They range from small to medium-sized plants, and most are perennial.
Indoors or out, blood leaf requires plenty of heat and humidity.
Blood Leaf Care
Here are the main care requirements for growing blood leaf.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
Soil
When growing the plant outdoors, Iresine prefers organically rich, well-draining soil.
For indoor growth, though, use a loamy, soil-based potting mixture.
Water
Regular moisture is essential, especially during the growing season.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
They aren’t water plants, so don’t waterlog them.
During the winter months, you could cut back on watering but aim to keep the soil moist.
The plant requires a temperature of at least 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
Indoors, they are best grown in window boxes or bathrooms, which often have warmth and humidity.
If you have a greenhouse, they will thrive there.
Fertilizer
Feed with a high-nitrogen liquidfertilizerevery two to three weeks throughout the growing season.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
Regular pinching will also promote bushier growth.
Pinching off flower buds of outdoor plants is advisable to stimulate bushier growth, as well.
Propagating Blood Leaf
Blood leaf can be easily propagated, by taking stem cuttings.
Kihwan Kim / Getty Images
you might propagate in soil or in water.
If possible, identify the infestation as early as possible and treat with the least toxic option.
The plant can also experiencepowdery mildew.
Remove damaged leaves which will also give the plant better air circulation.
Mist your indoor plants to boost humidity.
Lack of Color
Blood leaf that is grown in full sun will have brighter colored foliage.
Shady conditions will produce duller results.
Outside of zones 10-12, blood leaf is grown as a houseplant.
It rarely blooms indoors.
The plant will probably become leggy and won’t thrive in a shady space indoors.
Instead, put it in a bright (south-facing) window for best results indoors.
This short-lived perennial is often grown as a garden annual or indoors as a houseplant.
