Shortstem Bloodwort Plant Care
Haemodorum brevicaule F.Muell.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its vibrant red flowers and long, slender leaves, this plant hails from the sandy soils of Australia. Plant collectors are drawn to Haemodorum brevicaule for its unique appearance and rare availability in cultivation.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to part shade
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Shortstem Bloodwort?
Water Shortstem Bloodwort every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Shortstem Bloodwort Native To?
What Is the Shortstem Bloodwort?
Shortstem Bloodwort (Haemodorum brevicaule) belongs to the Haemodoraceae family within the Haemodorum genus. Shortstem Bloodwort is native to northern Australia.
Shortstem Bloodwort displays a clumping perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Shortstem Bloodwort produces small, tubular flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Shortstem Bloodwort?
Haemodorum brevicaule requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Shortstem Bloodwort Need?
Shortstem Bloodwort thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Shortstem Bloodwort Prefer?
Haemodorum brevicaule grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Shortstem Bloodwort prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Shortstem Bloodwort?
Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Shortstem Bloodwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Shortstem Bloodwort?
Feed Shortstem Bloodwort every 6 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 6 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 Shortstem Bloodwort?
Repot every 2-3 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 Shortstem Bloodwort?
Shortstem Bloodwort can be propagated through division of rhizomes, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to queenslandsong plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Shortstem Bloodwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Shortstem Bloodwort, 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 Shortstem Bloodwort?
Shortstem Bloodwort is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. 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 Shortstem Bloodwort Need?
Shortstem Bloodwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Shortstem Bloodwort is native to northern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Shortstem Bloodwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Shortstem Bloodwort 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 Haemodorum genus — compare its care with other Haemodorum species on PlantoScan.
Haemodorum is part of the Haemodoraceae plant family — browse all Haemodoraceae genera and species.
Shortstem Bloodwort thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Haemodorum Species
Other Haemodorum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Haemodorum brevicaule F.Muell., family Haemodoraceae (first published in Fragm. 1: 64 (1858)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Shortstem Bloodwort, 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.
- 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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