Bloodleaf is a tropical plant that is usually grown as an annual in northern climates. Its variegated stems and leaves add bold color to garden beds, borders, and containers. This plant is attractive due to its foliage, not its flowers, which are insignificant and not showy. Though bloodleaf resembles coleus, this easy-care plant is in the amaranth family and is closely related to celosia. Another common name for it is beefsteak plant—not to be confused with Perilla frutescens, an annual and highly invasive edible also known as beefsteak plant.
Bloodleaf Overview
Where to Plant Bloodleaf
Plant bloodleaf in a sunny location with moist but well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Because it prospers in consistent moisture, a rain garden is an ideal location.
It is easy to enjoy Bloodleaf's display from a distance. Use it as a vibrant foliage plant in mass plantings or to dress up the far corners of the yard. It mixes well with annual and perennial flowers, adding color to the display as its neighbors go in and out of bloom. For a particularly effective presentation, pair it with flowers that contrast with its burgundy-purple leaves, such as snapdragon, violet-blue ageratum, or petunias.
How and When to Plant Bloodleaf
Plant bloodleaf in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. To plant a potted nursery plant, dig a hole about twice the diameter of the pot and about the same depth. Place the plant in the hole and fill in original soil to the top of the root ball. Gently tamp down the soil and water it well. Keep it well watered.
Space plants 1 to 3 feet apart depending on the spreading habit of the variety.
Bloodleaf Care Tips
Bloodleaf is a no-fuss plant that requires little maintenance.
Light
Full sun with at least six hours of direct sun daily are required for bloodleaf to develop lush and full foliage with the best color.
For houseplants, pick a spot with bright direct light, preferably an east-facing window with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Soil and Water
Plant bloodleaf in soil that is moist, well-drained soil, and rich in organic matter, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. If your soil has a high sand or clay content, amend liberally with compost, peat moss, or coconut coir before planting.
Bloodleaf should be kept evenly moist. Its dramatic, tropical-looking leaves wilt when the soil dries out too much. Water it during hot, dry summer weather. To keep the soil around its roots moist longer, spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the base, which also suppresses weeds.
When growing bloodleaf as a houseplant, keep it consistently moist during the growing season but only water it moderately in fall and winter during its dormancy.
Temperature and Humidity
As a plant that is native to Brazil, Ecuador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Peru, bloodleaf does not tolerate temperatures below 50 degrees F. Its temperature requirements only makes it suitable for growing in the garden in Zones 10 through 12. In cooler climates, grow it as an annual or as a houseplant that can spend the warm summer months outdoors. Make sure to move it back inside once the temperatures drop in the fall.
Because it is a tropical plant, bloodleaf prospers in a humid environment. If the humidity inside your home is low, mist the plant occasionally or use a humidifier.
Fertilizer
If planted in fertile garden soil, bloodleaf usually requires no fertilization. Potted plants, on the other hand, benefit from a high-nitrogen liquid fertilizer. Apply it every two to three weeks throughout the growing season in the spring and summer because the frequent watering leaches nutrients from the soil. For the amount to use, follow product label instructions.
Pruning
Pinch the tips back from time to time to encourage a fuller and bushier growth. As the flowers are not particularly attractive, pinch off the buds as they are developing to help the plant concentrate its energy on growing lush foliage.
Potting and Repotting Bloodleaf
Plant bloodleaf in a pot with large drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining potting mix that contains fertilizer. Potted plants need more water than plants in garden soil. especially in warm weather. Water regularly to keep it consistently moist.
Bloodleaf will only require repotting if it’s grown as a perennial or a houseplant. Because of its relatively fast growth, annual repotting is recommended. Choose a pot that's one size larger than its current container and use fresh potting soil.
Pests and Problems
Bloodleaf has no serious insect or disease issues. The plant is susceptible to powdery mildew. Potential pests include aphids and spider mites.
How to Propagate Bloodleaf
Bloodleaf is easily propagated from stem cuttings. Started in mid- or late summer, this is a great way to perpetuate bloodleaf in areas where the plant is usually grown as an annual. Take a cutting with at least a couple of nodes on it and strip it of all the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Fill a 4-inch pot with damp potting mix and poke a hole in it with a pencil or a stick. Insert the cutting in the pot so that the nodes are buried. Keep it evenly moist in a warm, humid, bright spot but away from direct sunlight. Once temperatures drop below 50 degrees F at night, move the young plant indoors for the winter.
Types of Bloodleaf
'Aureoreticulata' Iresine
If you look closely you’ll notice that the light green leaves with yellow veins often have a red blotch, which is a special feature of this variety. It grows 18 to 30 inches tall.
'Brilliantissima' Iresine
The purplish-red leaves of this variety have pink, almost neon-colored veins. Its compact growth habit of only 10 to 12 inches in height and width makes this a perfect choice for small spaces and hanging baskets.
‘Blazin Rose’ Iresine
With its bright multicolor red foliage, this variety stands out in a garden bed. The plant reaches 18 to 30 inches in height and spreads 16 to 20 inches.
‘Blazin Lime’ Iresine
This variety has lime and cream-colored variegated foliage and vibrant rose stems. It grows 12 to 16 inches tall and 16 to 20 inches wide.
Bloodleaf Companion Plants
Zinnia
Orange zinnias are especially attractive with bloodleaf and a lower-growing, mounding or spreading zinnia variety works best. If you aren’t sure that your local garden center or nursery carries the variety you’d like, start your own zinnias from seed, which gives you lots of choices of flower shapes, sizes, and colors. Just like bloodleaf, zinnia thrives in full sun.
Marigold
French marigolds typically come in warm shades of oranges, yellows, and reds, which contrast beautifully with the foliage of bloodleaf. They get roughly 8 to 12 inches tall with a neat growth habit and elegant dark green foliage. French marigolds do best in full sun with moist, well-drained soil and will flower all summer long.
Gerbera Daisy
Yellow gerbera daisies are especially attractive when paired with bloodleaf. Their moderate height between 6 and 18 inches won’t overwhelm neighboring plants. Just like bloodleaf, gerbera daisies are tender perennials that you can either treat as annuals or grow in pots outdoors during the summer and overwinter indoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Iresine herbstii bloodleaf toxic?The plant is not known to be toxic to humans or pets.
The plant is not known to be toxic to humans or pets.
- Is Iresine an indoor plant?It can be grown as a houseplant year-round but even in ideal light conditions, the foliage colors will be more vibrant if bloodleaf gets outdoor sun. If at all possible, move it outside for the summer.
It can be grown as a houseplant year-round but even in ideal light conditions, the foliage colors will be more vibrant if bloodleaf gets outdoor sun. If at all possible, move it outside for the summer.