Iresine herbstii 'Rich Redstar' – Intense Color in a Compact Houseplant
With vivid red-purple leaves and glowing pink veins, Iresine herbstii 'Rich Redstar' brings bold contrast to any indoor setup. Native to tropical Brazil, this fast-growing foliage plant stays compact (30 – 45 cm), making it ideal for shelves, desks or windowsills. It's non-toxic, easy to propagate from cuttings, and adds vibrant structure to your collection year-round.
● Botanical Profile of Iresine herbstii 'Rich Redstar'
- Family: Amaranthaceae
- Botanical Name: Iresine herbstii (Hook.) Vell.
- Native Range: Tropical and subtropical eastern Brazil (lowland forest margins)
- Growth Habit: Upright to bushy, typically 30 – 45 cm tall indoors
- Leaf Shape: Ovate to cordate with pronounced venation
- Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets and humans
● Why Choose Iresine herbstii 'Rich Redstar'?
- Intense Color: Saturated red foliage with bright magenta veins adds high visual impact
- Perfect Size: Compact enough for windowsills and shelf styling
- Propagation Friendly: Stem cuttings root quickly in water or soil
- Low Risk: Non-toxic and generally pest-resistant
● How to Care for Iresine herbstii 'Rich Redstar'
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Short exposure to early morning sun is fine, but avoid strong midday rays
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist – water when the top 2 – 3 cm feel dry. Avoid soggy pots
- Humidity: Appreciates high humidity; misting or grouping with other plants can help indoors
- Temperature: Best between 18 – 27°C. Do not expose to cold drafts or temperatures below 10°C
- Soil: Use a well-draining mix of peat, perlite and coconut coir
- Feeding: Fertilize every 2 – 3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength
- Pruning: Pinch back tips regularly to maintain shape and prevent legginess
- Propagation: Take 10 – 15 cm stem cuttings and root in water or soil
- Hydroponics: Adaptable to semi-hydro systems like LECA with proper oxygenation and wicking
● Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Faded Color: Often caused by low light – move to a brighter indirect location
- Leaf Drop: Can occur after relocation or temperature shock – stabilise conditions
- Root Rot: Prevent with breathable soil and avoiding overwatering
- Pests: Occasionally spider mites or aphids – treat with insecticidal soap
● Etymology of Iresine herbstii 'Rich Redstar'
- Iresine: From Greek erios (“woolly”), referring to the plant's hairy floral structures
- herbstii: Honors German gardener and botanist Herbst
- 'Rich Redstar': Descriptive name for its deep red foliage and star-like vein pattern
● Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does it grow? In ideal indoor conditions, it can grow up to 20 – 25 cm per year with regular pruning.
Does it tolerate low light? It can survive lower light, but color fades. For best results, give it bright, filtered light near a window.
Can it grow in hydroponics? Yes, in passive hydro setups like LECA – just keep roots aerated and avoid full submersion.
Is it pet safe? Yes, it's non-toxic to cats, dogs, and people.
● Ready to Brighten Up Your Plant Space?
Add Iresine herbstii 'Rich Redstar' to your indoor jungle today and enjoy dramatic foliage color without complicated care. A bold pick for every plant lover!
Iresine diffusa f. herbstii 'Rich Redstar' ('Bloodleaf')
Iresine diffusa f. herbstii 'Rich Redstar' ('Bloodleaf') comes in following sizes:
Baby Plant – is approximately 10 cm tall and comes in a ⌀ 6 cm pot.
M – is approximately 20 cm tall and comes in a ⌀ 13 cm pot.
