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terrestrialeasyFreshwater

Purple Waffle Plant

Strobilanthes alternata

PlantaeTracheophytaMagnoliopsidaLamialesAcanthaceae

📍 Tropical Southeast Asia (Java, New Guinea)

Used emersed on the margin of paludariums/ripariums with its roots in the tank water as a nitrate-absorbing biofilter (not a true submerged plant). Medium-to-bright indirect light; roots once foliage is kept above water.

Terrestrial / emersed plant

Grown with its roots in the tank water and its leaves in the air — a living nitrate filter, not a submerged aquarium plant. Give it bright indirect light; no aquarium CO₂ or substrate needed.

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Quick Facts

light
Medium to bright indirect
biofilter
true
placement
Emersed — roots in water, leaves in air
growth rate
moderate

Legality

No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.

Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.

Stats

Community tips0
Growing in0 tanks