Murdannia 'Jungle Dragon' Plant Care
Murdannia clarkeana Brenan
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Murdannia clarkeana, also known as Purple Moses-in-the-Cradle, is characterized by its striking purple and green leaves that form a rosette shape. Originating from Thailand, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its unique coloration and easy-to-care-for nature.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Murdannia 'Jungle Dragon'?
Water Murdannia 'Jungle Dragon' every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Murdannia 'Jungle Dragon'?
Murdannia 'Jungle Dragon' (Murdannia clarkeana) belongs to the Commelinaceae family within the Murdannia genus. Murdannia 'Jungle Dragon' is native to Thailand. Murdannia 'Jungle Dragon' is also known as Purple Moses-in-the-Cradle.
Murdannia 'Jungle Dragon' displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Murdannia 'Jungle Dragon' produces small, delicate blue or purple flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Murdannia 'Jungle Dragon'?
Murdannia clarkeana requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Murdannia 'Jungle Dragon' Need?
Murdannia 'Jungle Dragon' thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Murdannia 'Jungle Dragon' in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Murdannia 'Jungle Dragon' Prefer?
Murdannia clarkeana grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Murdannia 'Jungle Dragon' prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Murdannia 'Jungle Dragon'?
Well-draining, peat-based potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Murdannia 'Jungle Dragon' to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Murdannia 'Jungle Dragon'?
Feed Murdannia 'Jungle Dragon' every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Murdannia 'Jungle Dragon'?
Repot every 1-2 years in 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 Murdannia 'Jungle Dragon'?
Murdannia 'Jungle Dragon' can be propagated through division, stem cuttings.
Is the Murdannia 'Jungle Dragon' Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Murdannia 'Jungle Dragon', 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 Murdannia 'Jungle Dragon'?
Murdannia 'Jungle Dragon' is susceptible to spider mites, aphids. 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.
Keep exploring plants
Murdannia 'Jungle Dragon' 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 Murdannia genus (family Commelinaceae) — search all Murdannia species in the plant lookup.
Murdannia 'Jungle Dragon' thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Murdannia clarkeana Brenan, family Commelinaceae (first published in Kew Bull. 7: 182 (1952)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Murdannia 'Jungle Dragon', 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.
- 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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