Bloodleaf Plant Care
Also known as chicken gizzard or beefsteak plant, bloodleaf (Iresine herbstii) is a durable showy plant distinguished by its vivid leaves in shades of bright red or variegated purple, green and yellow. An upright plant, bloodleaf reaches heights of 2 to 3 feet at maturity. Appropriate for flower beds, borders or containers, bloodleaf is suitable for planting in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12. In cooler climates, it is often grown indoors.
Soil and Sunlight
Although bloodleaf thrives in rich soil, it adapts to nearly any well-drained soil, including sand or loam. Poorly drained or compacted, clay-based soil is improved by the addition of up to 4 inches of organic material such as compost, aged manure, leaf mold or peat. Bloodleaf grows in dappled sunlight or afternoon shade, but full-day sunlight brings out the vivid red colors in the foliage. The plant does not tolerate full shade.
Water and Air
Bloodleaf requires regular irrigation, but consistently soggy soil often results in problems such as powdery mildew and rot. The key to preventing moisture-related problems is to soak the roots and then allow the soil to dry before the next watering. Overcrowding bloodleaf by planting it too close to other plants also contributes to powdery mildew and other problems.
Feeding and General Care
Blood leaf benefits from regular feeding with a balanced, general-purpose fertilizer with a ratio such as 14-14-14 or 20-20-20. The fertilizer is applied once every month throughout spring and summer, according to rate specifications on the label. Don't overfeed the plant, as too many nutrients places the plant at risk of powdery mildew.
Regular pinching creates a bushy, compact plant and prevents bloodleaf from becoming leggy. Pinch about 1 inch from the tips of each stem until the plant reaches the desired level of bushiness.
Bloodleaf Pest Management
A Bloodleaf plant is susceptible to infestations of aphids and spider mites, although healthy, properly maintained plants are more resistant. Aphids are tiny insects that congregate on the undersides and joints of leaves, where they suck the sap from the plant. Spider mites, which also suck the juices from the plant, are so tiny they are difficult to see with the naked eye.
However, they are evidenced by a stippled or pepper appearance they leave on the foliage. Both are removed by regular application of an insecticidal soap spray or with a spray containing pyrethrin, a natural, plant-based substance. Although chemical pesticides are effective, they also kill beneficial insects such as ladybugs that feast on aphids and spider mites.
Indoor Growing Tips
Bloodleaf is a tropical plant that doesn't tolerate chilly winter temperatures. However, it is easily grown indoors planted in a container filled with a well-drained commercial potting soil. The plant can add color to the outdoor environment during warm weather and then come indoors before the first frost in autumn.
Alternatively, bloodleaf can grow indoors all year round. Care is similar to outdoor care -- bright indirect sunlight and regular applications of a liquid fertilizer specifically intended for indoor plants, applied during spring and summer. Let the top of the soil dry between waterings.