How to grow and care for Bloodleaf Plant (Iresine herbstii) Indoors
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Botanical name: Iresine herbstii
Family: Amaranthaceae
Common names: Bloodleaf Plant, Beef Steak Plant, Red Iresine
Bloodleaf Plant Description
Bloodleaf Plant also called Beef Steak Plant or Red Iresine is a colorful and easy to grow houseplant which requires some sun exposure to bring out its bright colors.
Bloodleaf Plant Size
Bloodleaf Plant can grow to a height of 2 ft. The leaves are either rounded or lance-shaped.
Bloodleaf Plant Flowers
The Bloodleaf 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 your Bloodleaf Plant can direct its energy to growth other than developing the flowers.
Bloodleaf Plant Varieties
Iresine herbstii, (Bloodleaf Plant) which bears wine red stems and leaves with prominent red veins is one of the common Iresine varieties.
The other common variety Iresine herbstii aureoreticulata commonly called Chicken Gizzard is more colorful with red stems, green leaves and yellow veins.
Bloodleaf Plant Origin
These Iresines are native to the American tropics where the growing conditions are warm, moist and humid.
Bloodleaf Plant for Sale
Buy beautiful and healthy Bloodleaf Plants (Iresine herbstii) from Etsy.
Bloodleaf Plant (Iresine herbstii) Care Indoors
Bloodleaf Plant Light Requirements
Bloodleaf Plant grows best in bright light with some sunlight to enhance the leaf color.
However, protect your Bloodleaf Plant from hot sunshine to avoid scorching. Check out this guide on understanding light for houseplants.
How to water Bloodleaf Plant
Water Bloodleaf Plant thoroughly and keep the soil moist at all times but avoid soggy soil as it can lead to root-rot disease.
Reduce watering for your Bloodleaf Plant during the cold months as growth is minimal at this time. Read more on how to water houseplants.
Temperature for Bloodleaf Plant
Bloodleaf Plant thrives in an average warmth with a minimum of 180C. Read more on understanding temperature for houseplants.
Humidity for Bloodleaf Plant
Bloodleaf Plant requires high humidity for it to thrive. Raise humidity for your Bloodleaf Plant by setting the pot on a wet pebble tray. Read more on how to raise humidity for houseplants.
Clean the leaves of your Bloodleaf Plant by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust. Read more on how to clean houseplants.
Fertilizer (Feeding) for Bloodleaf Plant
Feed Bloodleaf Plant fortnightly with a balanced, water-soluble fertlizer during the growing season.
Withhold feeding your Bloodleaf Plant during the cold season as the growth is minimal at this time. Read more on how to feed houseplants.
How to repot Bloodleaf Plant
Repot Bloodleaf Plant 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 with a drainage hole for your Bloodleaf Plant to avoid getting soggy soil as it can lead to root-rot disease.
The best soil for potting your Bloodleaf Plant should be free-draining and rich in organic matter.
How to prune Bloodleaf Plant
Pruning Bloodleaf Plant involves pinching of the growing tips to encourage bushiness and control growth.
Cut-back the tall stems in your Bloodleaf Plant during the growing season to prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Read more on how to prune houseplants.
How to Propagate Bloodleaf Plants (Iresine herbstii)
Bloodleaf Plant can be propagated during the growing season from stem cuttings.
How to propagate Bloodleaf Plant from stem cuttings
Take 4-6 in. long stem cuttings from your Bloodleaf Plant. Ensure each cutting has at least one set of leaves and 2-3 leaf nodes.
Insert the Bloodleaf Plant cuttings in moist, free-draining soil and place the set up in a warm, shaded place.
Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges. Allow the new Bloodleaf Plant to be well established before transplanting.
Bloodleaf Plant (Iresine herbstii) Problems Indoors
Bloodleaf Plant losing leaf color
Bloodleaf Plant losing leaf color is due to too little light. Inadequate light will cause Bloodleaf Plant to loss its bright leaf color.
Move your Bloodleaf Plant to a brighter spot. Bloodleaf plant grows best in bright light with some direct sunlight. Check out this guide on understanding light for houseplants.
Bloodleaf Plant weak, with elongated stems
Bloodleaf Plant weak, with elongated stems are due to too little light. If your Bloodleaf Plant does not receive bright light with some sunshine, it will exhibit weak growth and elongated stems.
Move your Bloodleaf Plant to a brighter spot where it will receive bright light with some direct sunshine. Check out this guide on understanding light for houseplants.
Bloodleaf Plant Pests
Bloodleaf Plant pests are aphids. These sap-sucking insects are attracted to the new soft growth of the plant where they cause distorted growth.
Is Bloodleaf Plant (Iresine herbstii) toxic?
Bloodleaf Plant (Iresine herbstii) is non-toxic to humans and pets. Bloodleaf Plant is safe to grow indoors.
However, Bloodleaf Plant sap may cause irritation on sensitive skin. It is advisable to always wear gloves when handling this plant.
