hemigraphis repanda - Gardening Tips
Hemigraphis repanda, which is commonly known as the Dragon’s Tongue. Provide your Dragon’s Tongue with bright, indirect light. Water it when the top layers of the soil are dry to the touch.
Understanding the Context
Use well-draining soil. Average to warm temperatures between 60°F to 75°F (16°C -24°C) and high humidity >50%. Dragon’s Tongue, also called Hemigraphis Repanda, 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.” Dragon’s Tongue (Hemigraphis repanda) is a striking ornamental plant known for its slender, dark purple-green foliage and compact growth.
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Key Insights
This low-maintenance plant thrives in both terrariums and as a ground cover in tropical gardens, making it a versatile addition to any plant collection. Dragon's Tongue (Hemigraphis repanda) Dragon's Tongue Plant Features Add texture to terrariums with the beautiful purple foliage of dragon's tongue. This easy-care houseplant (a favorite in our Exotic Angel Plants collection!) features fine, almost grassy-looking leaves on a low, spreading plant. Dragon’s tongue of the Acanthaceae family, also known as Hemigraphis repanda, is a striking plant grown indoors or out. Bringing color to any corner, it’s a top choice for beginners.
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In this care guide, our experts show you how to make your Strobilanthes genus plant thrive! Imagine a houseplant that looks like a dragon’s tongue — glossy, rippled, metallic purple on top and deep wine-red underneath, shimmering every time it catches the light. That’s exactly why the dragon tongue plant (Hemigraphis repanda) has exploded across Instagram, PlantTok, and plant parent group chats in 2024–2025. While Hemigraphis repanda is often sold as an aquarium plant, it’s not a true aquatic species. It can survive submerged for weeks or even a few months, especially in high-humidity or emersed setups (like paludariums), but in most cases: Submerged leaves eventually melt or rot.