Iresene 'Bloodleaf' (Iresine herbstii)

Iresene 'Bloodleaf' (Iresine herbstii)

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Boodleaf plants (Iresine herbstii) 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.

Whether you are growing bloodleaf as a houseplant or bringing it indoors for winter, pot it up in a loamy, soil-based potting mixture. Place the plant near a bright, preferably south-facing window. If it becomes leggy, then it probably isn’t getting enough light. Keep the potting mix moist in spring and summer by watering when the soil feels dry at a depth of about an inch (2.5 cm.). Add water until it runs from the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. About 20 minutes after watering, empty the saucer under the pot so the roots aren’t left sitting in water. Bloodleaf plants need less water in fall and winter, but you should never allow the soil to dry out.