant formulation is ideal and supports foliage and root growth.
Purple Waffle Plant Information
Light Exposure: Bright Indirect Light |
Care Requirements: Easy |
Watering Requirements: Below Average - Keep lightly moist. When the top 2 inches of the soil dries out. |
Pet Friendly: Yes |
Kid Friendly: Yes |
Air Purifier: High |
Habit: Spreading |
Growth Rate: Slow |
Mature Height: 6 inches |
Mature Spread: 8 inches |
Flowering: Yes |
Flower Color(s): White |
Flower Shade/Description: White |
Fragrant: |
Foliage Type: |
Foliage Color(s): Green, Purple |
Foliage Description: Metallic Green-Purple |
Temperature: 55° - 80°F (13° - 27°C) |
Humidity: Average to Above Average (40% - 80% |
Common Name: Purple Waffle Plant |
Other Name(s): Red Ivy, Cemetery Plant, Metal Leaf |
Scientific Name: Hemigraphis alternata |
Plant Type: House Plant |
- SKU:
- Hemigraphis_Purple.Waffle-HP
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.