False Waterwillow (Andrographis echioides) is an herbaceous perennial native to tropical Asia, featuring lanceolate leaves and small white to pale purple flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, Indirect Light
75% intensity
Prefers bright, filtered sunlight. Can tolerate some direct morning sun.
Consistent Moisture
50% intensity
Keep soil evenly moist, avoiding waterlogging. Reduce in cooler months.
Loamy, Sandy, Clay, Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
50% intensity
Average Room Temperature
50% intensity
Thrives between 18-24°C. Protect from frost and extreme cold.
Aquatic
50% intensity
Moderate Feeding
50% intensity
Feed bi-monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Reduce watering during cooler months, but never let the plant dry out completely. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
Prune to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Pinch back the tips of new stems regularly. Remove any dead, damaged, or leggy branches.
Pruning can be done anytime, but is most effective in spring before new growth begins. This keeps the plant tidy and vigorous.
Propagate by stem cuttings taken in spring or early summer. Cuttings should be 7-10 cm long, with the lower leaves removed. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in a moist, well-draining potting mix.
Keep in a warm, bright location and mist regularly until roots form.
Repot every 1-2 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot one size larger than the current one with adequate drainage holes. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repotting is best done in spring.
Gently loosen the roots and water thoroughly after repotting.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of False Waterwillow (Andrographis echioides)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Acanthaceae |
| Genus | Andrographis |
| Species | Andrographis echioides |
Similar in genus Andrographis
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
