Nodding Blue-tongue Plant Care
Dichopogon strictus (R.Br.) Baker
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Dichopogon strictus, commonly known as chocolate lily, is a herbaceous perennial plant species native to Australia.
Every 7–10 days
Partial to full shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Nodding Blue-tongue?
Water Nodding Blue-tongue every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Nodding Blue-tongue Native To?
What Is the Nodding Blue-tongue?
Nodding Blue-tongue (Dichopogon strictus) belongs to the Asparagaceae family within the Dichopogon genus. Nodding Blue-tongue is native to Australia. Nodding Blue-tongue is also known as Strict Blue-tongue.
Nodding Blue-tongue displays a clumping perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Nodding Blue-tongue produces small bell-shaped flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Nodding Blue-tongue?
Dichopogon strictus requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Nodding Blue-tongue Need?
Nodding Blue-tongue thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Nodding Blue-tongue in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Nodding Blue-tongue Prefer?
Dichopogon strictus grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Nodding Blue-tongue prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Nodding Blue-tongue?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Nodding Blue-tongue to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Nodding Blue-tongue?
Feed Nodding Blue-tongue every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Nodding Blue-tongue?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Nodding Blue-tongue?
Nodding Blue-tongue can be propagated through division, offsets, seeds.
Is the Nodding Blue-tongue Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Nodding Blue-tongue, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Nodding Blue-tongue?
Nodding Blue-tongue is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Nodding Blue-tongue Need?
Nodding Blue-tongue grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Nodding Blue-tongue is native to Australia. In cooler regions, grow Nodding Blue-tongue as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Nodding Blue-tongue is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Dichopogon genus — compare its care with other Dichopogon species on PlantoScan.
Dichopogon is part of the Asparagaceae plant family — browse all Asparagaceae genera and species.
Nodding Blue-tongue copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Dichopogon strictus (R.Br.) Baker, family Asparagaceae (first published in J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 15: 319 (1876)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Nodding Blue-tongue, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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