Purple Waffle – Live Aquarium Plant

Introduction Add a touch of elegance to your aquarium with the stunning Purple Waffle plant. Its unique foliage, featuring intricate purple veins, creates a captivating and colorful underwater landscape.

Origin The Purple Waffle plant, scientifically known as Hemigraphis exotica, originates from the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, where it flourishes in the humid and shaded environments of rainforests.

Scientific Name The scientific name of this captivating aquarium plant is Hemigraphis exotica.

Lighting Requirements To showcase its vibrant colors and unique leaf pattern, the Purple Waffle plant requires moderate to high lighting. Providing it with 10 to 12 hours of light each day will support healthy growth and intensify its purple hues.

Care Level With a care level of 3 on a scale of 1 to 10, the Purple Waffle plant is relatively easy to care for, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists.

Preferred Water Parameters

• Temperature: 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C)
• pH Level: 6.0 to 7.5
• GH Level (General Hardness): 3 to 8 dGH
• KH Level (Carbonate Hardness): 2 to 5 dKH

Placement The Purple Waffle plant thrives as a foreground or midground plant in your aquarium. Its compact growth and attractive appearance make it an excellent addition to any aquascape.

Growth Rate This aquatic beauty boasts a moderate growth rate, filling your tank with lush purple foliage while maintaining its well-defined leaf shape.

CO2 and Fertilizer Supplemental CO2 is not mandatory for the growth of the Purple Waffle plant. However, providing it with a nutrient-rich substrate and regular liquid fertilization will enhance its coloration and overall health.

Potential Problems The Purple Waffle plant may experience reduced vibrancy and stunted growth if exposed to insufficient lighting or poor water conditions. It is also sensitive to fluctuations in water parameters, so maintaining stable conditions is essential.

Compatible Fishes The Purple Waffle plant is compatible with various peaceful fish species, adding harmony to your aquarium. Some suitable tankmates include:

• Tetras
• Rasboras
• Guppies
• Corydoras Catfish
• Dwarf Gouramis

Other Suitable Plants To create a lush and visually appealing aquascape, consider pairing the Purple Waffle plant with the following complementary species:

• Java Fern
• Anubias
• Amazon Sword
• Cryptocoryne
• Water Sprite

Tropical or Cold Water? The Purple Waffle plant prefers tropical water conditions, with a stable temperature between 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C) to thrive.

What Fish Can Eat It? The tough and textured leaves of the Purple Waffle plant make it unappealing to most aquarium fish, keeping it safe from grazing.

A Fun Fact In addition to its striking appearance, the Purple Waffle plant also possesses some natural healing properties. In traditional medicine, extracts from this plant have been used to treat various skin ailments, showcasing its potential beyond the aquarium realm.