Photo: (of code) -xfi-CC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Bloodleaf Plant Care
Chidlowia sanguinea Hoyle
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's striking blood-red flowers make it a standout in any garden. Originally from Australia, Chidlowia sanguinea is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and vibrant blooms. Its distinctive visual feature and rarity make it a prized addition to any botanical collection.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Bloodleaf?
Water Bloodleaf every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Bloodleaf Native To?
What Is the Bloodleaf?
Bloodleaf (Chidlowia sanguinea) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Chidlowia genus. Bloodleaf is native to West Africa and Chad. Bloodleaf is also known as Chidlowia sanguinea.
Bloodleaf displays a vining, climbing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Bloodleaf produces small clusters of yellow pea-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Bloodleaf?
Chidlowia sanguinea requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Bloodleaf Need?
Bloodleaf thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Bloodleaf Prefer?
Chidlowia sanguinea grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Bloodleaf prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Bloodleaf?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Bloodleaf to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Bloodleaf?
Feed Bloodleaf every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Bloodleaf?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Bloodleaf?
Bloodleaf can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the Bloodleaf Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Bloodleaf, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Bloodleaf?
Bloodleaf is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Bloodleaf Need?
Bloodleaf grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Bloodleaf is native to West Africa and Chad. In cooler regions, grow Bloodleaf as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Bloodleaf is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Chidlowia genus — compare its care with other Chidlowia species on PlantoScan.
Chidlowia is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Bloodleaf thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Chidlowia sanguinea Hoyle, family Fabaceae (first published in Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1932: 101 (1932)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Bloodleaf, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: (of code) -xfi-, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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