Flat Leaved Bloodroot (Haemodorum planifolium)

Photo: Eamonn CulhaneCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped

Flat Leaved Bloodroot Plant Care

Haemodorum planifolium R.Br.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant is easily recognized by its long, slender leaves that grow in a fan-like arrangement. Originating from Australia, Haemodorum planifolium is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and striking appearance in tropical garden settings. Its bold green leaves and architectural form make it a standout addition to any plant collection.

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 Flat Leaved Bloodroot?

Water Flat Leaved Bloodroot 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 Flat Leaved Bloodroot Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Flat Leaved Bloodroot?

Flat Leaved Bloodroot (Haemodorum planifolium) belongs to the Haemodoraceae family within the Haemodorum genus. Flat Leaved Bloodroot is native to southeastern Australia.

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

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Flat Leaved Bloodroot?

Haemodorum planifolium 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 Flat Leaved Bloodroot Need?

Flat Leaved Bloodroot thrives in full sun to part shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to part shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Flat Leaved Bloodroot Prefer?

Haemodorum planifolium grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Flat Leaved Bloodroot 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 Flat Leaved Bloodroot?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Flat Leaved Bloodroot?

Feed Flat Leaved Bloodroot 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 Flat Leaved Bloodroot?

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 Flat Leaved Bloodroot?

Flat Leaved Bloodroot can be propagated through division of rhizomes, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to queenslandsong plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Flat Leaved Bloodroot Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Flat Leaved Bloodroot, 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 Flat Leaved Bloodroot?

Flat Leaved Bloodroot 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 Flat Leaved Bloodroot Need?

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

Hardiness Zone

Zone 9b – 11a

Keep exploring plants

Flat Leaved Bloodroot 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.

Flat Leaved Bloodroot 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 planifolium R.Br., family Haemodoraceae (first published in Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland. : 300 (1810)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Flat Leaved Bloodroot, 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: Eamonn Culhane, 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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