Iresine herbstii 'Funny Gold' - Bloodleaf

This plant's funky leaves help it stand out in any environment. Their rounded green leaves are webbed with light gold veins, and contrasted with the bright red-pink stems which make it stand out as one of the plants nicknamed 'bloodleaf'. The lush green colour is well-balanced by the colourful variations, which get more prominent as the plant grows, especially where it gets enough light to keep its colour vivid and bold. A fan of moist soil, make sure only the top inch or so of soil dries out before you next water this plant, and it will keep you happy, too, with its vibrant foliage.

Scientific Name
Iresine diffusa f. herbstii 'Funny Gold' (wool-branch plant that spreads, Herbst's form, cultivar: funny gold)

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

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
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 waters in spring and summer, and reduce to every other month in autumn and winter when it will grow 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  - 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.