Green and Purple Leafy Houseplant
I am on my second plant of this description, the first one died shortly after buying it. I really love it and would love to see it grow. I have no idea what’s it is called and bought it from Walmart which doesn’t always have the best quality plants. How often should I water it, can I give it a daily misting of distilled water as I do my other plants? How about plant food? Full sun, moderate sun? It was on sale and I don’t recall any instructions with it. I am partially blind but I am still able to enjoy my house plant garden. I love this plant, please help me if you can!
Hi Monica,
Your plant is called a Purple Waffle Plant. Here are some care tips on how to grow a Waffle Plant (Hemigraphis alternata).
Light: bright indirect light, but no direct sun. Direct sun bleaches the color from and burns the leaves.
Water: Keep the soil barely moist but not soggy.
Humidity: High humidity helps. If your house is dry, place your plant on a wet pebble tray. Placesmall stones or pebbles in a shallow dish, or any container without drainage holes. Fill three-quarters of the way with water. Be sure the plant sits on the pebbles and not in the water. I don’t recommend misting. It encourages bacterial and fungal infections on the leaves.
Soil: Use a good, loose potting soil that drains quickly.
Fertilizer: Feed monthly with a liquid fertilizer diluted to 1/2 the recommended strength when the plant is actively growing.
This is also a great plant for removing harmful toxins from the air.