Iresine herbstii ‘Rich Darkstar’ - Bloodleaf

This bloodleaf is like the goth of the bloodleaf family. Its narrow, pointed deep burgundy leaves are webbed by veins which are only a slightly brighter red colour, and its enigmatic colour helps it stand out amongst so many greens in a houseplant display. Bright light is essential to keep the colouring looking fabulous, and it will thank you for keeping its soil moist too - this tropical plant is a fan of the damp, though not the soggy. Keep it happy and it will keep standing out: leafy, dark and handsome in your home.

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

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
Make sure this plant gets plenty of bright but indirect light. Direct sun can scorch its leaves, but it needs to be bright enough light that you can easily read by it in the daytime.

Water
Your bloodleaf will like its soil consistently moist but not soggy - let the top inch dry out between waters, but not much more.

Humidity
This tropical rainforest plant likes above-average humidity. If you notice the edges of its leaves getting dry and crispy, it may benefit from the use of a pebble tray to increase humidity around the plant. Keep it out of draughts and away from operating heaters.

Soil
This plant will thrive best in a mix with perlite, coir and sand which retains some water but allows excess to drain away. Choose a mix designed for ferns for best results. Repot every two or three years as the plant grows.

Food
Feed every few waters in spring and summer, and reduce to every other month in autumn and winter when it will grow less.

Temperature
Keep your bloodleaf in warm temperatures, ideally between 18-26°C. Make sure it doesn't get colder than 10°C - you can keep it outdoors in summer as long as the temperatures are consistently above this temperature.

Pet-safe
Yes, this plant is non-toxic  - just make sure your pets aren't eating too much as its sap can be an irritant.

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.