Strobilanthes sinuata
Images by part: leaf (5) · flower (3) · fruit (1) · bark (0) · habit (0) · other (0)

Strobilanthes sinuata

Dragon's tongue

Tier 2 Difficulty: medium Water: low Light: partial_sun
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 10–12
Click count
38
Observations
38

Description

Source: leafsnap

The 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.

Ideal: Partial sun
🌡️ 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.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 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
Suggested frequency: 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

Tags (7)

Common Names (1)

en Dragon's tongue