{"product_id":"bloodleaf-iresine-herbstii-rich-redstar","title":"Iresine herbstii 'Rich Redstar' - Bloodleaf","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe bright red, almost pink, veins of this plant give it the common name 'bloodleaf', and it's easy to see why. Amongst the deep burgundy leaves, they stand out like arteries full of blood. The striking colour is, however, entirely the pigment of the plant itself, and it serves even more to make the plant stand out, amongst any plant collection, thanks to its vibrancy. Keep this plant happy with bright light and even soil moisture, and it will reward you with an abundance of its bright foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cem\u003eIresine diffusa\u003c\/em\u003e f. \u003cem\u003eherbstii\u003c\/em\u003e 'Rich Redstar' (wool-branch plant that spreads, Herbst's form, cultivar: rich redstar)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eSynonyms: \u003cem\u003eIresine herbstii, Achyranthes herbstii \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThis plant was originally identified as \u003cem\u003eIresine herbstii\u003c\/em\u003e, but following a 2000 paper the scientific name accepted by Kew is now \u003cem\u003eIresine diffusa \u003c\/em\u003ef. \u003cem\u003eherbstii\u003c\/em\u003e, reflecting its reclassification as a form of a different species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eBloodleaf, Beefsteak Plant, Herbst's Bloodleaf, Chicken Gizzard\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThe Bloodleaf plant is native to Peru, South America where it grows in wet tropical climes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThis plant doesn't need direct sun, which can scorch the leaves, but it does need the light to be bright 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eKeep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThis 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eUse 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eFeed every few weeks in spring and summer; reduce to every couple of months in autumn and winter when the plant will be growing less.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperature\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eYour 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-safe\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eYes, this plant is non-toxic  - just make sure your pets aren't eating too much as its sap can be an irritant.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePinch back growing tips to keep it bushy and compact.\u003cbr\u003eIf the leaf colour starts to fade, gradually move to higher light.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExtras\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSmaller Bloodleaf plants can do well in terrarium environments, where they will appreciate the high level of humidity.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"6cm","offer_id":44538970439933,"sku":"6288214348071","price":8.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"13cm","offer_id":44538970472701,"sku":"4288214348071","price":12.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0490\/2774\/3905\/files\/iresine-herbstii-rich-redstar-bloodleaf-271445.jpg?v=1742341164","url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.pro\/products\/bloodleaf-iresine-herbstii-rich-redstar","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}