Hemigraphis Alternata

Hemigraphis Alternata –

Hemigraphis Alternata is a low growing, quiet fast spreading/filling perennials native to India and Indonesia. They are also known as Red Ivy,Purple Waffle plant,Red Flame Ivy etc.

Red Ivy’s shiny, glossy purple and metallic silver foliage makes it graceful in any landscape.Its wrinkled, heart shaped oval leaf with toothed edges with silvery green top and reddish/purple underneath makes a good contrast as a ground cover or as a lawn border plant. They do have tiny bell shaped white flowers which are seen on the tip of the stem. Flowers are mostly seen in summer.

Red ivy grows well in warmer months and can be grown with partial sun light/semi shade. It needs fertile and well drained soil and they can tolerate bright sunlight too but keep the soil always moist.If planted in full shade color of the leaf fades.

Red ivy’s can be beautiful house plant/indoors but you need to maintain humidity. To create humidity create a pebble tray or mist the plant regularly. Keep it in early morning sun after watering.

Fertilize with liquid fertilizers/organic manure/Compost once in 3 months for better spread. No serious disease or insect problems noticed. Propagation is from stem cuttings.

Red ivy’s are beautiful in containers or hanging baskets and it can also make a lovely ground cover or in  beds.

happy gardening…………………….