Discolor Bloodwort (Haemodorum discolor)

Photo: Thomas MesaglioCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped

Discolor Bloodwort Plant Care

Haemodorum discolor T.D.Macfarl.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant's long, strap-like leaves are a vibrant shade of green, contrasted beautifully with striking red margins. Originating from Australia, Haemodorum discolor is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique coloration and ability to thrive in both moist and dry conditions. Its eye-catching foliage adds a pop of color to any garden or green space.

Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to part shade

Temp

60–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Discolor Bloodwort?

Water Discolor 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 Discolor Bloodwort Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Discolor Bloodwort?

Discolor Bloodwort (Haemodorum discolor) belongs to the Haemodoraceae family within the Haemodorum genus. Discolor Bloodwort is native to southwestern Australia.

Discolor Bloodwort displays a clumping perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Discolor Bloodwort produces small, tubular flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Discolor Bloodwort?

Haemodorum discolor 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 Discolor Bloodwort Need?

Discolor Bloodwort thrives in full sun to part shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to part shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Discolor Bloodwort Prefer?

Haemodorum discolor grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Discolor 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 Discolor Bloodwort?

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Discolor Bloodwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Discolor Bloodwort?

Feed Discolor 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 Discolor 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 Discolor Bloodwort?

Discolor 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 Discolor Bloodwort Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Discolor 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 Discolor Bloodwort?

Discolor 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 Discolor Bloodwort Need?

Discolor Bloodwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11a. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Discolor Bloodwort is native to southwestern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Discolor Bloodwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 9b – 11a

Keep exploring plants

Discolor 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.

Discolor 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 discolor T.D.Macfarl., family Haemodoraceae (first published in Fl. Australia 45: 464 (1987)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Discolor 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.
  • Photo: Thomas Mesaglio, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11a, 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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