Origin
The Iresine herbstii Bloodleaf, also known as the Purple Iresine, is a tropical plant native to Brazil. In Brazil, the plant shows its crescendo in areas with high humidity, such as forests. The species belongs to the genus Iresine in the Amaranthaceae family.

Characteristics
The Iresine herbstii Bloodleaf is characterised by its striking leaf colour, ranging from deep purple to red, hence the nickname Bloodleaf. The leaves are oval in shape and 5-7 cm long. In addition, this plant produces small, unobtrusive flowers that, however, contribute little to the overall ornamental value.

Care
The Bloodleaf prefers a lightly shaded to sunny location, but needs to be well-protected against full afternoon sun. This species thrives in well-draining, rich potting soil. In addition, the plant likes high humidity and moderate watering, only providing water when the top soil feels dry. It is also advisable to fertilise the plant regularly for optimum growth.