The Purple Waffle plant can help keep the air inside your home clean while enhancing the overall aesthetics.
There are, however, a number of things that you will need to know about growing and caring for these plants. This is one of the best botanical additions you can make to your home.
Purple Waffle Plant Care & Growing guide
1. Light Requirement
If you have a purple waffle plant inside your home, you should keep it out of direct light. If you have it outside, you’ll want to keep it somewhat in the shade. The problem with direct sunlight for these plants is that it can damage the edges of the leaves. You can easily use artificial lighting with this plant.
2. Water
You want to keep the soil that your purple waffle is in nice and moist. Just make sure that you don’t get it too wet, as this can cause serious problems. If you are keeping the plant in a very dry environment, you’ll want to consider using water-absorbing crystals.
This will allow the plant to hold in the moisture so the soil doesn’t dry out too quickly. If you notice the soil getting dry, it is time to water the plant.
3. Climate
The purple waffle plant can thrive in a variety of environments outside, provided it has at least some shade. One of the best things about this plant is that it is so versatile, which makes it fairly easy to care for.
4. Soil
You’ll want to use a commercial potting soil to keep your purple waffle healthy over the long term. You can also use all-purpose potting mix. Make sure that you put in some organic material/compost so that the soil gets all the nutrients it needs. Leaf mold will help your plant to thrive.
5. Temperature
Purple waffles need to be kept in an environment that is at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a good idea to put them inside once before it starts getting this chilly outside. You need to keep this plant warm but not too hot.
These plants do well between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. There shouldn’t be any wild fluctuations with the temperature if you want your plant to thrive.
6. Repotting
Once the roots of your purple waffle start to poke out from its drainage holes, you will know that it is time to repot. Avoid pulling these plants by their stems, as they are extremely fragile and prone to breaking.
When you are ready to repot your plant, you should rotate it upside down and give the bottom of the container a soft slap with your hand. You can use a small spatula or other flat and wide tool to separate the rootball from the sides of the pot.
You’ll also need to make a point of filling the new container with high quality soil. The new pot should be significantly larger so the roots will have room to grow and expand.
7. Speed of Growth
You will find that purple waffle plants grow fairly quickly, so you have to take that into consideration when it comes to repotting. The rate at which this plant grows depends on the environment it is kept in.
8. Height and Spread
A fully matured purple waffle plant can grow up to 6 inches tall and 8 to 12 inches wide. This is a great houseplant for those who don’t have a ton of room at home.
9. Flowers
The purple waffle plant produces small white flowers along with tiny little spikes all around them. This only adds to the overall beauty of this plant.
10. Trimming
Another great thing about this plant is that trimming or pruning isn’t really necessary. If you ever find that the stems are growing too long, you can always prune them.
Is the Purple Waffle Plant Poisonous?
The purple waffle plant isn’t poisonous to humans or animals at all. This means that you won’t have to worry if your small child or pet ingests part of it.
Can Purple Waffle Plants Grow in Water?
It is not a good idea to try growing a purple waffle plant in water, as it needs to be kept in moist soil.
How to Get Purple Waffle Plants to Flower
It is a lot easier to get a purple waffle plant to flower when you keep it inside under the right grow conditions. This means always ensuring that it has just the right amount of light, water and nutrients.
Common Purple Waffle Plant Diseases
One of the biggest problems with purple waffle plants is pests like whiteflies. These insects can quickly destroy your carefully cultivated plant, so you need to be aware of them.
If you notice any whiteflies on your plant, you’ll want to hit them with a strong spray of water. This should get them off the plant immediately. These pests can spread disease very quickly, so you’ll need to take them seriously.
Another big issue with these plants is root rot, which is the result of over watering. You need to keep the soil in your plant’s pot moist without overdoing it. You also don’t want the soil to become too dry, as this can quickly kill the plant.
Conclusion
- If you are keeping one of these plants inside, you should keep it out of direct light.
- If you keep your purple waffle outside, it should have at least some shade.
- You need to make a point of keeping the soil your plant is in nice and moist at all times.
- These plants can survive in a wide range of climates, provided they are kept out of direct sunlight.
- Commercial potting soil is best for these plants. You’ll also want to add some compost to ensure that it gets all the necessary nutrients to thrive.
- Purple waffles do best when they are kept at a consistent temperature between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
- When you are repotting one of these plants, be careful with the rootball.
- These plants are not poisonous, so they are ideal for people with pets and small children.
- Root rot is a common problem with these plants that occurs with over watering.
- Keep an eye out for whiteflies, as they can quickly destroy your plant.
Victoria is the owner and main author of hobby plants. She loves spending her free time in her garden planting and taking care of her plants. Victoria hopes you enjoy the content here!