Hemigraphis repanda (Dragon’s Tongue): A Bold Touch of Texture for Aquascapes

If you're looking to add a splash of unusual texture and a mystical, almost fantasy-like vibe to your aquarium, Hemigraphis repanda—commonly called Dragon’s Tongue—might just be your new favorite plant. With its serrated, lance-shaped leaves and striking coloration, it’s a standout addition that brings personality to any scape.

But before adding this plant to your tank, it’s important to know the full story: Hemigraphis repanda is often sold as an aquatic plant, but it's semi-aquatic or terrestrial in nature, and requires specific conditions to thrive long-term underwater.

---

? Quick Plant Profile

---

? Is Dragon’s Tongue Truly Aquatic?

This is where things get tricky. 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.

• The plant weakens and dies without consistent emersed access.

So what’s the takeaway?
Use Hemigraphis repanda as a temporary accent in underwater aquascapes or as a long-term feature in paludariums and ripariums, where its roots are in water but the leaves are above the surface.

---

? Visual Appeal

• Color: Deep green to purple-tinged leaves (color varies with lighting)

• Texture: Long, jagged, wavy leaves resembling a dragon’s tongue (hence the name)

• Height: 10–20 cm (4–8 inches)

Its dramatic texture contrasts beautifully with soft mosses or fine-leaved plants like Rotala or Myriophyllum, making it a perfect focal plant in artistic or fantasy-inspired layouts.

---

?️ How to Use It in Aquascaping

✅ Best for:

• Paludariums

• Ripariums

• Wabi-kusa setups

• Terrariums

• Short-term use in freshwater aquariums (2–3 months max)

❌ Not ideal for:

• Long-term underwater aquascapes

• High-flow tanks or aggressive fish setups

---

?️ Care Tips

• Lighting: Bright lighting enhances the purplish tones and leaf contrast.

• Humidity: In paludariums, keep humidity above 70% for lush growth.

• Submersion: If submerged, expect it to survive short-term but eventually decline.

---

✂️ Maintenance

• Trim leggy or decaying leaves regularly.

• Provide good airflow in enclosed terrariums to prevent mold.

• Fertilize with root tabs or emersed foliar feeding (optional, but beneficial).

---

? Tankmates & Compatibility

If used temporarily in tanks:

✅ Works well with:

• Bettas

• Shrimp

• Peaceful nano fish

• Emersed setups with frogs or semi-aquatic reptiles

❌ Avoid:

• Goldfish, large cichlids, or any herbivorous species

---

? Fun Facts

• The name “Dragon’s Tongue” comes from its jagged, textured leaf edges.

• Belongs to the same family (Acanthaceae) as popular houseplants like Fittonia and Hypoestes.

• In nature, it grows along humid, shaded forest floors and riverbanks—often partially submerged.

---

✅ Conclusion: A Fantasy Plant for Artistic Aquascapes

Hemigraphis repanda (Dragon’s Tongue) isn’t your typical aquarium plant—but when used correctly, it adds an otherworldly touch to aquascapes and paludariums. Think of it as a plant for creative expression, temporary artistic impact, or long-term use in emersed environments.

If you’re looking to design a mystical aquascape, jungle-themed paludarium, or just experiment with something unique, Dragon’s Tongue is a bold, beautiful choice—just don’t expect it to thrive forever underwater.

---