Water
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top centimeter of soil feels dry to the touch.
Reduce watering slightly in winter, allowing the soil to dry out a bit more between waterings to prevent root rot.
Dragon's Tongue (Hemigraphis repanda) is a striking groundcover with serrated, deep purple to reddish leaves and small white flowers. Ideal for humid, shaded areas.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect light
75% intensity
Avoid direct sun which can scorch leaves. Tolerates partial shade.
Keep consistently moist
75% intensity
Allow top inch to dry slightly between waterings.
Well-draining, moist soil
50% intensity
Average to warm
50% intensity
Thrives between 18-27°C. Protect from cold drafts and temperatures below 13°C.
Outdoor, Indoor
50% intensity
Moderate feeder
50% intensity
Feed monthly during growing season with diluted 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 |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top centimeter of soil feels dry to the touch.
Reduce watering slightly in winter, allowing the soil to dry out a bit more between waterings to prevent root rot.
Prune regularly to maintain a bushy shape and encourage denser growth. Pinch back the tips of stems to prevent legginess. Remove any yellowing or dead leaves promptly.
Heavy pruning can be done in spring to rejuvenate the plant.
Easily propagated from stem cuttings. Take cuttings of about 7-10 cm, remove lower leaves, and insert into moist potting mix or water. Roots will form within a few weeks.
Once established, transplant into individual pots.
Repot your Dragon's Tongue every 1-2 years or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one. Spring is the ideal time to repot, providing fresh soil and space for continued growth.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Acanthaceae |
| Genus | Hemigraphis |
| Species | Hemigraphis repanda |
Similar in genus Hemigraphis
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
