Part of the Amaranthaceae family and the Iresine genus, this striking plant originates from North Peru. Known for its vibrant red foliage, it’s a favorite among gardeners seeking to add a splash of color to their landscape. While it is a tender perennial, most growers treat it as an annual unless they live in a frost-free climate. For those in colder regions, it can be brought indoors at the end of the season, making it a beautiful addition to your houseplant collection.
| Common name | Beefsteak, Yellow Bloodleaf, Bloodleaf |
| Botanical name | Iresine diffusa f. herbstii |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus | Iresine |
| Species | herbstii |
| Origin | North Peru |
| Life cycle | Annual |
| Plant type | Annual |
| Hardiness zone | 10, 11 |
| Sunlight | Full Sun |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil condition | Loam |
| Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Growth rate | Medium |
| Spacing | 12 in. – 3 ft. |
| Height | 1 ft. – 1 ft. 6 in. |
| Flower color | White |
| Leaf color | Gold, Yellow |
| Leaf benefit | Showy |
| Uses | Container |
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Iresine herbstii, or Herbst’s bloodleaf, is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaranthaceae. Some call this plant the chicken gizzard plant.
Iresine bloodleaf plants are native to Brazil where they thrive in warm temperatures and bright sunlight. In their native environment, the plants reach heights of up to 5 feet (1.5 m.) with a spread of 3 feet (91 cm.), but when grown as annuals or potted plants they only grow 12 to 18 inches (31-46 cm.) tall.
The red leaves are often variegated with green and white markings and add contrast to beds and borders. They occasionally produce small, greenish white flowers, but they are not ornamental, and most growers simply pinch them off.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Smaller plants tend to thrive in partial shade, but as they grow they can tolerate more light. They are margin plants by nature, meaning they grow on the edge of forests and can withstand varied light levels. They can tolerate less light in the winter months, so don’t place them too close to a window.
Temperature and Humidity
These are “warm house” plants and cannot tolerate lower temperatures or cold, dry air. The plant requires a temperature of at least 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Indoors, they are best grown in window boxes or bathrooms, which often have warmth and humidity. If you have a greenhouse, they will thrive there.
Watering
Regular moisture is essential, especially during the growing season. They aren’t water plants, so don’t waterlog them. During the winter months, you can cut back on watering but aim to keep the soil moist.
Soil
When growing the plant outdoors, Iresine prefers organically rich, well-draining soil. For indoor growth, though, use a loamy, soil-based potting mixture.
Fertilizing
Feed with a high-nitrogen liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks throughout the growing season.
Pruning
Blood leaf plants will put out small, pale green-white flowers, but they’re not showy. Therefore, most gardeners choose to pinch off the buds, so that the plant can divert its energy into growing its beautiful foliage. Regular pinching will also promote bushier growth. Pinching off flower buds of outdoor plants is advisable to stimulate bushier growth, as well.
Propagation
Blood leaf can be easily propagated, by taking stem cuttings. You can propagate in soil or in water.
To propagate in soil, take the following steps:
- For best success, take cuttings early in the season. Remove all lower leaves but leave two sets at the top.
- Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and put into a pot with soil-based potting mix.
- Provide the bottom of the pot with warmth and place it in a space with very high humidity.
- In addition, seal the pot inside a plastic bag to keep the moisture inside.
- Remove the plastic bag when the plant shows signs of new growth.
To propagate in water, take the following steps:
- Take cuttings early in the season and remove lower leaves, keep the top ones.
- Fill a glass or clear vase with water and put the cuttings into the container, no rooting hormone is necessary.
- Put the container on a sill that is brightly lit and change the water in the container once a week.
- When roots appear in a couple of weeks, transfer the cutting into a pot filled with soil-based potting mix. Keep the pot in a well-lit, humid, warm space or plant outdoors if you are in the correct zone.
Potting and Repotting
Iresine should be repotted annually until it reaches its mature size, then it can be repotted every other year or propagated to create new stock and discarded. In the tropical landscape, it is often used as bedding plants, so it’s a nice effect to grow a small clump of them in a container or to grow them in a mixed container with other tropical plants.
Overwintering
If you live in an area that’s prone to cooler temperatures, either grow Iresine as a houseplant or keep it in a container and move it indoors when the temperature drops. Due to their low tolerance for cold, dry air, they will need to be frequently misted and provided with adequate heat during the winter.
Pests and Diseases
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Blood leaf doesn’t have any significant pest or disease problems, but it is vulnerable to pests including aphids, mealy bugs, scale, and whitefly. If possible, identify the infestation as early as possible and treat with the least toxic option.
The plant can also experience powdery mildew. Remove damaged leaves which will also give the plant better air circulation. Apply fungicide and water the soil, only, not the foliage, and pull back more on watering and misting until the problem has resolved.
Common Problems
Although Iresine can be planted both outside and indoors, it gets quite finicky outdoors, especially if it’s not warm enough. Otherwise, look out for these issues:
Browning, Dropping Leaves
Plants without adequate moisture will begin to develop brown leaf margins and dropping leaves. Mist your indoor plants to boost humidity.
Legginess
If the plant is getting leggy indoors or outdoors, it’s probably not getting enough light. But be careful since you’ll have to find the right balance of light indoors and outdoors for this plant to eliminate legginess.
Lack of Color
Blood leaf that is grown in full sun will have brighter colored foliage. Shady conditions will produce duller results.
III. Uses and Benefits
- Ornamental uses
The Iresine herbstii has a number of benefits. The most important benefit of this plant is its aesthetic appeal. The Iresine herbstii is a stunning addition to any garden. It can also be used as a decorative indoor plant. Its beautiful leaves and delicate appearance will certainly catch the attention of visitors.
Additionally, this plant is incredibly simple to grow and care for. Therefore, it is a great choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens.
Furthermore, Iresine herbstii is relatively inexpensive. This means you can purchase and grow more plants without breaking the bank.
- Medicinal uses
It can also be used to treat various types of infections and skin diseases.
The roots of this plant can be used to make a potent insecticide. They can be used to repel pests such as rats, mice, and cockroaches.
- Culinary uses
The leaves of this plant can be used to make tea. This tea is rich in antioxidants. It can therefore be used as a health supplement.
Find Where to Buy the Best Yellow Bloodleaf (Iresine diffusa f. herbstii)
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