Dragon’s Tongue, also called Hemigraphis Repanda (hem-ee-GRAF-iss, REP-an-duh), belongs to the Acanthaceae family and is native to Malaysia and India.
The first half of the scientific name “Hemigraphis” is a Greek word – hemi means “half” and graphis means a “stylus or paintbrush”.
On the other hand, “repanda” refers to the plant’s wavy leaf edges.
The common name dragon plant is one of several the Hemigraphis Repanda is called. Others include:
- Dragon’s breath
- Waffle plant
- Narrow leaf hemigraphis
- Ruellia repanda
Other Plants in The Acanthaceae Family include:
Dragon Tongue Plant Care
Dragon’s tongue Plant Size and Growth
Dragon’s tongue is a slow-growing perennial with a low-growing growth habit reaching up to 8” inches tall.
The green leaves are thin and narrow with a crinkly texture and boast hints of a dark purple or maroon color.
The fine, colorful leaves usually reach 2” inches in length.
Flowering and Fragrance
The small Hemigraphis Repanda plant produces pink or white flowers with five petals when provided with the ideal growing condition.
The clear, vivid white flowers add a beautiful contrast to the earthy foliage plant.
The tiny, delicate flowers of the dragon’s tongue usually bloom in early spring or summer, producing a light scent that attracts pollinators.
Light and Temperature
The Dragon Tongue prefers filtered light to develop fully.
Bright, direct sunlight will burn the foliage, so avoid placing Hemigraphis Repanda in full sun.
The perennial Dragon’s Repanda is adaptable to low light. However, growing in low lighting slows down growth.
Dragon’s tongue enjoys being in a warm location, with average to high temperatures ranging from 40° to 60° degrees Fahrenheit (4° – 15° C).
The USDA hardiness zone of the plant is from 11 to 12.
Make sure not to expose the dragon’s tongue plant to temperatures below 40° degrees Fahrenheit (4° C).
Watering and Feeding
- Ruellia repanda prefers occasional watering to keep the soil moist.
- Water when the soil feels dry as this evergreen perennial does not do well in extensive dry spells.
- When it comes to feeding, use a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Apply a proper dose of the fertilizer every month in the blooming season, preferably in late spring.
- During fall and winter, do not fertilize the plant as it is dormant.
Soil
Dragon’s Tongue prefers evenly moist, porous, and well-drained soil to grow well.
Water Hemigraphis regularly but never allow the soil to stay wet.
Dragon’s Tongue Grooming and Maintenance
Ensure the dragon’s tongue plant receives bright light for best results.
Even though the plant may survive in low light, it will grow better when placed in a bright location.
Light pruning is essential to keep the plant in its best shape and size.
Cutaway old, dead flowers and leaves to allow the Hemigraphis to stay healthy and encourage new growth.
How to Propagate Hemigraphis Repanda
Dragon’s tongue is typically propagated by root divisions or cuttings.
In the root division technique:
- Dig up the plant and divide the crown and root ball into multiple sections.
- Once divided, remove the excess soil and unwanted materials.
- Replant in a new pot/container in a bright, warm location.
- Consider root division in fall or winter when the perennial is at rest.
In the cutting method
- Cut a small 4″ inch stem
- Remove all the lower leaves from the stem.
- Dip the cutting into a rooting hormone
- Plant in a new pot with well-draining soil or potting mix.
- Make sure the pot has proper drainage holes in them.
Hemigraphis Repanda Pests and Diseases
The Dragon tongue’s plant is susceptible to a few insects including:
- Whiteflies
- Bean weevils
- Mexican bean beetles
Due to a lack of watering, the leaves become thin and lanky.
They may also develop white spots.
Dragon’s Tongue Uses
The stunning purple foliage of the dragon’s tongue makes the small houseplant an excellent choice for ground covers, hanging baskets, color container gardens, window boxes, garden borders, and a terrarium plant.
The evergreen plant also produces nectar in the blooming months and attracts pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.
Dragon tongue beans are often combined with herbs, spices, and vegetables for food.