Iresine herbstii 'Rich Goldstar' - Bloodleaf

The striking colours in this plant's foliage really make it stand out in any houseplant collection - it even stands out amongst the variety in our shop! The mid-green leaves are contrasted with golden-yellow colour around the veins, which are themselves bright pink, as are the stems. The foliage grows densely, with new growth beginning as tiny leaflets sitting snugly on top of the older foliage and gradually growing to fit. Give your Bloodleaf bright light away from direct sun to maintain its color, and keep its soil lightly moist, and it will appreciate your care and give you plenty more stunning foliage.

Scientific Name
Iresine diffusa f. herbstii  'Rich Goldstar' (wool-branch plant that spreads, Herbst's form, cultivar: rich goldstar)

Synonyms: Iresine herbstii, Achyranthes herbstii 

This plant was originally identified as Iresine herbstii, but following a 2000 paper the scientific name accepted by Kew is now Iresine diffusa f. herbstii, reflecting its reclassification as a form of a different species.

Common Name
Bloodleaf, Beefsteak Plant, Herbst's Bloodleaf, Chicken Gizzard

Origin
The Bloodleaf plant is native to Peru, South America where it grows in wet tropical climes.

Light
This plant doesn't need direct sun, which can scorch the leaves, but it does need the light to be bright enough to maintain its colour. Make sure it's bright enough for you to read a newspaper in during the daytime in the spot you choose for this plant.

Water
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Humidity
This plant likes above-average humidity. Make sure it's not in a draught or near a radiator, and watch out for crispy brown patches on the edges of the leaves - if it isn't getting enough moisture in the air you might need to add in a pebble tray to increase local humidity.

Soil
Use a well-draining but moisture retentive mix. One with a combination of perlite, coir and sand - or a mix designed for ferns - will work well here. Repot every few years as the plant grows.

Food
Feed every few weeks in spring and summer; reduce to every couple of months in autumn and winter when the plant will be growing less.

Temperature
Your Bloodleaf Plant will prefer temperatures between 18-26°C. It can grow outdoors in summer, but make sure the temperatures are consistently above 10°C wherever you are keeping it.

Pet-safe
Yes, this plant is non-toxic to pets and humans, making it a safe choice for households with animals.

Sprouts Top Tips
Pinch back growing tips to keep it bushy and compact.
If the leaf colour starts to fade, gradually move to higher light.

Extras
Smaller Bloodleaf plants can do well in terrarium environments, where they will appreciate the high level of humidity.