Devil's Tongue

Devil’s Tongue is not a fan of overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering and only water when the leaves start to droop. It is normal for the foliage to die back during winter and the plant will still be healthy. In active growth periods, water the plant more regularly.

Devil’s Tongue prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate medium light too. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent the leaves from burning. Ensure the room where the plant is placed is relatively light and well lit.

Devil’s Tongue enjoys temperatures between 65-85°F (18-30°C). Avoid fluctuating temperatures and drafts as these can be damaging to the plant.

Devil’s Tongue prefers a humid environment. Increase the humidity around the plant by grouping it with other plants or using a pebble tray that's constantly filled with water. Additionally, monthly misting can help to provide more moisture.

Devil’s Tongue enjoys a slightly acidic potting mix with equal parts peat moss, loam, and perlite, amended with a slow-release fertilizer. The soil should always remain moist but be sure not to over-water or the roots may rot.

Fertilize Devil’s Tongue once or twice a month during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer. For best results, reduce fertilization during winter to prevent over-fertilizing. Holganix Plant Health is an ideal fertilizer as it is specifically formulated to promote healthy growth and flowering.

Common pests of Devil’s Tongue are spider mites, mealybugs, whiteflies, and aphids, which can damage and stunt growth. Treat any infestations quickly to ensure your plant remains healthy. Rubbing alcohol and neem oil are great natural remedies to use for pest control. Also make sure to regularly inspect the underside of the leaves and treat any problems promptly.

Devil’s Tongue does not need to be repotted frequently. A mature plant will live for 10-20 years in the same pot, but every three or four years, the rootball should be taken out and the soil replaced. Repot during the growing season and check that the potting mix drains freely to help avoid root rot.

Generally, Devil’s Tongue does not need to be pruned apart from occasional dead-heading or trimming off any yellowing or dead leaves. Snipping off the flower stalk once it has finished blooming is recommended to encourage further blooming. Avoid pruning more than a third of the foliage at one time to prevent shock to the plant.

Mulching not only helps to keep the soil moist and allows for better growth, it also helps protect the roots. Use organic mulch such as bark chips or compost to help the soil retain moisture.

Propagating Devil’s Tongue is relatively easy. The best option is to collect the offsets, which are the small side tubers that appear around the base of the main corm. Allow the offsets to dry out for a few weeks before planting. Each offset should be planted in a pot with well-draining soil and watered monthly.

Devil’s Tongue blooms tall and its leaves are known to droop and droop, so it will need to be supported. A simple bamboo stake can do the trick if the drooping becomes a problem.

During the winter months, Devil’s Tongue needs a period of rest or dormancy. This entails a reduced watering regime and moving the plant to a cooler area. If kept too warm during this time, the plant may not flower.

Devil’s Tongue is not toxic to cats or dogs.