Grow Light for Iresine: Bloodleaf Color Under Lights
A grow light for iresine gives bloodleaf the bright light that brings out its red leaves plus stems indoors. NC State Extension notes it is grown as an annual or houseplant.
The short answer
NC State Extension advises full sun for bloodleaf in moist but well drained soil. University of Missouri Extension notes supplemental electric light is usually the easiest way to give plants enough light indoors. Use a full spectrum LED close above the plant on a timer.
How much light does bloodleaf need indoors?
NC State Extension lists full sun for bloodleaf, 6 or more hours of direct sun daily. Missouri notes high light plants need at least 1,000 footcandles. Illinois Extension notes outdoor sun may reach 10,000 to 12,000 footcandles, far above most indoor locations.
| Factor | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Light level | At least 1,000 footcandles | High light plants (Missouri) |
| Lamp distance | Plant tips 6 to 12 inches away | Light drops fast with distance (Missouri) |
| Hours of light | 14 to 16 hours | Duration guide (Illinois) |
| Daily maximum | No more than 16 hours | Plants need darkness (Maryland) |
| Outdoor sun | 10,000 to 12,000 footcandles | Indoor light is far lower (Illinois) |
Source: NC State, University of Missouri, University of Maryland plus Illinois Extension.
Where should a grow light sit for bloodleaf?
Missouri advises placing most plants with their tips 6 to 12 inches from the light source, since intensity drops rapidly with distance. Hang the fixture so it can rise as the plant grows.
How many hours should the light run?
Missouri notes plants with no outdoor light need 16 to 18 hours a day, while 12 to 14 hours may do if some window light reaches them. Maryland advises no more than 16 hours in total. Run lights alongside window light, per Missouri.
How to: step by step
- Set bloodleaf in your sunniest window.
- Add a full spectrum LED above the plant.
- Hang the light 6 to 12 inches above the tips.
- Put the light on a timer for a steady day length.
- Watch new growth for color plus spacing between leaves.
- Adjust height or hours as the plant responds.
Troubleshooting
Long, weak stems: low light. Lower the lamp or add hours.
Pale or browning leaves: too much light. Maryland notes excess light turns leaves pale plus brown, so raise the lamp.
Plant over 3 feet: NC State advises pinching the tops for bushiness plus to hold size under 3 feet.
For lighting see grow lights for cannabis plus led light distance cannabis. Read grow light timers plus cannabis seeds. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Iresine diffusa f. herbstii (bloodleaf), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Lighting for indoor plants, University of Maryland Extension
- Lighting indoor houseplants (G6515), University of Missouri Extension
- Lighting, houseplants, Illinois Extension
FAQ
Can bloodleaf grow under a regular LED bulb?
University of Missouri Extension notes LED plant lights can be made to give the red plus blue light plants need. Household bulbs give less useful light. Missouri also notes high light plants are harder to grow under home lights, so use a plant LED close above the foliage.
Should the light run all night?
No. University of Maryland Extension notes most plants need a period of darkness to develop properly plus advises no more than 16 hours of light a day in total. University of Missouri Extension suggests 12 to 14 hours when some window light also reaches the plant.
Should bloodleaf be pinched?
Yes. NC State Extension advises pinching the tops of bloodleaf to encourage bushiness plus hold its size under 3 feet. Pinch just above a leaf pair so two new shoots form. Pair pinching with a lamp 6 to 12 inches above the tips so new growth stays compact.
Do plants need a dark period?
University of Maryland Extension notes most plants require a period of darkness to develop properly. It advises lighting them no more than 16 hours a day in total, especially when artificial light adds to natural light. Set a timer so the lamp shuts off each night.
Can bloodleaf go outside in summer?
Yes. NC State Extension notes bloodleaf grown as a houseplant can be taken outside in summer. Move it out after frost danger has passed plus bring it back in before cold nights. Indoors, Illinois Extension notes 14 to 16 hours of light a day is sufficient.
