Strobilanthes sinuata
Dragon's tongue
Description
Source: leafsnapThe Hemigraphis repanda is a slow-growing, flowering perennial commonly called the Dragon's Tongue. This plant is native to Malaysia and India. It features long, thin, and narrow leaves with a crinkled texture and wavy edges. The colorful foliage often boasts a dark purple to maroon tinge. In ideal conditions, Dragon's Tongue blooms with five-petaled pink or white flowers that contrast brightly against the deep foliage.
Care Guide
💧 Water
Dragon's tongue is adapted to changes in moisture levels and has a moderate tolerance to drought. To avoid overwatering, it's best to water it every 1-2 weeks. Although it is typically grown indoors, it thrives in well-draining soil that mimics the natural drainage patterns of its native habitat.
☀️ Light Partial sun
Native to habitats like forest understories and rocky sites, Dragon's tongue typically grows in naturally shaded conditions. While it favors partial sun, it can also endure full sun or full shade, illustrating its hardiness and versatility.
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C
Dragon's tongue is native to tropical areas, where the climate is generally warm and humid. Consequently, it is suited to high temperatures and moisture. It dislikes sudden shifts in temperature and prefers a steady thermal environment, so avoiding indoor temperature fluctuations is important. It usually cannot tolerate cold and requires warmer conditions for growth. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer
Proper fertilization is vital for the health and appearance of the Dragon's tongue. Fertilize the Dragon's tongue in summer, repeating the application monthly throughout the season. Nutrients support growth and help maintain the plant's parts. Fertilizing enhances the Dragon's tongue's flower display, ensuring the best blooms.
🪴 Pot & Repot Every 2 years
✂️ Pruning
The Dragon's Tongue is slow-growing and low-spreading, so pruning it is generally not necessary. If you desire to prune your plant, you can simply cut it back at any time. You may also remove old or dead flowers and foliage to encourage healthy, new growth.
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Although the Dragon's Tongue’s stunning foliage makes it a stunning versatile houseplant, it is considered toxic to dogs and cats. Keep this plant out of the reach of persistent pets, and even children, to minimize the risk of harm.
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Strobilanthes
- Family
- Acanthaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-11
- Mature Height
- 10 cm
- Mature Spread
- 61 cm to 91 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 3.05 cm to 4.06 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- Late fall, Early winter, Mid winter
- Native Area
- Malaysia