Hemigraphis alternata Snow White - Purple Waffle plant

The Hemigraphis alternata 'Snow White' is a little botanical gem for your home, a rather easy-going pretty plant that makes quite an impression. Its crinkled leaves are painted in beautiful shades of silvery green enhanced by white and pink touches, and reveal a purple underside. This slightly trailing plant will fit perfectly into a modern or exotic décor, whether hung or placed on a shelf. To help it thrive, provide it with soft light, a substrate that stays slightly moist, and a mister within reach to recreate the tropical atmosphere it loves.

The Hemigraphis alternata 'Snow White' is a herbaceous perennial from the Acanthaceae family prized for its decorative foliage. This cultivar is a seedling of the Hemigraphis alternata 'Exotica'. It stands out with its crinkled leaves in shades of light green edged with white and pink, and an intense purple underside. The opposite and ovate leaves typically measure between 5 and 7 cm in length. The plant has a prostrate to trailing habit, reaching a height of 15 to 20 cm and a spread of 30 to 60 cm at maturity. Its growth is rapid, making it an excellent candidate for hanging baskets or as an indoor ground cover. Though subtle, the flowering occurs in summer, with small white bell-shaped flowers measuring less than 2.5 cm clustered in terminal inflorescences.

Native to Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, the Hemigraphis alternata species thrives in humid tropical undergrowth sheltered from direct sunlight.

Indoors, this plant prefers fairly bright light, avoiding direct sunlight which could scorch its delicate foliage. High ambient humidity is recommended, with ideal temperatures between 18 and 24 °C. A rich, well-draining substrate kept consistently moist without excess is essential for its development. The Hemigraphis alternata 'Snow White' is not hardy and cannot tolerate temperatures below 10 °C. It is therefore mainly grown indoors in our latitudes where it adds an exotic and colourful touch to plant arrangements. According to some sources, the Hemigraphis alternata may have air-purifying properties helping to improve indoor air quality.

Warning - Note that this plant is considered toxic to pets and humans if ingested, potentially causing gastrointestinal issues.

The Hemigraphis alternata 'Snow White' will brighten up a well-lit living room, bathroom, or conservatory bathed in soft light. This plant excels in a macramé hanger or placed on a natural wood shelf, in a bohemian or Scandinavian setting. In a contemporary interior, place it in a textured ceramic planter for an elegant contrast. This plant pairs harmoniously with the Fittonia albivenis 'White Anne', whose white veins echo its variegation, or a Stromanthe, which complements its purple tones.