Strobilanthes alternata aka Red Ivy

Taxonomy

Common names

Red Ivy, Purple Waffle Plant

How to care for Red Ivy

Difficulty

Caring for Red Ivy is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Red Ivy should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Red Ivy loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Red Ivy prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Cat approves this plant

Toxicity

Red Ivy is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

Humidity

The Red Ivy does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Red Ivy should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Red Ivy as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Red Ivy’s native range is Asia and Madagascar.

Flower

Yes, if you provide your Red Ivy with adequate sunlight and water, you can expect it to bloom.


More info:
Wikipedia