There could be a few reasons why your purple waffle plant is turning brown. Depending on the size and shape of the brown spots, it could be an indication of overwatering, nutrient deficiency, or a pest infestation.
Overwatering is one of the most common causes of browning leaves on plants. If you are providing the plant with too much water, the soil will become waterlogged and the roots won’t be able to access the oxygen they need to thrive.
This will cause the leaves to start to turn brown and eventually drop off.
It’s also possible that the brown spots are caused by a nutrient deficiency, which can be caused by a lack of essential nutrients in the soil or from a build-up of certain salts in the soil. Common nutrient deficiencies that can cause browning leaves include nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron, though others are also possible.
Symptoms of each deficiency can vary, so it is important to do some research before attempting to correct the issue.
Lastly, it’s possible that the brown spots are caused by a pest infestation such as spider mites, scale insects, aphids, or mealybugs. These pests will suck the sap out of the leaves, which will cause them to turn brown and eventually die.
Treatment methods should be tailored to the type of pest, so it is important to identify the pest before attempting to remove them.
Do purple waffle plants go dormant?
Yes, purple waffle plants do go dormant. In order to prepare for this, it is important to reduce the amount of water and fertilizer the plant is receiving and gradually trim away any dead or damaged foliage.
During dormancy, the plants typically enter into a period of very slow growth and can remain in this state for two to three months. During this time, it is important to minimize the stress on the plant by ensuring the plant is receiving adequate air circulation and ensuring the soil is not too wet or too dry.
It is also important to provide adequate shade and to avoid over fertilizing and/or overwatering. Once temperatures become milder and the days become longer and light levels increase, the purple waffle plant will come out of dormancy and resume active growth.
How often do you water a purple waffle plant?
It is important to properly water a purple waffle plant in order to keep it healthy. Generally, these plants prefer to stay on the dry side when it comes to soil moisture. During the growing season, a purple waffle plant should be watered whenever the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch.
During the winter months, the plant should have much less frequent watering, typically around once every two to three weeks. It is important to easily check the soil moisture using a moisture meter in order to make sure the soil is not too dry or too wet.
You should also note that over-watering a purple waffle plant can cause root rot, so it is important to stick to the recommended watering frequency.
Can you propagate purple waffle plant in water?
Yes, you can propagate purple waffle plant in water. Propagating plants in water is a simple and effective way to grow more plants without spending any money. To propagate the purple waffle plant in water, simply take a cutting from a healthy, mature plant and place it in a glass jar or container filled with water.
Make sure the cutting includes leaves, a node, and at least four nodes of the stem. Change the water every few days to ensure it remains fresh. Within a few weeks, you will see roots developing and new growth beginning to appear.
Once the roots are a few inches long, you can transfer the cutting to a pot filled with potting soil and compost. Place the pot in a warm and sunny area. Keep the soil lightly moist with regular watering.
Give the plant a light feeding of fertilizer after it has become established in the soil. With proper care, your purple waffle plant should continue to grow and thrive.
How do I make my purple waffle bushy?
Making your purple waffle bushier is easy with a few simple steps.
1. Prune the leaves. This is essential to ensure that no leaves are blocking the sunlight from reaching the lower portion of the plant. If the leaves are getting too long, or the lower portion of the plant isn’t receiving enough light, trim them back.
This will encourage growth and make the plant bushier.
2. Provide sufficient moisture. This means making sure the soil is consistently moist to the touch. Overwatering can be harmful, so use your finger to check the moisture level, and water only when it’s necessary.
A light misting of water is usually enough for purple waffle plants.
3. Fertilize monthly. A balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer, can help supply all the nutrients your purple waffle needs to thrive. Diluted fertilizers are ideal to make sure not to harm the plant.
4. Introduce more light. If your purple waffle isn’t getting enough natural light, consider placing a grow light nearby. This type of light will help the plant to bush out more and promote more vigorous growth.
By doing these four steps and providing optimal care, your purple waffle should become bushy and leafy in no time.
