Iresine diffusa f. herbstii 'Rich Goldstar'

Natural range behind Iresine diffusa f. herbstii 'Rich Goldstar'

Iresine diffusa f. herbstii comes from northern Peru, where it naturally grows in humid tropical vegetation.

Growing Iresine diffusa f. herbstii ‘Rich Goldstar’ indoors

• Light: Very bright light supports colour; filter intense sun through hot glass.
• Temperature: Keep temperatures around 18–27 °C and avoid prolonged temperatures below 10 °C. Choose a position away from cold draughts.
• Humidity: Conditions around 50–60% are suitable during everyday care. Keep a gentle flow of air around the foliage, in the growing area. Some airflow around the foliage is useful.
• Water: Water thoroughly while fresh shoots are growing, allowing the surface to dry slightly between waterings. Let excess water drain. Water less often as growth slows in cooler, darker conditions.
• Compost: Use a fertile peat-free loam-based houseplant mix that drains well.
• Feeding: Feed once a month with a balanced liquid fertiliser while the plant is growing. Pause feeding as growth slows under cooler, darker conditions.
• Repotting: Repot when roots crowd the container or the old compost compacts. Use a slightly larger pot only when the root system needs more room.
• Propagation: Cuttings can be rooted in compost or water.
• Pruning: Pinch young tips to encourage branching and shorten long stems if the plant starts to look sparse.

Health Issues to Check on Iresine diffusa f. herbstii 'Rich Goldstar'

• Gold tones become dull: Gold tones lose intensity in a dim position. Shift the plant into stronger filtered light.
• Stems stretch with wide gaps: Wide gaps between leaves usually point to insufficient light. Increase light and pinch the growing tips to encourage side shoots.
• Leaves wilt while compost is dry: Dry compost can make the leaves go limp. Water the pot thoroughly and water more consistently while the plant is growing.
• Yellowing with very wet compost: Very wet compost can damage the roots if it remains that way for too long. A little surface drying plus better drainage usually helps.
• Sticky shoots, fine webbing or white powder: Aphids, spider mites or powdery mildew can cause these signs. Treat the problem with a product labelled for it and follow the label's repeat directions.

Iresine diffusa f. herbstii ‘Rich Goldstar’ is non-toxic to cats and dogs

• This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
• Its effects on people are unclear, so keep it away from young children who may chew it.
• Eating a large amount can still cause an upset stomach. Seek medical or veterinary advice if symptoms continue.

What does Iresine diffusa mean, and who first published it?

Iresine comes from Greek erion, meaning wool, referring to hairs on the flowers or developing fruits. The Latin epithet diffusa means spreading.

Patrick Browne established the genus Iresine in 1756 in The Civil and Natural History of Jamaica, page 358.

Carl Ludwig Willdenow first described Iresine diffusa in 1806 in Species Plantarum, fourth edition, volume 4, page 765; Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Alexander von Humboldt and Aimé Jacques Alexandre Bonpland had proposed the name.