Hemigraphis colorata is another name for plants that resemble crimson or flaming ivy. They are endemic to tropical Southeast Asia and Malaysia and are related to waffle plants. The crimson ivy plant is sometimes marketed as an aquatic plant. However, it prefers too much wetness and cannot be immersed for an extended time. Wondering how to treat red ivy? This plant is really simple to cultivate and requires little upkeep.
What is Crimson Ivy?
The red ivy plant is the ideal indoor plant if you want something with lovely leaves. What exactly is red ivy? It is a tropical foliage plant that, if you are fortunate, might blossom with small white flowers. While it does best inside, it can survive outside in warm climates.
Other names for crimson ivy include flaming ivy and purple waffle plant. While not real ivies, flame ivy plants have horizontal growth and a spreading character. Like many ivy plants, stems root at the point of contact with the soil. As a groundcover, crimson ivy may be grown to provide a carpet of vividly colored leaves.
A magnificent tropical plant with leaves that have green and purple hues is called Hemigraphis colorata. Deep veins and a small ruffle may be seen in the leaf. Oval leaves have serrated edges and a blunt apex. The plant may grow up to 11 inches (28 cm) wide, and the leaves are just 1/2 an inch (1 cm) long. Hemigraphis is Greek for “half writing,” and colorata is Latin for colored. When grown properly, the plant will produce tiny, tubular, white blooms with five petals.
Growing Crimson Ivy
Hemigraphis requires fertile, porous soil. It must always be maintained wet but never soggy. For this plant, filtered light is ideal. An eastern window or the setting sun in the west provides the ideal quantity of light. The plant will burn if you put it in a window facing south. Flame ivy plants cannot tolerate cold and need temperatures of at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius).
You may maintain a high humidity level by spraying the plant or setting the pot on a saucer of pebbles filled with water. Once a month, rinse the plant in the shower to clean the leaves and drain the soil. In the winter, let the soil somewhat dry out.
Crimson Ivy Care
As long as it has rich soil, this plant does not need much food. Feed once a month while the plant is actively developing, but avoid feeding throughout the winter. Watch out for typical insect pests if you place the plant outside in the summer.
Repot once a year with new soil, and increase the pot size when pot-bound. Pinch the plant’s tips to encourage bushiness if you do not want it to hang over the edge of the container. This plant may be readily shared by taking stem cuttings, which will quickly root in a glass of water.
