Dragon's Flame Live Aquarium Plant

Dragon's Flame (Hemigraphis repanda) is an eye-catching ornamental plant featuring narrow, textured green leaves with striking purple and burgundy colouring. Its contrasting foliage makes it an attractive choice for adding a splash of colour to paludariums, terrariums and aquarium displays.

Dragon's Flame is particularly effective when grown around the edges of an aquarium or in a paludarium, where its foliage can remain above the waterline. Its distinctive colour and leaf shape create an attractive contrast against traditional green aquatic plants.

Important: Dragon's Flame is a marginal plant rather than a true aquatic species. Although it can be displayed underwater temporarily, it is not suitable for permanent submerged growth. For long-term success, keep the foliage above water in a humid environment.

Why Choose Dragon's Flame?

• Striking Colour: Attractive green upper leaves with purple and burgundy tones beneath.
• Unique Foliage: Narrow, textured leaves create an interesting contrast with traditional aquarium plants.
• Excellent for Paludariums: Ideal for humid planted displays with both aquatic and terrestrial areas.
• Aquarium-Top Planting: Can be grown with foliage above the aquarium waterline.
• Temporary Aquarium Decoration: Provides an immediate splash of colour when used for short-term submerged displays.
• Easy Maintenance: Straightforward to maintain when grown in suitable humid, above-water conditions.

Dragon's Flame – Quick Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Hemigraphis repanda (trade identification)
• Common Name: Dragon's Flame
• Plant Type: Marginal / Terrestrial Ornamental Plant
• Care Level: Easy in suitable emersed conditions
• Lighting: Moderate, bright indirect light
• Temperature: Warm tropical conditions, approximately 20–28°C
• Humidity: Moderate to High
• Growth Rate: Moderate under suitable conditions
• Placement: Paludarium, Terrarium or Aquarium Edge
• CO2 Requirements: Not Required
• Propagation: Stem Cuttings
• Submerged Growth: Temporary Only

How to Care for Dragon's Flame

Dragon's Flame grows best in warm, humid conditions with bright indirect light. It is particularly suitable for paludariums and terrariums, where the roots can access moisture while the leaves remain above the waterline.

When planting Dragon's Flame, use a moisture-retentive growing medium that provides some aeration around the roots. Keep the medium consistently moist without allowing it to become stagnant or waterlogged.

In aquarium-top displays, position the plant so the foliage remains above water. High humidity will help prevent the leaves from drying out, particularly while the plant is adjusting to its new environment.

Regularly remove damaged foliage and trim longer stems to maintain a compact appearance. Healthy stem cuttings can be used to propagate additional plants.

Can Dragon's Flame Grow Underwater?

Dragon's Flame is sometimes sold alongside traditional live aquarium plants because it creates an attractive underwater display. However, unlike true aquatic species, it cannot maintain healthy growth indefinitely when completely submerged.

While the foliage may retain its attractive colouring for a period underwater, the leaves will eventually begin to deteriorate. Remove any declining submerged foliage promptly to prevent unnecessary organic waste accumulating in your aquarium.

For a permanent planted aquarium, we recommend choosing true aquatic plants that are naturally adapted to growing underwater.

Where to Use Dragon's Flame

Dragon's Flame is particularly well suited to:

• Paludariums featuring both land and water areas.
• Humid tropical terrariums and vivariums.
• Aquarium-top planting with foliage above the waterline.
• Decorative planted displays requiring contrasting purple foliage.
• Temporary underwater displays where the plant will be removed before deterioration.

Explore More Live Aquarium Plants

Looking for plants that will grow permanently underwater? Browse our complete selection of live aquarium plants for freshwater aquariums.

For help choosing plants suited to your setup, read our Aquarium Plants for Fish Tanks Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dragon's Flame a true aquatic plant?

No. Dragon's Flame is a marginal or terrestrial ornamental plant that grows best with its foliage above water. It is not suitable for permanent underwater planting.

Can Dragon's Flame be kept in a fish tank?

Yes, provided it is positioned appropriately. Dragon's Flame can be grown around the top of an aquarium with its foliage above the waterline, or used temporarily submerged for decoration.

Why is my Dragon's Flame losing its leaves underwater?

Dragon's Flame is not adapted to permanent submersion. Its leaves may deteriorate when kept underwater for extended periods. Moving healthy growth to suitable above-water conditions offers the best chance of maintaining the plant.

Does Dragon's Flame require CO2 injection?

No. Dragon's Flame does not require aquarium CO2 injection. It grows best with access to atmospheric air, suitable lighting and consistent moisture.

Is Dragon's Flame suitable for beginners?

Yes, when grown in a suitable humid environment. It is an attractive option for beginner paludarium and terrarium enthusiasts, but is not recommended as a permanent submerged aquarium plant.

How do I propagate Dragon's Flame?

Dragon's Flame can be propagated using healthy stem cuttings. Place cuttings into a suitable moist growing medium and maintain warm, humid conditions while roots develop.

Important Live Plant Information

Dragon's Flame is a natural live plant. Leaf shape, colouring, size and fullness may vary from the product photographs.

Please Note: This species is not a true aquatic plant and should not be purchased for long-term underwater planting. For best results, grow with foliage above the waterline in a suitably humid environment.