The Purple Waffle Plant (long known as Hemigraphis alternata) has deeply puckered, metallic green leaves with vivid purple undersides, a low, spreading splash of colour for a humid terrarium.
Light
Bright, indirect light brings out the strongest purple tones; in low light the colour fades toward plain green. Keep it out of harsh direct sun.
Water & humidity
Keep the substrate evenly moist. It's thirsty and dislikes drying out, which makes the constant moisture of a terrarium ideal.
In the terrarium
An excellent, colourful groundcover for closed terrariums. It creeps and trails to fill space quickly and roots as it goes, adding rare purple tones among all the greens.
Origin & temperature
Strobilanthes alternata (long known as Hemigraphis alternata) is native to tropical Asia, from India through Southeast Asia to New Guinea, spreading as a low groundcover in warm, humid shade.
Temperature: 18–27 °C. Pet safety: generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Propagation
Very easy from stem cuttings, which root readily in damp substrate.
Common problems
- Colour fading to green = not enough light; give it a brighter spot.
- Wilting = it dried out; keep the substrate consistently moist.
Good companions
Purple Waffle Plant pairs well with plants that want the same conditions, a humid, closed terrarium with bright, indirect light. Here are some species that thrive alongside it:
→ Explore more matches with our Plant Pairing Tool.
Frequently asked questions
Is this plant Hemigraphis or Strobilanthes?
Both names refer to the same plant, it was long sold as Hemigraphis alternata and has been reclassified as Strobilanthes alternata.
Is the Purple Waffle Plant good for terrariums?
Very, it loves constant moisture and humidity, spreads as a colourful groundcover, and roots easily from cuttings.
Care information is a general guide; conditions vary. Some links on this site are affiliate links that help support Terrarium Creations.