{"product_id":"iresine-herbstii-rich-darkstar-bloodleaf","title":"Iresine herbstii ‘Rich Darkstar’ - Bloodleaf","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis 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.\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 Darkstar' (wool-branch plant that spreads, Herbst's form, cultivar: rich darkstar)\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\u003e f. \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\u003eMake 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eYour bloodleaf will like its soil consistently moist but not soggy - let the top inch dry out between waters, but not much more.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThis 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThis 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eFeed every few waters in spring and summer, and reduce to every other month in autumn and winter when it will grow less.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperature\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eKeep 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.\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\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\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":55513869353341,"sku":"3455962591471","price":6.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"13cm","offer_id":55513869386109,"sku":"5455962591471","price":12.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0490\/2774\/3905\/files\/iresine-herbstii-rich-darkstar-bloodleaf-585549.jpg?v=1742343006","url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.pro\/products\/iresine-herbstii-rich-darkstar-bloodleaf","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}