
Photo: Thomas MesaglioCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Spiked Bloodroot Plant Care
Haemodorum spicatum R.Br.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's long, narrow leaves with a distinctive spiraled shape make it easy to identify. Originating from Australia, Haemodorum spicatum is a desirable addition to any plant collector's collection due to its unique appearance and ability to thrive in both sunny and shady conditions.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to part shade
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Spiked Bloodroot?
Water Spiked 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 Spiked Bloodroot Native To?
What Is the Spiked Bloodroot?
Spiked Bloodroot (Haemodorum spicatum) belongs to the Haemodoraceae family within the Haemodorum genus. Spiked Bloodroot is native to south Western Australia. Spiked Bloodroot is also known as Tall Flowering Bloodroot.
Spiked Bloodroot displays a clumping perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Spiked Bloodroot produces small, tubular flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Spiked Bloodroot?
Haemodorum spicatum 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 Spiked Bloodroot Need?
Spiked Bloodroot thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Spiked Bloodroot Prefer?
Haemodorum spicatum grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Spiked 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 Spiked Bloodroot?
Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Spiked Bloodroot to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Spiked Bloodroot?
Feed Spiked 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 Spiked 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 Spiked Bloodroot?
Spiked 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 Spiked Bloodroot Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Spiked 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 Spiked Bloodroot?
Spiked 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 Spiked Bloodroot Need?
Spiked Bloodroot grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11a. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Spiked Bloodroot is native to south Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Spiked Bloodroot as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11a
Keep exploring plants
Spiked 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.
Spiked 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 spicatum 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 Spiked 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: 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.
