How to Grow and Care for Chicken Gizzard Plant (Iresine herbstii aureoreticulata) Indoors
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Botanical name: Iresine herbstii aureoreticulata
Family: Amaranthaceae
Common names: Chicken Gizzard Plant, Yellow Iresine
Description
Chicken Gizzard Plant (Iresine herbstii aureoreticulata) also called Yellow Iresine is a colorful plant which bears red stems, green leaves with yellow veins and is an excellent addition to any houseplant collection for a splash of color.
Yellow Iresine can grow to a height of 2 ft when grown indoors. The leaves are either rounded or lance-shaped with yellow veining.
Flowers
The Chicken Gizzard Plant bears small, greenish-white flowers which are not as conspicuous as the brightly colored leaves.
Pinch out the flowers as soon as they begin to form so that the plant can direct its energy to growth other than developing the flowers.
Related Plants
Chicken Gizzard Plant is closely related to Iresine herbstii, (Bloodleaf Plant) which bears wine red stems and leaves with prominent red veins. It is another of the common Iresine varieties that can be grown indoors.
Origin
Iresines are native to the American tropics where the growing conditions are warm, moist and humid.
Where to Buy
Beautiful Iresine Plants are available online at Etsy. Buy Iresine Plants online from Etsy.
Photo Credit: Shoppee Philippines
Iresine herbstii aureoreticulata Care Indoors
Chicken Gizzard Plant (Iresine herbstii aureoreticulata) thrives in bright light with some sunlight, warm and humid conditions and consistently moist, rich, well-drained soils coupled with fortnightly feeding during the growing season.
Yellow Iresine requires regular pruning to keep it neat and control growth. Repotting is only necessary when it becomes pot-bound. Keep reading for a detailed account on these growing conditions and how to provide them.
Light Requirements
Chicken Gizzard requires bright light with some direct sunlight to enhance the leaf color.
Do not expose the plant to hot direct sunlight as it can cause scorching resulting in unsightly brown marks on the leaves.
Yellow Iresine can also grow under a grow light where the natural lighting is not adequate.
Watering
Water Chicken Gizzard Plant thoroughly during the growing season and allow the top 1-2 in. of soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil moist at all times.
Cut down on watering during the cold period as growth is minimal at this time to maintain the soil slightly moist but do not allow it to dry out completely.
Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole to avoid getting soggy soil as can result in root-rot disease and death of the plant.
Temperature
Yellow Iresine thrives in an average warmth with a minimum of 180C. Keep it away from drafts which cause sudden changes in temperatures resulting in leaf drop and reduced growth.
Humidity
Chicken Gizzard Plant requires high humidity for it to thrive. Raise humidity by setting the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. Read more on how to raise humidity for houseplants.
Clean the leaves regularly by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and also discourage pest and disease infestations.
Fertilizer (Feeding)
Feed Chicken Gizzard Plant fortnightly with a balanced, liquid fertilizer during the growing season. Stop feeding in the cold season as the growth is reduced at this time.
Repotting
Repot Yellow Iresine during the growing season only when the roots grow out of the drainage holes as it prefers to be root-bound. Use a pot 1-2 sizes larger and one that has a drainage hole to avoid getting soggy soil as it can lead to root-rot disease.
Soil
The best soil for Chicken Gizzard Plant should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. These multi-purpose potting mixes available at Etsy are ideal for Yellow Iresine.
Pruning
Pruning Chicken Gizzard Plant involves pinching of the growing tips to encourage bushyness and to control growth. Cut-back the tall stems during the growing season to prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
Propagation
Chicken Gizzard Plant (Iresine herbstii aureoreticulata) can be propagated during the growing season from stem cuttings.
How to propagate Chicken Gizzard Plant from stem cuttings
Take 4-6 in. long stem cuttings from your Chicken Gizzard Plant. Ensure each cutting has at least one set of leaves and 2-3 leaf nodes.
Insert the cuttings in moist, free-draining soil and place the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight.
Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges. Allow the new Yellow Iresine to be well established before transplanting.
Photo Credit: My Home Nature
Iresine herbstii aureoreticulata Problems Indoors
Chicken Gizzard Plant (Iresine herbstii aureoreticulata) problems indoors are mainly due to improper care in lighting. These problems include loss of leaf color, leggy growth and pests infestations. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.
Loss of leaf color
Loss of leaf color in Chicken Gizzard Plant is caused by inadequate light. Move the plant to a brighter spot as it grows best in bright light with some direct sunlight or instal a grow light if the natural lighting is not adequate.
Leggy growth (Weak elongated stems)
Leggy growth (Weak elongated stems) in Chicken Gizzard Plant are due to too little light. Move the Yellow Iresine to a brighter spot where it will receive bright light with some direct sunshine.
Pests
Chicken Gizzard Plant is prone to aphids. These sap-sucking insects are attracted to the new soft growth where they cause distorted growth.
Is Chicken Gizzard Plant toxic?
Chicken Gizzard Plant (Iresine herbstii aureoreticulata) is non-toxic to humans and pets as indicated by ASPCA. Yellow Iresine is safe to grow indoors.
However, the plant sap may cause irritation on sensitive skin. It is advisable to always wear gloves when handling this plant.
