Saturday, September 01, 2007

Bloodleaf Plant


This plant, also know as Beefsteak Plant, is a bright tropical plant that I purchased at the Philadelphia Flower Show a few years ago. It is officially known as Amaranthaceae Iresine herbstii. (Say that fast three times!)

It roots easily from stem cuttings. Every spring I have several to put out in pots or in the ground. I found that it doesn’t do well in hot sun. Sun burn causes loss of color in the leaves and leaf curl. The deep red leaves do better in the shade. I plan to give it a prominent place among my house plants this winter.

I haven’t found any place to buy this plant locally but there are some internet sites that have the plant for sale.

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