Troubleshooting
Dragon's tongue problems — and how to fix them
Dragon's tongue (Hemigraphis repanda) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Crispy brown leaf edges
The classic sign of air that is too dry; the thin leaves desiccate at the margins below roughly 50% humidity. Raise humidity with a tray of damp pebbles, a humidifier, or a terrarium.
Leggy, faded growth
In too little light the stems stretch and the leaves lose their purple flush, reverting to plain green. Move to brighter indirect light and pinch back the tips to keep it compact and richly coloured.
Root rot and yellowing leaves
Soggy, airless compost causes blackened roots and yellow lower leaves. Use a free-draining mix in a pot with drainage holes and let the surface dry slightly between waterings.
Spider mites
Dry indoor air invites spider mites, which stipple the leaves and spin fine webbing on the undersides. Boost humidity, rinse the foliage, and treat with insecticidal soap or neem if needed.
Prevent dragon's tongue problems before they start
Most dragon's tongue issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Dragon's tongue problems — FAQ
Why is my dragon's tongue crispy brown leaf edges?
The classic sign of air that is too dry; the thin leaves desiccate at the margins below roughly 50% humidity. Raise humidity with a tray of damp pebbles, a humidifier, or a terrarium.
Why is my dragon's tongue leggy, faded growth?
In too little light the stems stretch and the leaves lose their purple flush, reverting to plain green. Move to brighter indirect light and pinch back the tips to keep it compact and richly coloured.
Why is my dragon's tongue root rot and yellowing leaves?
Soggy, airless compost causes blackened roots and yellow lower leaves. Use a free-draining mix in a pot with drainage holes and let the surface dry slightly between waterings.
Why is my dragon's tongue spider mites?
Dry indoor air invites spider mites, which stipple the leaves and spin fine webbing on the undersides. Boost humidity, rinse the foliage, and treat with insecticidal soap or neem if needed.