Iresine herbstii (Bloodleaf Plant) Propagation from Stem Cuttings in 2 Easy Ways

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Iresine herbstii (Bloodleaf Plant) is best propagated the beginning of the growing season from stem cuttings which can be rooted either in water or in soil.

Bloodleaf Plant also called Beef Steak Plant or Red Iresine is a popular, colorful, easy-care plant which requires some sun exposure to bring out its bright colors.

Red Iresine performs best in very bright light with 4-6 hours of sunlight, warmth of 18-26⁰C, humidity of 55-65% and consistently moist, rich, well-drained potting mix coupled with fortnightly feeding in the growing season. Learn how to grow and care for Iresine herbstii (Bloodleaf Plant).

If you are looking to multiply your Iresine herbstii for more plants or to share with your friends and family, keep reading for our detailed account on the 2 best propagation methods for this plant.

1. Iresine herbstii propagation from stem cuttings in water

1. Take 4-6 inches long stem cuttings from a healthy plant. Ensure each cutting has at least one set of leaves and 2-3 leaf nodes as this is where new growth will come from.


2. Strip off the lower leaves and coat the lower cut end of the stem in a rooting hormone to hasten rooting.


3. Submerge 2-3 inches of the coated stem of the cuttings in a jar of plain water or in a propagation station.


4. Place the set up in a warm, well-lit spot away from direct sunlight to avoid scorching.


5. Change the water every 5-7 days to discourage bactrerial and fungal growth.


6. When a good amount of roots have formed on the cuttings, transfer the cuttings into individual pots in moist, well-draining soil.


7. Position the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight to prevent scorching.


8. Maintain the soil moist until new growth has emerged and substantial growth has been observed.


9. Transfer the new plant into a pot 1 size larger in well-drained soil after which you can begin normal routine care.

2. Iresine herbstii propagation from stem cuttings in soil

1. Take 4-6 inches long stem cuttings from a plant. Ensure each cutting has at least one set of leaves and 2-3 leaf nodes as this is where new growth will come from.


2. Dip the cut end of the cuttings in a rooting hormone to promote rooting.


3. Select a small pot about 6-8 inches wide. Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy soil as it can lead to rotting.


4. Fill the pots with a rooting soil and moisten it slightly.


5. With a pencil or similar object make a hole in the moist rooting mix. Insert the cutting in the previously made hole. Lightly cover the base of the cutting with the rooting mix.


6. Cover the set up with polythene to create a greenhouse effect to increase warmth and humidity to enhance rooting.


7. Position the set up in a warm, well-lit spot and maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges and substantial growth has been observed.


8. Rooting should take place in about 4-6 weeks; new growth indicates that rooting has taken place.


9. Acclimatize the new plant to normal growing conditions by opening the polythene cover a little bit everyday over a period of two weeks. During this period, keep the soil barely moist.


10. Transfer the rooted cuttings into individual pots, 1 size larger than the current one and begin routine care. For a fuller plant, transfer several cuttings into one pot.

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