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. Because this small houseplant is relatively low growing, it's ideal in dish gardens, terrariums, and underplanting larger houseplants, such as Ficus 'Alii' and corn plant. 

You can also enjoy dragon's tongue outdoors as an annual groundcover in shaded spots. (In frost-free regions, such as South Florida, it can be a perennial). Its texture makes it ideal for fanciful and fairy gardens. Dragon's tongue typically grows 6 inches tall and 12 inches wide.

Dragon's Tongue Growing Instructions

Indoors, grow dragon's tongue in low, medium, or bright light. While it can survive low-light conditions, this small houseplant typically does better in a brighter spot. In especially low light, the leaves will look more green than purple and the stems will appear lankier and more sparse. 

Water dragon's tongue when the top inch or so of the potting mix is dry to the touch. It's not particularly drought tolerant, so don't let it wilt or dry out. 

Because this unusual houseplant has a low profile, you typically don't have to do any pruning except to remove any faded leaves that turn yellow or brown. However, it takes well to pruning, so you can trim it back at any time. 

You can fertilize dragon's tongue in spring and summer for optimal growth. It's best to hold off the fertilizer in the cool, dark months of fall and winter when the plant rests. Dragon's tongue is not fussy about what type of fertilizer you use; choose any product labeled for use on houseplants and be sure to follow the directions on the product package. 

Note: Dragon's tongue is not intended for human or animal consumption. 

  • Water

    Medium water needs

  • Light

    Indoors: High light

    Indoors: Low light

    Indoors: Medium light

    Outside: Shade

  • Colors

    Purple

  • Special Features

    Colorful foliage

Complement your Dragon's Tongue

Ficus
Grow dragon's tongue as a festive groundcover beneath houseplant trees, such as ficus.

Nerve Plant
Nerve plant and dragon's tongue like similar conditions, so they grow well together -- and offer delightfully contrasting textures.

Purple Waffle Plant
Purple waffle plant is a close relative of dragon's tongue, but with a different texture. As such, they grow well together!